Tributes

Kassandre was battling the late stages of Chronic Lyme disease. She suffered for decades from misdiagnosis of this serious illness. Kassandre worked relentlessly to bring awareness and understanding of this devastating, and currently incurable disease. After being treated by many doctors unaware of the magnitude of Lyme and the lack of effective treatments by those who were, Kassandre was ultimately taken from us by this disease on March 9, 2016. Kassandre's wishes were for the fight against Lyme to continue through those of us that loved and cherished her. Kassandre fought an extended, courageous and fearless battle against this disease. In her final days, knowing the end was near, she reached out as much as she was able to let everyone know she was at peace with what was to come. She wanted everyone to find happiness and strength in her remembrance, not sadness, pain or loss. Even near the end and impaired with tremendous pain, Kassandre found the strength to be compassionate for those left behind. She was sincerely concerned for the well-being of those she loved. Kassandre had a great love for all animals and her passion for dogs was awe inspiring and divine. She had a special place in her heart for pit bulls, a breed which she dearly loved and defended. Kassandre unwaveringly believed that pit bulls are a kind and gentle breed, not deserving of the reputation that now predominates our culture. Kassandre understood it was the owners, not the dogs, which created the current misperception of pit bulls. Mistreatment has caused this misperception by creating fear and aggression in this powerful, but kind and loving breed. Kassandre fought to show our society that pit bulls are inherently gentle and good-hearted and it is the owners that should be held accountable. Kassandre was deeply loved by so many. Everyone was drawn to her kindheartedness and infectious, sincere desire to find common ground and connection. Kassandre would always give a helping hand when a fellow traveler was in need, be it a friend, stranger or animal. She always helped, especially when others looked the other way. We will always see Kassandre in all the beauty of this world and be reminded how her smile would brighten everything. We are all blessed to have Kassandre in our lives and know her beautiful soul is in a better and peaceful place. Kassandre graduated from Crescent Valley High School and achieved a bachelor's of arts degree in 1995 from the University of Oregon. A celebration of her life will be at a later date to accommodate out-of-state family and friends. Donations in Kassandre's name for the fight against Lyme disease would be greatly appreciated in her remembrance in lieu of flowers. Please contact Troy Plum at troy@tkpeng.net for details on contributing to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) in her name. Kassandre is survived by her father, James Witzel of Corvallis; mother Judith Witzel of Corvallis; and husband Troy Plum of Corvallis. She leaves behind a sister, Kelly Knight and husband Ray; niece Alexandra Thier and daughter Mercedes; father-in-law Larry Plum; mother-in-law Becky Plum; aunt Cindi Alvarez; aunt Marcella Murphy; uncle Warren Witzel and his wife Marie; uncle Alan Brown and wife Barbara; uncle Jerry Brown and wife Jennette; uncle Clinton Brown and wife Betty; uncle David Thompson and wife Judy; and the rest of her extensive family. “Kassandre was beautiful, her face, mind and spirit, her kindheartedness and affection, I will always feel it. I was thrilled when I first met her, so delighted with my new sister. My brother positively found true love with her, and the mathematician and fashionable girl did endure. Her passion for dogs was awe-inspiring and divine; her dogs were cherished and placed on a shrine. She loved her Ducks, devoted to the yellow and green, cheering so loud at the football games in Eugene. We were blessed to have Kassandre in our embrace; her compassion, friendship goodness and grace; I will always feel love when I picture her face.” By sister-in-law Renae Mason

Tributes

Kassandre Rene Witzel-Plum

February 9, 1973 - March 9, 2016