Trecia Greene Obituary


TRECIA "TRECE" (ROBERTS) GREENE
January 9, 1937 ~ March 12, 2016

Trecia "Trece" Roberts Greene, born on January 9, 1937, in Marietta, Georgia, passed from natural causes on Saturday, March 12, in Vancouver, Washington. Trecia grew up in Monticello, Kentucky, and graduated from Centre College in 1959, going on to obtain her Master's in Education from Vanderbilt University in 1961. Although always faithful to her Kentucky Bluegrass roots, she moved west in the early sixties and became a permanent and proud resident of the Pacific Northwest.
Beloved by many students, she dedicated her professional life as a public school educator teaching English in the Vancouver School District for over 25 years at Columbia River and Hudson's Bay High Schools. The last portion of her teaching career was spent on the planning committee for and as an inaugural staff member of the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.
She was also a writer, self-publishing four books in the latter part of her life and writing for the Chinook Observer in Long Beach, Washington, where she was also a dedicated Camp Victory volunteer for over a decade.
Though her final years were marked by unforeseen challenges, Trece's invincible sense of humor and love of laughter, her compassion, and indomitable spirit inspired countless people and shone through right to the very end.
She is survived by her son, Sam Greene (Kelly) of Vancouver, Washington; daughter, Kate Greene Murphy (Robert) of Hillsdale, New Jersey; grandchildren, Jane, Gabe, Joe, and Maren; and long-time partner, Pat Reiter of Vancouver.
A Memorial Service and Life Celebration will be held at the Brickstone Ballroom, 105 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98660, Sat., March 26th, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to Camp Victory of Ocean Park, WA at http://campvictoryforchildren.org/donate.html.
Flowers may be sent to the Brickstone Ballroom after 12p.m. on the day of the Memorial.
Please sign Trecia's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 20, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Trecia Greene

Sponsored by One of her many students, Rory Bowman..

Not sure what to say?





Mrs. Greene was one of my very favorite teachers, ever! I had the privilege of taking more than one English class with her at Hudson's Bay. She was so smart and so funny and just had the greatest empathy with us kids. I have thought of her often over the 30+ years since I studied with her. Though I am not the full time writer that I still aspire to be, I use the lessons she taught me about life and writing every day as a diplomat. She will always be an inspiration to me.

Heather Ward

May 13, 2020

I had the privilege of working with Trece at Hudson's Bay H.S. What a wonderful person. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. We miss you Trece. RIP

Caroann Luse-Waller

May 14, 2019

My husband and I met Trece when when we bought her home in Nahcotta back in 2004. We were sad to hear of her passing. We liked Trece right away, and always let her know she was welcome to visit her Nahcotta home anytime. She always did visit during Camp Victory. Our condolences to Pat and all of her family. She was a wonderful person, who will be truly missed!

Mike and Mel Smith

August 18, 2016

Trece, thank you so much for everything you shared with all of us. The brilliant fire you ignited in my heart will burn forever. I will do my very best to carry and share the legacy you so generously gifted us. Loving you big.

Jenn Sandbloom

May 22, 2016

Mrs. Greene was an amazing soul who made the Art School so special and enduring. She always had a smile for me as I walked the halls. My thoughts are with her family and those who loved her.

M. Antonelli

April 5, 2016

I have fond memories of Mrs. Greene, she was a fantastic teacher. My condolences to her family.

Laura Castro Smith

March 26, 2016

What a wonderful teacher and mentor this woman was. She personally influenced me AND my daughter and so many others I know. Rest in peace, Trece.

Jill Hector

March 26, 2016

What a blessing to have been Trece Greene's student! What joy she brought to teaching, to really knowing her students as people, to living life fully. I became a thinker, a questioner, a different kind of learner with her guidance. I am now a different kind of teacher, musician, mother, friend, parishioner, than I would have been, without you, dear Trece Greene. In love and thanks, Amy Franklin-Hudson's Bay 1996

March 24, 2016

I was lucky to work with Trece at Hudson's Bay High School and joined her in Eagle's Wing. We worked together planning and then inaugurating VSAA. Her deep commitment to her students was an inspiration to me. Knowing and working with her has made me a better teacher. Through her guidance I came to understand that I don't teach science, I teach students. Shifting that focus has made all the difference. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bret Loucks

March 23, 2016

Trece was truly a loving, encouraging, kind soul in everything she did. I have missed her since I moved to Virginia in 2011; we've had only a few visits since then. I miss her even more now. I wish I'd had a chance to thank her and say "I love you. Bon voyage!"

Pat, I'm holding you in love and light. Wish I could be with everyone on the 26th. We'll talk soon.

Lisa Carbone

March 23, 2016

Simply put, thank you.

Angela Kepfer

March 22, 2016

Out of all the wonderful teachers that I had over the years, she was the most special. High School was rough, but she believed in me, went to bat for me many times, and when I broke her faith in me by not living up to my potential, she fiercely but lovingly called me out on my BS. She didn't shame me, but her disappointment caused deep shame in myself that provoked me to do better. Thank you Trece, you were everything a true educator should be.

