In memory of BJ Repp

Memories from her daughter, Joy Lincke

My mom was the best! Remembering her illness and our battle is very emotional. I remember her strength. I remember her love, her kindness, her generosity and her larger than life personality. She had a very silly sense of humor and a zest for life. She was exuberant!
Mom was so many things. She was an adventurer, an activist, an educator, a PHD, a nature and wildlife lover, a friend, a mom, a grandma, a wife, a sister an auntie and more. She was exceptional at all of these things. She lived life to the fullest. She was a giver, always a guardian and caretaker for all.

Mom was an advocate for all people. She was always helping those with difficulties, marginalized, different, underdogs. As an educator, she developed programs and made them accessible for working parents, low income students, and otherwise challenged people. She saw her role as the Director of Extended Studies at PSU, as a mission to help educate and change lives for the better, everywhere, and for everyone, ESPECIALLY for those with challenges, disadvantages and hardships. As a community member, she was continually contributing to her environment. She helped establish and open the first Multicultural Center in my home town. She was always involved in local politics helping to shape our local environment to include marginalized groups and being a champion for a warm and accepting community.

In life, my mom knew no boundaries. She adventured and traveled. She was happy, spunky, silly, funny and fun. When mom would visit my home, she would walk in, and immediately drop everything in her arms and chase my babies around, grab them, kiss them, and squeeze them as they squealed with delight. I believe that if it were socially acceptable, that is how she would have entered all rooms. She loved to play, have fun and make people feel special.

When she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer she begged the doctors for a “30 year plan” so she could watch my kids grow up. When we realized that was not possible she would vent to my husband. Spittin’ mad, she would swear and yell, she didn’t want to go before she could watch my kiddos grow up. My husband was just the right audience for her anger. He could relate to her and cussed and got mad right along with her. But, in my presence and around the kids, she was calm and loving and patient. She hid her fear, hurt and anger from us so that we could all enjoy our short time together. My stepfather, dad, John Spence, was the love of her life and he took care of her with love and nurturing. We both spent many nights with mom through her illness. The nights were the hardest. And, as we watched her health deteriorate, we leaned on each other more and more. We were all heart broken at her passing, but John knew he wanted to continue her life long mission of helping others, so he started a scholarship fund in her name and here we are. Both John and I want people to know how much she touched the world around her and keep helping as she would have done.
Oh, we used to laugh, she was so funny. She was witty and just a little mischievous. We would laugh until it hurt and our eyes were crying. She was a great mom. She was a great friend. She was straight and honest and she loved with her whole heart. I love you mom and I miss you today. We will keep remembering and telling others of your love, exuberance and generosity.