Matt Oppenheim, 72, of Asheville, NC passed away on June 11, 2025 at his home in Asheville, NC. Matt was born in Los Angeles, CA. Matt earned a Doctorate in Anthropology and dedicated his life to education, both as a teacher and a scholar. His insatiable curiosity and wisdom led him to travel across the United States and around the world, sharing knowledge and learning from others about diverse cultures and their environments. He was a tireless advocate for sustainability and harmony among humankind, a true champion of a better world. As an author and educator, Matt inspired many through his work. In his final book, he reflected on the deep influence of his parents and expressed gratitude to the friends who shaped his journey, including Dada Maheshvarananda, Miira Price, and others. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his beloved wife, Kanako. His presence will be profoundly missed, yet his legacy of wisdom and compassion will continue to inspire. In honor of Matt, take a moment to extend kindness and support to others as we all navigate this journey of life. His spirit lives on in every thoughtful gesture, every act of generosity, and every effort to make the world a better place. Surviving Matt is his spouse, Kanako Oppenheim; sister, Gale Oppenheim; and brother, Dan Oppenheim.

Our precious and amazing mother, Judith (Judy) Noreen Watters, 87, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on April 16, 2025. Anyone who knew her can attest to her many remarkable qualities: a great storyteller, fun, funny, kind, generous, vulnerable, rebellious, adventurous, well-read, and unfailingly stylish. Judy left her hometown of Adelaide, Australia in the late '50s to move to Sydney — Australia’s “Big Apple.” Over the next few years, she poured beer at (and sometimes got fired from) various pubs, not only in Double Bay, Sydney but along the Gold Coast in Queensland and up in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Then, one day, a friend who was dating a 'Yank' set her up on a blind date with another 'Yank' at a pub. It was love at first sight for George Manker Watters, but Judy was having too much fun to settle down. However, George continued to pursue her, and, having never been pursued quite so intently (and doubting it was likely to happen again), she finally relented. Her marriage to George not only led to greater adventures that opened the world to her, but to a love that grew deeper and stronger through the decades. Over the next almost 30 years, she was fortunate to travel all over the world, live in such far-flung countries as Japan, Singapore and England, and meet people from all walks of life, including world leaders, titans of industry, and celebrities (Frank Sinatra even tried to pick her up once.) She and George spent their remaining 25 years together in retirement, dividing their time equally between Australia and the United States. After his passing ten years ago, Judy moved to Asheville to live with her daughter Lisa (and to have a few more adventures.) A working-class Aussie girl who took to a jet-set life like a duck to water, she nonetheless always remained down to earth, proud of her background and steadfast in her love for her sisters and many nieces and nephews. Judy was predeceased by her beloved George; five of her six sisters ('the Harman girls') including Clare, Molly, Jan, Pat and Pam; and her nephews Matthew and Steven. She leaves behind her sister, Gail; son, David; daughter-in-law Eva; daughter, Lisa; stepsons, Bruce and Kent; stepdaughters, Heather, Achariya, and Vatana; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as friends from across the world. Judith Noreen Harman Watters, there will never be another like you. We love you and miss you, Mom. See you on the other side.