My very deep condolences to Jessica's family. My father, Troy Bauder, and Jess were friends and colleagues almost my entire life. Shortly after Jess and Swanie adopted Maya, they elected me as their babysitter. Not long there after Jess and Swanie adopted Peter. I was the designated babysitter for Maya and Peter for many years. After Jess and Swanie would return home (children already in bed), Swanie would retreat to his nightly routine, and Jess and I would have long conversations about anything and everything. Jess even introduced Maya into gymnastics because I was a gymnast. Caring for Maya and Peter for so many years brought Jess and I quite close. She was very supportive and kind when I became pregnant with my oldest son at only 19. Even brought Maya to my baby shower! 

Jess will always hold a special place in my heart. Our conversations about life, speaking in German together when nobody else in my daily life was able, and her kindness towards me will stay in my heart forever.  Allowing me the opportunity to care for her children taught me how to care for my own children. For all of those things, I am so incredibly grateful to have known Jess. 

Vielen Dank Jessica, ich liebe dich und gute nacht. 

Jessica changed the course of my life. I was studying at CSU but felt like things weren't going in the right direction, so I went looking across campus to find a better fit. On a whim I walked into the College of Agriculture, and spoke with the graduate coordinator, who said, "If that's what you want to do, you should talk to Jessica Davis." So I did! We talked for a while and got along. She said she might have some funding coming through, and if it came through she'd be in touch. Four or five months later I became her graduate student.

The thing is, I was not qualified to be a graduate student in soil science. I had to get all of the knowledge and skills I was missing, while being a graduate student. But Jessica was brave enough to take me onboard, and kind enough to invest her time and effort in me. I don't think there are many professors who would be courageous enough to make that choice. That was twenty years ago, now—Peter and Maya were still little kiddos! But I owe the past twenty years largely to Jess being willing to take a risk on me.

Like I said, she changed my life.

I first met Prof. Jessica in Ethiopia, where I had the honor of welcoming her upon her arrival at the Ethiopian airport. Together, we initiated a collaborative project known as Cyanobacterial Biofertilizer. From the very beginning, she impressed me with her kindness, warmth, and strong work ethic. She was not only a brilliant professional but also a genuinely caring and friendly person.

In 2012, I met her again in Boston during a Venture Lab workshop. I also had the privilege of visiting her family Swanson, Maya and Peter—who welcomed me with remarkable generosity and love. What an amazing family. These moments remain deeply meaningful to me.

Her passing is a great loss. I will always remember her with deep respect, gratitude, and fond memories. May her soul rest in peace, and may her family find strength during this difficult time!

I met Jessica volunteering at church.  For several months, we slept at the church on Saturday nights to accompany a vulnerable family living there.  That gave us several hours to chat each week, where we enjoyed sharing interesting things we had learned in CSU classes, discuss our experiences with faith transitions and spirituality, practice our Spanish, and just enjoy getting to know each other.     Later, Jessica and I worked together in a "village" supporting another vulnerable person, and Jessica was able to use her contacts to help the person find work.

  When I moved away from Fort Collins to seek more education, Jessica and I stayed in touch via videocalls, and her insights about being a woman in leadership and her experience in academic life helped me make key decisions in my life.

   Jessica was a wonderful human being.  Intelligent, compassionate, fun, capable, loving.  She will be deeply missed.

Dearest Jessica,  I am so honored to have had you as a friend in my life.  Thank you for your strong support of my education work in Cambodia.   I could not have done it without you.   You built Sustainable Schools International a library in Peter's name,  helped us get agricultural projects started, sponsored our leadership academy students and even hosted one at CSU - letting him audit your soil science class.  He is now a government agricultural extension officer!  

However, what I cherish the most is raising our kids together and the many years spent going to Cambodian Heritage Camp and Khmer New Year celebrations with Peter and Grady and Maya and Shanti.   From now on, when I take part in the New Year baby powder fight I am going to think of you as my new year angel.  

I am so sorry I did not get to bring you your favorite soup  - split green pea with ham and veges - for our lunch date.    I made it anyway,  took it to the kids, and ate some myself in your honor - it's my favorite too.  I remember your beautiful voice in the choir at the UU and I wish we'd had time to bring the Threshold Singers to you.  There are so many things I wanted to say but mostly I wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are to me in your steadfast quiet way of doing what is right, and what needs to be done, plain and simple, no bullshit.   I want you to know we will look after Peter and Maya and do our best to be a loving foundational support in their lives.