I remember here from a fantasy conventions. She will always have a garland in her hair

I am saddened to just learn of Renee's passing. She lived in my neighborhood and my daughter, Jenny, in high school at the time, volunteered to help her out when she could. When my Jenny died unexpectedly a couple of years later, I can still see Renee wheeling into the visitation to pay her respects. This meant so much to me. God Bless, Renee and be at peace.

The world now has a Renee-sized and shaped hole that cannot be filled. WE are poorer without her fierce, courageous, passionate presence.

Renee
You were always blazing new trails. I hope middle earth is ready

Cousin Mickey

A formidable presence was She. Fearless and passionate. I learned much from our meetings at theatre events throughout the years. Her memory will remain as sharp as She.

It's hard to find the right words. I will remember Renee as someone who preferred to *do* rather than just *be*, whether gaming, performing, or putting her chair in high gear and racing her helper dog down the hall at a convention.

It won't be quite the same without you, Renee. You'll be missed terribly.

Renee can finally play the piano again and jump for joy while doing it. I knew her many years ago, in Wilmette, Illinois. I still find myself singing some of the songs she wrote. "The day after tomorrow, the day after tomorrow..." Be at peace Renee and say "hi" to your mom from me.

I have known the Alper family for over 45 years thanks to my dear friend Greg, Renee's older brother. Renee was 12 years old when I first met her. From Tolkien, to her piano playing and singing, the memory of Renee burns inside me that will always make me smile. I am so glad that I spent 4 days with her in the Fall of 2013 when she visited Chicago. We went everywhere together and really enjoyed the time. One thing I've learned as I've grown older: When putting another's feelings and needs first, you truly find your own.

And you know that Renee is NOT going anywhere until Miri and Star show up -- "I'll just sit right here; I know a lot about sitting. And when you tell me where my dogs can go, that's where I'll go." Absolute loyalty.

I helped take care of Renee briefly 20 years ago, but have stayed in touch over the years. I often saw her around town at various theater and dance performances and loved her unabashed enthusiasm for the performing arts. She was a strong, passionate woman; I am saddened I will no longer see her and hear about her latest projects. I hope she's having a blast in the next life!

I met Renee at the dental office I worked at. She was an amazing person with a zest for everything she did. She used to come in with both of her dogs Toby and Moonbeam, and she loved them dearly. She also had a memory that would rival anyone's. She used to call and sing Happy Birthday to me EVERY year at the office, and if I wasn't there, she would sing the message on the office voicemail! She was amazing, and I am so saddened to hear of the news. I know that Renee is jumping, dancing, running, and singing in Heaven now.

i was so shocked about Renee's death. i was a close friend of her mother. usually if Renee came to chicago we would have dinner. We met 35 years ago and it is hard to believe she is gone.she will be with her mother who loved her so very much.

I knew Renee for 35 years. Her spirit in the face of physical and emotional trials was unique in my experience. The world was a better place for her presence and is diminished by her passing. Namarie, Arwen!

Dear Howie,
We were sorry to hear abut Renee. Our condolences to you and your family.

I never had the privilege of meeting Renee, I only heard of her through my granddaughter, JoDi Holmes, who tended to her often. I was always amazed at the many things that she was able to do, even through all her disabilities. I prayed for her often, thanking God that she was able to use her talents to the best of her ability. May God grant her eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom.

I am saddened by Renee's death, but I am glad her pain is over. I, too, suffer from chronic pain, though nothing compared to hers, so I have some insight. She rose above her pain, physical and mental, to give joy to the world. Out of pain, she created beauty. That takes incredible courage, grit, and determination. May her creations, musical and otherwise, be her most lasting monuments.

She was an amazing woman with many facets. RIP Renee.

My sympathy on Renee's passing. I did not know her as well as many of the people who have contributed comments here, but I met her a few times. She definitely did not let her disabilities stop her from enjoying life as much as she could, and that is an inspiration to everyone. We should all consider ourselves fortunate to have known her.

Probably the most amazing human being I have ever met. She was a true inspiration to me and will be missed greatly. I keep hearing the song Non-Vertical girl in my head over and over again.

I am sorry to hear about Renee as years ago she performed at the Alternatives Conference, a conference for persons with disabilities. She had her little dog on stage doing tricks. I so well remember her but lost touch.

I have known Renee for over 10 years, mainly in the Spanish meetup, but also in other meetup groups. By diligently managing these groups, she helped the members to get the exposure they needed to the Spanish language and other topics of mutual interest, while also having fun. She was a woman of remarkable intellect and courage, refusing to give in to her disability, instead choosing to lead an exceptional life in culture and the arts. She was very kind, and will be greatly missed by many.

I was very sorry to hear of Renee's death. She was a multi-talented lady and her courage to go on with life despite a tragic accident can be an inspiration to us all. I know that she will be missed always. My condolences to her family and close friends.

Renee was an amazing woman, seemingly unfazed by physical problems that would have caused a lesser individual to give up on life. She continued to the very end of her life to share her insights and talents. She will be sorely missed by the arts community.

Years ago, I was holding open auditions. In rolled Renee and asked me if she could act a memorized piece since she could not hold a script. She was wonderful. Renee told me I was the only director who gave her this opportunity. Renee was a delight to see, talk to, even argue with. Bless her heart. We all will very miss her. Arnie Shayne

Renee was my first cousin, and as children we were very close. We lived within walking distance of each other. Her family is truly saddened by her passing and she will be missed by all. Thank you Cincinnati for welcoming her into your city, she was truly loved by you as your posts here show. You clearly brought great joy and kindness into her life.

We will miss her. Her life of courage was and will always be a challenge for us all.

I will always remember Renee's passionate commitment to the creative process. The art of theatre was blessed and transformed by this amazing woman. Rest in peace, dear Renee.

Renee was incredibly special. I first met her back in 1987 or 1988, and -- even challenged as she was -- she was a bundle of energy, creativity, and joy. She had a long, hard road, and there were ups and downs, but it was always great to see her, and she always added to every gathering of filkers. I miss you, m'dear, and love you, and hope that you have at last found peace.

Renee blessed the local theatre scene with her patronage, participation, and support. She especially was a major contributor to Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative, as a playwright, actor, director, chairperson, and pretty much any other role we needed. She was always there to help. CPI has lost a key member and we all have lost a friend.

I've known Renee for many years. Her courage and fortitude in the face of adversity and her dedication to her meet-up groups was a great inspiration for all of us.

Renee was a spirited person who taught me her disability didn't define her. My favorite memory is listening to her amazing voice on her message machine.

Renee was a beloved friend. She blessed my life in many ways. I thank God I met her. She taught me thankfulness and gratitude in every circumstance of life.

Renee was a one in a million individual. So smart, so talented, so brave. Her spirit will always be with us. She will be missed. Rest in peace.

Words cannot convey the depth of my sadness at Renee's passing.

I am certain Renee would appreciate the irony of that statement, since I am a playwright.

Be at peace, Renee. I love you and hope you at a better place.

Alan J.

Renee was quite a dedicated theatre devotee. Her presence will be missed, as will her experience and contributions to the arts. She was an inspiration to all.

Visitation will precede services at noon.

Renee,
You are my friend, and I love you.

I am saddened to learn of Renee's passing. She was a truly talented singer, composer. and performer, and I was lucky enough to live in the Midwest and enjoy listening to her at S-F conventions. Rest well, Renee.