Zeed Meyer

March 22, 2016

Trece was one of my favorite teachers in high school whose "tough love" helped me to grow up and start getting more serious about my education. I came back after my undergrad degree to volunteer in her classroom. That year helped me to decide that I wanted to become a high school teacher, and the following year she became my official mentor teacher for my Lewis & Clark MAT program. Once I was hired at Hudson's Bay HS, she became my colleague (what an odd thought at the time). I loved her sense of humor and her fierce compassion. Trece helped me see that a clear-eyed, yet loving view on the world was something I needed to cultivate, as well as a lifelong love of learning. She inspired so many students. We will all miss her bright spark and her wide-eyed laughter.

Michael Andersen

March 22, 2016

Words are not enough. She was, simply put, the best.

Pamela Stanek

March 22, 2016

Sam, Kelly, Jane and Maren ... Words fail. We are so very sorry for your loss. With love and kind thoughts for you at this difficult time ... Jen and Kyle Phillips

Jen Phillips

March 21, 2016

Without the warm, caring, and authentic Light of Trece Greene, I wouldn't be who I am today. She was one of the first adults who pushed me to find my own voice, even though it might have been the status quo. She helped me to believe that living outside the box not only was perfectly acceptable, but normal for many people. I will be FOREVER grateful for her wisdom, humor (I can still hear her laugh), and the indelible imprint she left on my life. May her energy continue to uplift and heal our world.

Hannaneel Perez

March 21, 2016

Sure, it has been almost 30 years since I was her student, but her enthusiasm and energy lingers in my memory so that I can't believe she won't out live us all. Well done, Ms. Greene! Thank-you. (Sorry if I committed a Run-On sentence here.)

Kelly McCoy

March 21, 2016

I was lucky enough to know Trece from elementary school through high school. We served on the VSAA planning committees together. What I remember most about Trece was that she taught me to have integrity in my work as an artist-- an internal integrity, that wasn't based on the audience's opinion. She taught us to have the same integrity as a person in the world. She was the kind of mentor that pushed you and you wanted her to push you. You trusted her and you always came out better on the other end. She was a powerhouse and will be missed. Best wishes to all her friends and family.

Collin Warren

March 21, 2016

I had a great opportunity to have Mrs. Greene as a teacher for Mythology and Writing Composition. She was a wonderful teacher who allowed you to voice your opinions and always have plenty of fun and laughter in the class. She will be greatly missed.

Chris Goodrich

March 21, 2016

I will always remember Ms. Greene. She was my senior year honors English teacher and she taught me that I was smart enough and good enough to do anything I wanted to do with my life. She also truly listened to me and made me feel that what I had to say had value. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Lela Gallert

March 21, 2016

I was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Greene as an English teacher while at Hudson's Bay. Today I am an English teacher, having taught in five countries around the world for the past twenty years, using the skills learned from Mrs. Greene. She gave me the confidence, desire and inspiration to do what i love to do. She will be greatly missed by all of us who have been inspired by her, and those whose lives she had yet to touch.

Angela Broeckel

March 21, 2016

One of the very best educators I've ever encountered! Ms. Greene had an amazing ability to draw everyone into the subject. Somehow she managed to make literature interesting... even the stuff we teenagers hated. (ie the 3rd reading of Faulkner's Barn Burning by our entire class in only 4 years.) With her we explored the "Christ Figure" in literature and 30 years later I can still 'hear' her explanation of the "power of silence". (Understand, yes... mastered, no!)
I've thought of her frequently & regret not having stayed in touch. I only knew her briefly, 30 years ago and I'm sad at her passing. She made a positive impact in my life which is the biggest complement that can be given to any teacher.
My deepest sympathies to her entire family and friends for what I know is a painful loss.

Tari Atwood

March 20, 2016

I met Trece on the planning committee of VSAA and later as her literary arts student. To this day I hold her in my heart as an incredible human being, teacher and mentor. She taught me so much, and I will always be grateful for having known her. Thank you for all the wisdom, laughs and courage.

Julia Paddison

March 20, 2016

March 20, 2016

My heart goes out to you Sam! Godspeed to your Mom and my heartfelt condolences to your family!!!

Scot Canoose

March 20, 2016

I love this woman! I often think of Trece Greene as I work to be a better teacher. She taught me how to ask good questions and view the world through a variety of perspectives. She taught me about English and writing, but also about goodness and civility. A true hero!

Joel Agate

March 20, 2016

March 20, 2016

My friend, I will forever remember the comfort she gave me, so much like my mom. Singing, dancing and laughing together. Thank you Pat and Sam for sharing her with me. I am so sorry for your loss. My love to all of you

Karen Butler

March 20, 2016

Trece was a tremendous inspiration and support for me as I entered into the field of writing. A mentor and friend, I think of her often.

WENDY THOMPSON

March 20, 2016

I had the opportunity of having Trece as my Junior English teacher at Hudson's Bay, and later working with her at Vancouver School of Arts & Academics. She was a fantastic teacher, mentor and friend.

Linda Janssen Clark

March 20, 2016

I have such fond memories of Trece as my favorite English teacher in high school and later as a colleague of mine. Her guidance and humor directed and inspired me over several decades. I will always have a special place I my heart for this wonderful woman.

Dennis Gillingham

March 20, 2016

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Make a Donation
in Trecia Greene's name

Memorial Events
for Trecia Greene

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Trecia's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Trecia Greene's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more