Lisa Ann Beckstrand
October 15, 1963 - June 15, 2012

"I was thinking of you, Lisa and of the time when we were in Nantes back in 1985 and of my first trip to the US when Nina and I stayed at your parents'. I have just typed your name on the net and this is what I 'm finding out. I remember your beautiful eyes, your smile and I feel very sad all of a sudden....I 'm sending all my love to your parents, "

"I just learned of Lisa's passing and wanted to express my sorrow for your loss. We saw each other occasionally at UWSA events and, although I didn't know her well, her smile and sincerity made a lasting impression on me. I feel the world has lost a bright and kind soul."

"I was greatly saddened to hear about Lisa's passing for I would often see going into or coming out of Van Hise Hall, and she always had a smile on her face and was willing to stop and chat. Lisa had been a student in my Italian for reading knowledge class many years ago, and our conversations usually focused on the study of language and the many benefits of study abroad. My sincere condolences to her family."

"très triste Galettes! I only spent a few days with LIsa the year she lived in Nantes and I lived in Freiburg Germany. I called them crepes and she said "No these are gallettes! Four friends, two boys, two girls, only for a few days, lots of laughs and too much wine and song. One great time we shared and one word I'll never forget. Galettes -- a crepe of hearty substance -- almost seems the perfect word to have been taught by your friend, colleague, teacher, neighbor, student, classmate, cousin, sister, niece and daughter. I only remember Lisa as the smiling warm person I see in this photo. I wish I'd met her again and learned more French words. Peace, comfort and galattes to all -- may heaven be full of them! "

"I had the good fortune to have known and worked with Lisa since 2006 on several programs and the inclusivity initiative. I have many good memories that attest to the fact that Lisa was a great human being that cared for all. Her kindness to all was contagious. She had a good sense of humor that helped ease everyone in the room. I pray that her soul rests in peace, and that her family is given the strength to cope."

"I have many wonderful memories of Lisa, who was my colleague at System and before that, in graduate school. My strongest remembrances--and the ones for which I will be forever grateful--come from how extraordinarily supportive she was of me throughout my treatment for breast cancer. She told me the stories of her strong mother and her survival through two bouts of breast cancer; she brought me Swedish meatballs from her mother (yum!); and she encouraged me to shed my onerous head scarf and just be temporarily bald in the heat of July before my hair had grown back. I'll never forget that kindness or her solicitous nature, and will always miss her smile and wit. My heart goes out to her family and I only hope they can find comfort that she is now at peace."

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lisa as a colleague at UWSA, and know that all who were close to her will be sustained by many fond memories. My deepest condolences to her family."

"I echo so many of the beautiful thoughts conveyed by everyone here. Lisa and I were both in grad school at UW and over the years, we spent so many hours studying together, hanging out, and most of all, laughing and telling stories. Lisa was a kind and supportive friend who made the world a brighter place. I'm so sad that she's gone. My sincerest condolences to her family and to the many, many friends she leaves behind."

"I met Lisa when she started grad school in 1987 and we have been close friends ever since. There are so many good memories from our years in Madison - dancing at the New Bar, outings at Devil's Lake, spending hours on the Union terrace or study breaks at Espresso Royale. After finishing our studies, we often met up in Brittany during her visits to France. When I moved back to Madison in 2008, we took in lots of movies and enjoyed nice meals and long conversations. What I'll miss most is Lisa's kindness of spirit, her capacity to listen & her keen sense of observation. My sincerest condolences to her family."

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden news of Lisa's passing. I remember her infectious smile and warm, vivacious spirit during her years at Concordia Moorhead, sorely missed to us since her absence. Her departure from this life leaves a void too painful to utter yet her indomitable spirit will live on."

"Lisa was a friend and colleague of mine during her time at Concordia. Women's studies, gardening, and life in general were always good topics of conversation. Her lively spirit and warm heart will be missed."

"I am stunned, still in shock, can't believe it. I remember Lisa from an 18th century French literature course with Prof Arnold Miller, around a big seminar table in Van Hise. Lisa sat across from me and I will always remember her big, warm, enlighting smile. My first part time job was at Lawrence University with Prof Gerry Reed, and Lisa replaced me after I left Lawrence U. The subsequent years, I did see her and many other graduate students at the MLA. I remember Lisa talking, laughing, and making witty comments, while we were sharing our experiences. My sincere condolences to her family and friends."

