Jennifer "Jen" Pizza

1975 - 2021

Jennifer "Jen" (Rawson) Pizza

On Sunday, February 21, 2021, Jennifer "Jen" (Rawson) Pizza passed away unexpectedly of Covid pneumonia at the age of 45 in her Takoma Park, MD home.

She was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 15, 1975, the daughter of Michael and Susan Rawson.

She attended St. Ursula Academy, a member of the graduating class of 1993, where she was a member of the volleyball team. Jen spent four years at Bowling Green State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology graduating in 1997. Looking to continue her education in a warmer climate, she relocated to California to attend California State University at Northridge. She earned a master's degree in History/Library Science in 2002 which gave her the background to pursue a role as an archivist at the University of Maryland. Her affiliation there led to preservation work in Natchez, Mississippi, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Jen's passion for the environment and its preservation, led her to Greenpeace where she used her archivist training and skill with a camera to record and preserve many of the Greenpeace initiatives both past and those occurring during her employment.

While employed at Greenpeace, Jen was given the opportunity, in 2010, to explore working for the Federal Government through a position at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). At NOAA, she found many opportunities to both challenge and excite her as she participated in projects with environmental consequences. She was especially devoted to the Arctic, its people, and the environmental and economic challenges it presented.

Ms. Pizza was an incredible photographer and always ready to embark on any adventure. Jen trekked to base camp in Nepal, escaped the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, and climbed Mt Whitney with her brother Chris. She traveled all over the world from the Arctic to Aruba snapping photos of the places she visited and the adventures they captured. She was awarded several copyrights for her pictures used in promotional advertising.

Jen was an absolutely committed animal rights/foster care advocate and had rescued at least two pit bulls that became the loves of her life and were her companions on her many escapades.

She had an overwhelming excitement for life and a matching energy that made everyone feel welcome and accepted. Her exuberance, positive and cheerful outlook, and selflessness quickly earned the respect and admiration of her supervisors and peers. She also displayed great courage and determination, speaking truth to power and never giving up. Jen lit up the room with her warm, beaming smile and infectious personality.

She genuinely lived life on her own terms to the fullest and that resonated and inspired everyone around her. Jen had an unmatched sense of humor, a crazy laugh, and a wicked wit. She was beautiful, spontaneous, and quirky and she was loved deeply. She will be greatly missed.

Jen is survived by her parents, Michael and Susan Rawson; sister, Carrie Rawson; brother, Christopher (Heather) Rawson; uncles, aunts, cousins; special dog, Rin Tin Tin and cat, Stella; and many friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Toledo Humane Society, Lucas County Pit Crew, or to an animal rescue facility of your choice. Due to Covid restrictions, burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a date to yet be determined.