The NCSU Free Moms have become a common site on centennial and main campus, bringing sweet treats, beautiful flower bouquets and trinkets every Thursday.

On Wednesday, Sept.10, Free Mom Jenny Garry died suddenly. Many NC State students remembered Garry and her dog, Quinn, for her compassion, warmth and listening ear.

The Free Moms are known for their conversation and maternal presence to students who are feeling homesick or may just need a hug.

Nancy Nelson, founder of the free moms, said the main goal of the organization is to provide a safe space for students to feel welcome.

“Everybody is welcome. Everybody is accepted to come and do what they do. One of our themes is you be you,” Nelson said. “And so that has actually created a space for the moms, as well as the students, of unconditional love.”

E Chapman, a third year studying international studies, said Jenny Garry was a prime example of the “you be you” theme the free moms promote.

“I knew that Jenny, and many other free moms alongside her, created such a very welcoming atmosphere and created a space where I didn’t have to worry about [not feeling welcomed] much,” Chapman said. “I could just be whatever I wanted. I knew they would listen. I knew everyone would be supportive.”

Garry was the dog coordinator who started dog safety protocols and trainings. Nelson said, alongside her dog Quinn, Garry was part of the heart of the free moms. 

“She has put together a more conservative protocol based on her years in the emergency room – she is single-handedly created our dog program protocol,” Nelson said. “She’s also managed it with the greatest of care and excellence and integrity and just her heart.”

Chapman said Garry made every student feel special and made an effort to know and support all of them.

“Immediately I could tell, even though she was talking to so many people, how much she cared about everybody,” Chapman said. “She would listen to everyone, even if she had 10 different people talking to her.”

Nelson echoed Chapman’s claim that Garry provided a listening ear to students, no matter what.

“[Jenny had] huge compassion for everyone, whoever she was talking to,” Nelson said. “You had no doubt that she had great care for you and was interested in what was going on in your life, and was a great listening ear.”

Nelson emphasized how students noticed Garry for her kindness and compassion.

“Her kindness touched the lives of all the moms and the students. And she would just sit quietly, and she was a listening ear,” Nelson said. “No one ever questioned whether or not she cared for them. No student, you know.”

Nelson said, despite Garry’s passing, her legacy and values will live on through the Free Moms organization.

“She’s inspired us to continue on, continue on doing, just thinking of her as she was a great inspiration to all of us,” Nelson said. “Just knowing that she’s gone causes us to appreciate life, the life of every person, even more.”