Partly to mostly cloudy. High 61F. Winds light and variable..
Tonight
Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
On one of the first bright, sunny days of spring, I met with Mary Repar to interview her. Mary gave me a croissant and we sat out in the sun together. She shared her story while I listened, jotting down notes.
It’s hard to come up with just one sentence to describe Mary. It feels like she has lived many lives in one, weaving together her experiences as a geophysicist, a veteran, an immigrant and an advocate. In Mary’s words, “I’ve had a lot of variety in life.” Her enduring hope and unique perspectives broaden her advocacy for causes ranging from environmentalism to affordable housing.
Mary was born in Croatia, and her family immigrated to the United States in 1959. She credits her upbringing, especially her mother, for her dedication, work ethic and courage. She was taught that there is no such thing as failure, just an opportunity to do something different.
“’The world is your oyster’ may be a cliche, but it really is,” Mary reflected.
In 1990, Mary moved to the Gorge from Houston, Texas, to be closer to family. Mary jokes that she was “here by mistake,” settling in “the last apartment in Stevenson.” The town of Stevenson, with a population just under 1,500, has become a very important place for Mary over the years. “There is so much to do in our community,” she said.
Mary lived in the same rental in Stevenson for 29 years. However, in 2019, her rent increased drastically, jeopardizing the living situation for her and her cats. Housing insecurity and the resulting stress galvanized Mary’s advocacy.
She found that many others struggled with housing insecurity, too. Mary emphasized that educators and first responders often can’t find affordable housing in the Gorge, and there could be a greater threat to workforce housing in the future.
The data shows that more folks are in unstable housing situations or are worried about housing. The 2022 Columbia Gorge Regional Community Health Needs Assessment found that 13% of survey respondents had insecure or unstable housing, a large increase from 6.8% in 2019. Mary cares deeply and speaks passionately about this community issue: “If the asteroid hits tomorrow, will the money do anything for you? What about friends? Neighbors?”
Her community-based problem solving led to her involvement with the Homeless Housing Council and the Healthy Skamania Advisory Board, where she advocates for sustainable solutions and policy change. “You’re going to have to change — why not change incrementally, not waiting until your survival is on the line?” she asked.
Mary emphasizes the importance of “learning something new every day,” especially when it comes to large, complex problems.“These issues make our heads hurt – you have to spend time and effort to understand them,” she said.
Wellness among older adults is another of Mary’s passions. For example, Mary just started a term with the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington, with the goal of enhancing nutrition, transportation, and the Meals on Wheels program. She also worked in home aide care for five years.
Mary centers seniors in her work with the Stevenson Community Garden. “I grow food for the seniors in one plot,” she said.
The Stevenson Community Garden, located at the west side of the Skamania Fair Grounds, was formerly sponsored by Stevenson Grange No. 121. Under Mary’s leadership, the Stevenson Grange was re-certified and won honors from The National Grange. It now offers a variety of events, like community resiliency workshops, film screening series, and the two annual plant and seed swaps.
Local animals also benefit from Mary’s contributions. For the last 17 years, she has been feeding the cats in downtown Stevenson, affectionately named Missy, Big T, and Cuddler.
When she isn’t busy at the Grange or at local advocacy coalitions, Mary loves to spend time outdoors foraging for mushrooms or simply appreciating the beauty of the Gorge. She recalled watching double rainbows over Rowena Crest, surrounded by grass widows and wild cucumbers.
Mary’s gratitude for nature and the beauty of our community reignited my own hope. “If you pay attention to nature, you notice differences ... you have a connection. If you lose connection, you lose caring,” she reflected.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Mary and I watched a sparrow hop along the sidewalk. “No two are alike,” Mary laughed. “Nature is amazing.”
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