Brittany Ann Thompson, 22 of Spearfish, ended her fight with Ewing's Sarcoma Cancer on January 24, 2017. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Brittany had touched in some way throughout her short, yet very memorable life. Brittany's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her vibrant smile could melt the hearts of those around her.

She most enjoyed being around family and friends. She was always ready to jump in a boat and do some wakeboarding and love to relax with family and friends by a campfire.

Brittany graduated from Spearfish High School with honors in 2013 where she made life long friends. She enjoyed the game of basketball since the 2nd grade. She was also involved in volleyball, track and debate.

Brittany started at BHSU in the fall of 2013 and was immediately involved in Student Senate, the Debate Team and Residence Life. Her tenacious spirit and passion for social justice challenged university policies and procedures, at Black Hills State University and the state level. She traveled across the state to meet with Student Federation representatives and to Pierre for Students in Higher Education Days to lobby and ensure that their voices were heard. Last spring she was called to testify to the legislature on behalf of all South Dakota students regarding handguns on campus. Throughout her interactions with students, faculty, administrators and State officials, she was professional, respectful and honest. In March of 2016, even though she was in the throes of chemo, she ran for and was voted in as BHSU's Student Senate President. This past fall semester, she led several meetings from her hospital bed via Skype. Her involvement with and commitment to her leadership position did not falter as she strove to continuously make a difference in the lives of students.

As a founding member of the Jacket Pack, an executive member of the Philosophy Club, and a Presidential Student Ambassador, Brittany served BHSU. She was honored as the Outstanding Student Leader last spring and was the first on the debate team to win a national trophy in this century. She represented students on the General Activity Fee allocation committee, worked in Human Resources and served as an intern in the Pennington County Public Defenders' Office.

In the fall of 2014, Brittany began an initiative to establish a restorative justice program for students. Having been an active member of Teen Court in Lawrence County, she knew a similar program on campus would positively impact students' lives. Through multiple meetings with campus administrators, Lawrence County State's attorney Office, local attorneys and law enforcement, a viable and acceptable diversion program was implemented in the fall of 2016.

Our hearts are heavy, but our voices are strong as we continue in her spirit to support, encourage and maintain restorative justice on campus. Her legacy carries on in the BHSU community.

With Brittany's passing we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss her everyday, she will forever remain in our hearts.

Brittany is survived by her mother, Shelly (Tony) Thompson Fremo of Black Hawk, SD; her father, Tom (Jana) Thompson of Pine Haven, WY; brother, Tate Fremo of Black Hawk, SD; step-brother Devin Deutsch, Spearfish SD; grandparents, Sam Wesner of Whitewood, SD, Jowan Beckman of Mesa, AZ and Tom and Marcy Thompson of Big Piney, WY; many cherished uncles, aunts and cousins and special friend, Brock Sinclair.

We will be celebrating Brittany's life on January 30th 10:30 am at the Donald E. Young Center on the BHSU Campus in Spearfish. Following the celebration there will be lunch at the Snappers Club in the Spearfish City Park. In lieu of flowers, the family will be creating a scholarship in honor of Brittany at Black Hills State University.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com