"Lisa was my bubbly adorable younger cousin. Cute and kind is how I knew her when we were children. Many years passed before I saw Lisa again. Then, in Paris, we happened upon one another. I was with my family when we discovered a Beckstrand was staying at the same little hotel. How many Beckstrand's could there be? We talked and talked. I discovered a brilliant, strong and kind woman. Thrilled by her depth of knowledge and understanding of women I wished I lived nearer to her. I am proud to be her cousin and I will cherish all I know of her. "

"Lisa and I became friends while we were graduate students in French at Madison many years ago. I most vividly remember spending time with Lisa in Paris in 2000, and meeting her for a coffee and a chat at Steep-N-Brew café when I was passing through Madison shortly after she returned to work at UW. She seemed so happy with her new job and new life in Madison! Lisa should have lived much longer to share her wit, her keen appreciation of irony, her remarkable intelligence, and her passion for promoting a single standard of human dignity with many, many more friends, colleagues, and students. I grieve her too early passing and offer my very deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and large circle of friends. May Lisa's smile, the lovely glint in her eye, and the joy she took in life despite the sadness she couldn't help but feel comfort you. She is at peace now."

"I got to know Lisa while working at UW System. I found her to be extremely warm, genuine, and hilarious. I looked forward to conversations with her about anything and everything, including her family that she loved so much. There is no day that I was there that Lisa failed to make me smile. Heartfelt condolences to all."

"Lisa was a strong advocate for many communities on our campus and had a warm, caring personality that many were drawn to. We will miss her contributions and her presence very much. "

"Lisa was someone who radiated warmth. She could always make people smile. She will definitely be missed. "

"I am just one of many people lucky enough to have known Lisa. Her work at UW System improved forever the lives of all students, staff, and faculty at every single campus and, in the process, the people of Wisconsin. I will miss her wonderful frankness. My sincere condolences to her family."

"Lisa's 2009 book. 'Deviant Women of the French Revolution and the Rise of Feminism,' Fairleigh Dickinson University Press"

"Lisa was a UW colleague who became a very close friend. We spent hours over wine, coffee or a meal discussing everything from French literature, theology and politics to old Monty Python movies and Saturday Night Live skits. Lisa was funny, lively, thoughtful, intelligent, compassionate, and completely devoted to her family and friends. She was the kind of friend we knew we could count on for help at any hour of the day or night. Her passing leaves an enormous void in our lives, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family."

"I knew Lisa during my tenure at UW System. During that brief time I came to know Lisa as a warm, funny and caring person. She will be missed."

"I came to know Lisa during the time she coordinated the Inclusivity Initiative. She was an effective and strong leader for UW during some difficult times. It's lovely to read on this board the memories of her close friends. What stunning sorrow that we are without her now."

"Lisa was my student in several French courses at Luther College, and my mind is full of so many things she did and said while there. Not just her excellence in French, but her wit and lively personality made her among the most memorable students I have ever had. One of my current students used Lisa's recent book as part of a project she was doing. I was so proud to recommend Lisa as a source! Professors are not supposed to outlive their students. Her passing fills me with great sadness and a wish that we had had more contact while she was in Madison. All of my sympathy and prayers go to her family and friends. Know that I grieve with you."

"Lisa was my colleague and neighbor in Moorhead and my dear, enthusiastic, and generous friend beyond her time there. I will treasure her insistent ccuriosity about people, ideas, and music. Her love for the outdoors and her appreciation of natural beauty is documented in countless pictures of sunsets on Lake Michigan and of the mosses and lichens on the trees on Bill's island. I felt privileged to meet several of her family members; my heart goes out to all of you. I will miss her deeply."

"I met Lisa when I attended Concordia College as an undergrad 12 years ago. I will always remember her encouragement as a professor and advisor. She played a decisive role in me pursuing my studies in French and for that I am thankful. I remember the hours we spent on her porch as we tried to find an apartment for me when I decided to move to Madison for grad school. We kept in touch while I was working on my thesis at UW. Last January, we met for the last time at Sunroom Cafe for lunch. I had just defended my doctoral thesis and as usual, Lisa was happy to share her experience in academia and administration. I am still shocked to hear that she has left us. My deepest sympathy to her family."

"Lisa, Marcia Parker, Dolly Weber and I formed a study group to prep for the M.A. exam in French. I remember Lisa's great sense of humor, and all of the fun we had prepping for that exam, despite the stress; Lisa just had a way of lightening the mood. She was also a person whose opinions I respected a great deal and who influenced my thinking on a number of important political issues. I will always be grateful to her for those conversations we shared. Please accept my sincerest condolences."

