Obituary for Jennifer Anne Quick
Jennifer Anne Quick, 55, of State College, died in the arms of loved ones at home January 2, 2023, after more than two years of living with ovarian cancer. The disease devastated her body, but it could not defeat a kind, selfless and generous soul beloved by her family, friends and colleagues.
On June 11, 2016, Jennifer and John Mark Rafacz, who survives, were married in a meadow on a picturesque farm in Warriors Mark. They had been in love since 2004.
Jen was born August 4, 1967, in Ft. Lewis, Washington, the daughter of Phyllis (Spotts) Quick and Richard Quick, and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia. She is survived by her mother, of State College; her father and stepmother, Marsha Lefkovits, of Sante Fe, New Mexico; her sister, Susan Quick, of State College; her stepchildren, Daniel Rafacz and Sarah Rafacz, both of State College; her husband’s sisters and brother-in-law, Barbara Rossi, of Altoona, Sharon Sanders (Walter), of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Rita Rife, of Van Ormer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her brothers-in-law Peter Rossi, Frank Rafacz Jr. and John Rife preceded her in death.
Jenny graduated from Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, in 1985. In 1990, she graduated with distinction from Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Before retiring in July 2022, she had worked at Penn State for more than 31 years, almost all of that time as a graphic designer for Strategic Communications (previously University Publications).
She thrived on planning and organization. She also placed a premium on being thankful and humble. She kept a gratitude list to remind her of the many things that were good in her life.
Jen was always willing to help others through life challenges. She left people feeling better about themselves. At work, she was the de facto den mother. Problem with the boss, a co-worker or a family member? Talk about it with Jen. Need a chocolate? Stop by Jen’s desk. Upset stomach or headache? Visit Jen’s medicine drawer.
Being a helper didn’t end with colleagues. She spent decades recovering from an eating disorder while encouraging others on their journeys through recovery. She was also a devoted member of two friend groups: one a spiritual support circle affectionately known as “Smudge,” and the other a collection of former co-workers who bonded in a way that could not be broken.
Jennifer fancied wearing comfy clothes, visiting England and Ireland, experiencing live musical theater, watching TV shows (the funnier the better), seeing films (romantic comedies and science fiction/fantasy, in particular) and listening to music played by cellists. She did not care for crowds or trumpets. She was passionate about M&Ms (the tiny ones were prized), scones with clotted cream and jam, tea (English only) and quiet times with dear ones.
Jen’s friends, some of whom were central in her life since childhood and college, were her precious jewels. She was unfailingly loyal to them, and they to her. She was always the sweetest person in the room — loved by just about everyone who got to know her.
She grew up in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. Her family traveled widely, including visits to Europe and Asia. Her parents are both natives of Centre County. As a child, she and her family made frequent visits to central Pennsylvania to spend time with relatives. She was awfully fond of her grandfathers and enjoyed sharing stories about them.
Jennifer was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2020. When the doctors identified the cancer — because of surgery to remove an ovarian cyst that, ironically, was benign — they said she was fortunate to have it caught so early. Despite extensive chemotherapy treatments, the disease proved to be relentless. She never allowed cancer to define her, though. She dealt with the malignancy the way she lived her life — with grace and dignity. Until her final days, Jen was loyal, empathetic and quick-witted. She was more concerned about her loved ones than herself.
Her family is grateful to the many wonderful doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Mount Nittany Medical Center, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Family Hospice and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
A private burial, with Rev. John Porter of State College Presbyterian Church officiating, will take place at Grays Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being made by Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte. A celebration of Jen’s life will be scheduled in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PO Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141 or by going to www.ocrahope.org/give or to Interfaith Human Services at www.interfaithhumanservices.org, or another charity that helps people in need.
On June 11, 2016, Jennifer and John Mark Rafacz, who survives, were married in a meadow on a picturesque farm in Warriors Mark. They had been in love since 2004.
Jen was born August 4, 1967, in Ft. Lewis, Washington, the daughter of Phyllis (Spotts) Quick and Richard Quick, and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia. She is survived by her mother, of State College; her father and stepmother, Marsha Lefkovits, of Sante Fe, New Mexico; her sister, Susan Quick, of State College; her stepchildren, Daniel Rafacz and Sarah Rafacz, both of State College; her husband’s sisters and brother-in-law, Barbara Rossi, of Altoona, Sharon Sanders (Walter), of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Rita Rife, of Van Ormer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her brothers-in-law Peter Rossi, Frank Rafacz Jr. and John Rife preceded her in death.
Jenny graduated from Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, in 1985. In 1990, she graduated with distinction from Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Before retiring in July 2022, she had worked at Penn State for more than 31 years, almost all of that time as a graphic designer for Strategic Communications (previously University Publications).
She thrived on planning and organization. She also placed a premium on being thankful and humble. She kept a gratitude list to remind her of the many things that were good in her life.
Jen was always willing to help others through life challenges. She left people feeling better about themselves. At work, she was the de facto den mother. Problem with the boss, a co-worker or a family member? Talk about it with Jen. Need a chocolate? Stop by Jen’s desk. Upset stomach or headache? Visit Jen’s medicine drawer.
Being a helper didn’t end with colleagues. She spent decades recovering from an eating disorder while encouraging others on their journeys through recovery. She was also a devoted member of two friend groups: one a spiritual support circle affectionately known as “Smudge,” and the other a collection of former co-workers who bonded in a way that could not be broken.
Jennifer fancied wearing comfy clothes, visiting England and Ireland, experiencing live musical theater, watching TV shows (the funnier the better), seeing films (romantic comedies and science fiction/fantasy, in particular) and listening to music played by cellists. She did not care for crowds or trumpets. She was passionate about M&Ms (the tiny ones were prized), scones with clotted cream and jam, tea (English only) and quiet times with dear ones.
Jen’s friends, some of whom were central in her life since childhood and college, were her precious jewels. She was unfailingly loyal to them, and they to her. She was always the sweetest person in the room — loved by just about everyone who got to know her.
She grew up in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. Her family traveled widely, including visits to Europe and Asia. Her parents are both natives of Centre County. As a child, she and her family made frequent visits to central Pennsylvania to spend time with relatives. She was awfully fond of her grandfathers and enjoyed sharing stories about them.
Jennifer was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2020. When the doctors identified the cancer — because of surgery to remove an ovarian cyst that, ironically, was benign — they said she was fortunate to have it caught so early. Despite extensive chemotherapy treatments, the disease proved to be relentless. She never allowed cancer to define her, though. She dealt with the malignancy the way she lived her life — with grace and dignity. Until her final days, Jen was loyal, empathetic and quick-witted. She was more concerned about her loved ones than herself.
Her family is grateful to the many wonderful doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Mount Nittany Medical Center, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Family Hospice and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
A private burial, with Rev. John Porter of State College Presbyterian Church officiating, will take place at Grays Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being made by Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte. A celebration of Jen’s life will be scheduled in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PO Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141 or by going to www.ocrahope.org/give or to Interfaith Human Services at www.interfaithhumanservices.org, or another charity that helps people in need.