Seattle Press on Line - Jennifer Volpe 1964-2001

Jennifer Volpe 1964-2001

Jennifer Volpe, 1964 - 2001

Sep 13, 2001 -- Jennifer Volpe of Seattle died August 22 from complications of Marfan's Syndrome. She was born May 24, 1964 in Van Nuys, California, and graduated from Watsonville High School in 1982 with the highest award for language programs. She earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Vassar College in 1986.

Jennifer was well known for her vibrant personality, contagious laugh, and kind spirit. She shared a love of the earth, people, and her community. Her exuberant spirit manifested itself in the work she did--through conservation, performing arts, and community involvement.

An avid environmentalist, Jennifer focused her career on fundraising and grant-writing for non-profit organizations and conservation groups, including the Sea Shepherd Foundation, a group that protects whales and promotes ocean conservation, Greenpeace, Eco-wisdom, and Cougar Rescue. Jennifer was a woman of diverse talents, handcrafting silk eye-pillows and fabric hats, organizing yoga retreats and working with the Cirque de Flambe, a fire-performance troupe, and the Bureau of Artistic License at the Oregon Country Fair.

Jennifer in the 2001 Fremont Solstice Parade. Photo by John Cornicello

Possessing her own special style, Jennifer had the courage to be different, the creativity to add color to routine, and the passion to truly experience life to the fullest and in the moment. She found good in everything and never took anything for granted. Despite being born with a genetic disorder, she had an indomitable spirit that did not allow her physical limitations to shape her life. She was a loyal friend who cared deeply about her family and other people. Jennifer's friends, of all colors and ages, appreciated her non-judgmental and accepting attitude. Many will remember Jennifer for her often silly or goofy sense of humor--such as whistling with her toes, or galloping down a hillside while howling and scratching like a monkey.

Jennifer's adventurous spirit and flair for life were reflected in her interests and passions: dancing, sewing, cooking, photography, camping, travel, writing, hiking, gardening, acting, reading, swimming, telling jokes and stories, designing costumes, and creating lively ambiance in the spaces around her. She loved earthly delights: mountains, deserts, hot springs, sunrises, sunsets, equinox, solstice, moon, and stars. She was also fond of festivals and other communal events, often participating in the Fremont Solstice Parade, Northwest Folklife, and the Burning Man festival.

Survivors include her father, Chris Funk, of Santa Monica, California, adoptive father, Lawrence Volpe, of Corvallis, Oregon, mother, Andrea Callahan, and brothers, Cliff and Craig Volpe, of Eugene, Oregon, and beloved canine companion, Oliver.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Marfan Foundation at (800) 862-7326, Greenpeace Foundation at (800) 328-0678, or Sea Shepherd Conservation Society at (866) 815-7325.

This obituary was contributed by Cliff Volpe.

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!


Teri Martinez (Anway)	Jan 15, 2003	San Antonio, TX	Health Insurance
I remember Jennifer from when we were very young. I'm not sure what age, but I know it was before High School. She taught me a funny saying that I've never forgotten. "Hey dude, I saw you nude, don't try to fake it, I saw you naked!" We laughed and laughed over that, because to discuss nakedness at such a young age was truly hilarious! She will be missed!