"Lisa championed fine wine, deep conversation and close friendship. We met at Luther, and were colleagues at Concordia a dozen years later. So sorry that she has gone. "

"I, too, had the absolute pleasure of working with Lisa through the UW Inclusivity Initiative as well as our Campus Climate Survey. I remember first attending an Initiative meeting as a new UW employee, and nothing made me feel as welcome as Lisa's bright smile. Over the brief 5 years that I've known her she never hesitated to answer a question, lend a helping hand, or flash that amazing smile. Lisa - you will be missed more than words can say by so many. The lives you touched are innumerable, and your smile will always shine in my heart. "

"Lisa was a wonderful friend and constantly looked for ways to make the world a better place. I will never forget the glowing look on Lisa's face when we were sailing and she heeled the sailboat at an angle as far as it would go, holding right on the edge of the wind and feeling like we were ready to tip. She will be missed."

"I met Lisa in her position as director of the UW System Inclusivity Initiative. I always enjoyed talking with her, and her warmth and interest in my concerns about domestic partner benefits was extremely helpful, and crossing paths with her on campus after she had left that position was a pleasant surprise. My condolences to her family and friends."

"I remember Lisa's laughter and smiles while weeding rain gardens at a women's shelter and strolling with seniors at Olbrich Gardens for the United Way Day of Caring. Her earnest curiosity and gentle spirit will surely be missed in this world. I hope she finds peace. "

"Lisa was a colleague and friend from my time working at UWSA. While I had not seen her often over the last four years, when we did see another it was always a delight. Lisa was a wonderful and sensitive person and I will always cherish her spirit. She had a great laugh, and I can see and hear her now. My thoughts are with her family and friends in this very sad time."

"your laugh! your ideas! i rmember Christmas in Nantes, your room next to the chocolate factory, staying up talking all night, dancing, thoughtful letters, walks through churches, viewing art, books, graduation-off into the world...my deepest condolences to the Beckstrand family and to this world for losing a loving compassionate soul. "

"Lisa was one of my best friends while she was teaching at Concordia. We were both Luther grads (several years apart) and had studied French with the same wonderful professor, so we instantly found much in common. She was an amazing teacher, a great advocate for women (she co-chaired our Women's Studies program) and a dear friend. We had not seen each other for several years and she was just in the process of planning a visit for July. I want her family to know how much she meant to me and my family. I am so very sorry for your loss."

"I met Lisa when she became the UW System's Inclusivity Director. She was very supportive, fair, a true leader and a fighter. She helped UW System move in the right direction. What she accomplished was not easy. We needed someone who could play the political game but do it with integrity. Lisa did her job well. I always felt like she truly represented her constituents. She was my go to person when I was transitioning. She always treated me kindly even when I would be angry or frustrated about the process. She will be missed. Rest in peace. "

"I had the pleasure of working with Lisa at UW System when she lead the Inclusivity Initiative. She was a wonderful, honest woman whose leadership on LGBTQ issues will be missed. We have Lisa to thank for many advances in that area. She was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. Many of us who knew her and worked with her will miss her. My heart goes out to her family and friends - she was a joy, and she left her mark on the world in a wonderful way."

"I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for three years. She was an amazing colleague, friend, and advocate for LGBTQ issues. Her absence will be felt by many. I personally have no words to describe my sadness. I will miss her intellect, her wit, and her infectious smile. My heart goes out to her family."

"When Lisa moved into the house next door to ours five years ago, we had no idea as to how many good times we would have with her in the years to come. Since we sit outside a lot and our back doors face each other, we saw each other a lot and ended up spending many evenings together eating, drinking wine and having lively discussions. Lisa had such a good heart, was quick to smile, had a great sense of humor and like Steve said, "a glint in her eye". We came to love her as a friend and neighbor and we cannot say enough as to how much we will miss her. Our hearts go out to all of her family and friends. Through our tears, we will remember Lisa's smile."

"I will miss Lisa so much as will all of us in the after church "lunch bunch". Lisa loved to go out with us, unless she was getting together with her family (always her number one priority) or there was a Packers game on, in which case we had to have a "fast" lunch so that she wouldn't miss too much of the game. I loved her intellect and humor, but also loved her sense of direction (not so good), gluten free crackers, and her ability to show up for church around the same time I did (late), unless her parents were worshipping with her. My prayers are with her family."

"I met Lisa back in the 80's in the Dept. of French & Italian. She was part of a wonderfully tight- knit group of Graduate students that I think of often, and with great fondness. Recently, since Lisa worked upstairs, we had many Van Hise elevator conversations. I will miss her bright smile, dedication, and enthusiasm! My deepest sympathy to Lisa's family and friends."

"I felt privileged to work with Lisa through the UWSystem Women's Studies Consortium and the Inclusivity Initiative. She brought humor and professionalism to all our projects. Her clear mind and quick smile will be missed. "

"Lisa always greeted my family with a cheerful smile and I will always remember how much she loved seeing all the new babies at church! We are mourning her passing and we will miss her greatly."

