Dr. Teresa Lynn Wells Haven

In salute to Star Trek's 50th anniversary, on Stardate 0921.2016, the spirit of Dr. Teresa Lynn Wells Haven escaped her earthly body, leaving it behind at her home in Munds Park, Arizona. Sounds of the Klingon death howl were reported from across the United States and Hawaii, and as far away as Canada and India.

Teresa was last seen between the second star to the right and Sto-Vo-Kor, and reports are that she was headed to meet her dear friend and former fellow Arkansas student John Ewell for tea. She has sent apologies for the recent stormy weather and reports that she still has difficulty in weightless environments but is enjoying the use of her wings.

Teresa was born on Stardate 0412.1966 in Mayfield, Kentucky. She grew up in Stuttgart, Arkansas, the only child of Bobby and Marcia Wells. Her father, a professor at the University of Arkansas and the developer of Wells rice, gave Teresa her scientific mind.

That, coupled with her mother's unbounded interest in other cultures, instilled in Teresa a love of travel, an open mind, a sense of respect for other cultures and a love for their foods. All of this served Teresa well when at age 14 she was afforded the opportunity to travel and visited England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. It was on these journeys that Teresa (and her parents) discovered her innate ability for languages, as she eventually became fluent in Japanese, Spanish and Klingon.

While attending Fayetteville High School in Arkansas, Teresa played flute and piccolo in the regional all-state band and sang soprano in the all-state choir. She also payed bagpipes with the Ozark Highlanders.

Teresa added an extra year of high school in order to participate as a foreign exchange student in Japan in 1984-85, where she lived in the village of Kagami. There, outside of school, she studied karate and was first introduced to Urasenke Chado, the art of Japanese Tea Ceremony, a path she studied until her death.

After returning from Japan, Teresa attended the University of Arkansas during which time she battled a rare form of brain tumor. After more than 25 doctors and as many horrifying prognoses, her parents finally found a surgeon to remove the tumor. However, her difficulties did not stop there as she developed another rare condition that deteriorated the bone structure in her face, necessitating major plastic surgery – and a bit of notoriety. According to her mother, their "only claim to fame was having the same doctor who cared for Queen Elizabeth," a Dr. Larry Wolford in Dallas, TX.

It was while fighting these health battles, that Teresa met Assoc. Professor of English John Locke. Before his murder in August of 2000, Teresa and Prof. Locke spent countless hours discussing comparative religion. It was Prof. Locke's inspiration which led Teresa to her life's work in accessibility for people with disabilities. No doubt they are catching up as this is read.

While at the University of Arkansas as an undergraduate, Dr. Haven was a founding member of the USS Vanguard, the student service-oriented organization of Starfleet International. The Vanguard supported the March of Dimes, flag raising on holidays at the Veterans Hospital, and the reading of life stories when the AIDS quilt visited the University of Arkansas, among other community projects. Through her service Teresa attained the rank of Commander before finishing her B.A. in Spanish. And, she proudly claimed the title "Geek" before it was a trend.

After graduation, Teresa began her new life in Arizona, where she attended Arizona State University. A "Trekker" in the truest sense of the word, Teresa completed her master's degree in linguistics. She successfully completed her defense in the Klingon language attired in a white lace dress and carrying a Klingon batliff.

During this time she was afforded, by her soul sister Renae Hackman, what she considered to be one of the most memorable moments in her life - the opportunity to meet Professor Stephen Hawking. Another highlight was meeting the Grand Champion of Sumo wrestling, Akebono Tar? in Hawaii. Teresa at 5'2" was giddy with excitement standing beside Akebono at 6'8".

While studying at ASU, Teresa began her career in accessible technology as a staff member in Disability Resources for Students. It was there that she met her husband, "Hawkeye," who dutifully took his place behind Hawking, Nimoy, Shatner, Takei, Dorn, Spiner, Nichols, etc. Meanwhile, Teresa went on to finish her Ph.D. in rhetoric, composition and linguistics.

After completing her Ph.D., Teresa began working for the University of Arkansas and married Mark Allen "Hawkeye" Haven in 2003. During their first 10 years of marriage the two moved 11 times. Friends say that with their moves and medical issues, the couple went through 25 years of marriage in just 13!

Teresa's space adventures continued throughout her life as Dr. Haven attended NASA's Space Academy for Adults twice - the second time as her wedding gift from Hawkeye. It was there that Teresa learned of her anti-gravity difficulties.

Her lifetime loves, aside from her work, included Japanese Tea Ceremony, all things Star Trek, travel, new foods, languages, and her fur-children. In addition, Teresa had an insatiable hunger for books. This coupled with the guidance she received from John Locke led her to read the Bible in its entirety, as well to study the Koran and the Torah in addition to the writings of Buddha. Teresa's husband Hawkeye, smiling, reports that Teresa was not perfect however, as she never learned to drive a stick shift. Despite this minor flaw, he states that together they were like "yin and yang, light and dark, sweet and sour, hot dogs and sour cream," and he's grateful she chose him.

Teresa's professional career took her from the University of Arkansas to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, to Arizona State University, and finally to Northern Arizona University, where she found her "dream job" as an Accessibility Analyst. With a warrior's heart Teresa spent her career breaking down barriers and providing access for students with disabilities.

Dr. Haven was an active member of the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and Access Technology Higher Education Network Professionals (ATHEN). She recently received the highest award given by AHEAD - the Blosser award -- as well as NAU 's Presidents Award for Leadership in Diversity. A champion for civil rights and equity, Teresa fully followed the Klingon maxim to "adhere to virtue honorably," and leaves with us the challenge to create a more inclusive world.

Teresa carried her generous and loving spirit to the end and her final physical act of love was to donate her "beautiful baby-blue" eyes to research. Teresa's message to those she leaves behind is that "It's all about the love."

Dr. Haven was deeply loved by her students, colleagues and her extended and chosen family, but she shall be most deeply missed by her husband, "Hawkeye" Haven of Munds Park, Arizona; her fur-children, Austin the Wonder dog and Bear the "Dat" (Dat - a dog-like cat. A term coined by Dr. Haven's father-in-law, James); and her mother, Marcia Wells of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 16, at 2 p.m. at the Munds Park Community Church, 17670 N. Munds Ranch, Munds Park, Arizona. All are welcome. A Celebration of Life in Dr. Haven's honor will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix, beginning at 4 p.m. and going until closing. RSVP at CaringBridge.org under the name Teresa Haven. Information on additional services in Arkansas and Hawaii will be forthcoming on CaringBridge.org. Information on donations may be found at CaringBridge.org.  Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.