"I was shocked to hear about Lisa. We were in graduate school together and both found ourselves working back at the UW-Madison in the last few years. In our recent conversations (almost always out by the bike racks, it seems), I see her smiling, trading really funny wry comments about politics and higher ed and things French. Smiling, and witty, and listening, and interested, and giving and taking with equal verve. I passed her around lunchtime, heading out of Van Hise with some colleagues around lunchtime, not two weeks ago. My thoughts and condolences to Lisa's family and friends."

"I met Lisa while she was directing UW Inclusivity Initiative, which she did like a true leader: with a clear vision and the ability to coordinate different people's needs and ideas. When I found myself in a difficult situation where she was in a position to help, she did so to the fullest extent possible, with the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness for which I will always be grateful. Later we became friends, and I will always remember sharing with her a walk around Madison's Farmers Market, a steak dinner at her place, and the Fourth of July fireworks we watched together a couple of years ago. She was smart, funny, generous, and kind; she thought cogently and felt deeply. I will miss her, and my heart goes to her family for losing such a wonderful human being."

"Lisa was our next door neighbor for the last 5 years. She always had that special glint in her eye when we would speak together. I'm kind of a goof ball at heart, but she got that. She was very inquisitive. I like that in a person. Lisa was caring and thoughtful. You could tell by the way she chose her words that she was a very bright person. She was also very modest. I knew she worked at the University of Wisconsin, but never knew she had accomplished so much in her life. The education, the travel and so much more. And the book! Wow! She truly led a rich life. I will always remember our last lengthy conversation talking about the plants that bordered our front yards and how we were looking up all sorts of things on her iPhone. You had to be there, but it was really funny. We will miss her deeply. She was one of the really good people in this world that we knew. I wish her peace. I wish her family and friends healing and peace. Lisa, we love you and miss you. "

"Lisa was a dear, dear friend since the time she taught at Montclair State University many years ago. Our intellectual passions and political discussions framed our friendship but we celebrated our birthdays together, had "special" (entirely hilarious) shopping expeditions in upstate New York where she visited me and my husband, and shared some deeply painful times as well. I will forever miss Lisa's friendship, her generosity of spirit, and continual concern for others and extend my sincerest condolences to her family whom she loved more than words can say. "

"Lisa had many, many friends among her fellow grad students in French at UW, and I was one of them. From the day she arrived in Madison, she was an inquisitive, enthusiastic, and tremendously funny companion to the people around her. I shared with her a connection to Luther College, where she went as an undergraduate and where both my parents worked. She and I also studied together at the University of Geneva in 1990-1991, and that year was filled with memorable experiences, including the visits of her parents and of her brother Billy to Geneva. I saw her for the last time a few summers ago in Madison, and during the dinner we shared, she was the same warm, brilliant, caring person I had known for twenty years. That's the way I remember her. I'm so sad that I won't see her again; I grieve with all of Lisa's marvelous family, and I send you all my deep condolences. "

"Lisa and I met in 1988 when we were in Graduate School together at the UW-Madison. Somehow we managed to stay in touch over the years as we pursued our separate careers. I cannot begin to express how much I will miss her. Art openings and symphony concerts at the Overture Center, dinners at the Icon and Brasserie V, movies at Sundance, beer and sunsets on the Terrace, our wonderful trip to France last year, endless conversations over wine at her place and mine. Lisa was a wonderful, intelligent and loving friend. Her passing will leave a great gap in the lives of those who loved her. May she rest in peace and may her family know how much we valued her friendship."

"There aren't many people who know about Madame Roland from the French Revolution. When Lisa described her new book, I nearly fell off my chair. We gabbed about Roland and our mutual interest in her like we were long-lost friends, though we had just met at the Women's Studies retreat. That was several years ago and I always looked for Lisa at any UW System event I attended. Few and far between, visits with Lisa were always witty and heart-felt. I long for another. Peace for Lisa and her family."

"Lisa was my friend and colleague at Lawrence University and at UW System Administration. She was a brilliant, funny, loyal person who loved her family, friends and faith. She took great pride in her work both for the university and her scholarship, and she was so proud when she finally completed her long-anticipated book on French Revolutionary writers Olympe de Gouges and Manon Roland. Lisa worked hard for others too. Her leadership in the UW System Inclusivity Initiative and other initiatives touched lives across the State, making the University of Wisconsin System a better institution. But mostly, Lisa was a good friend who knew how to show the people in her life she valued them. There are not words for how much I will miss her. My heart is with her family. "

"Lisa was a friend and colleague at UWSA. She waged a long-term battle against depression and I only hope she is now at peace. I will miss our lively conversations and the ear to ear smile that graced her face when she talked about her family and the worked that she valued. She touched very many lives and we are all better people for having known Lisa. My sincere condolences to her family."