Harriet Louise Woodward

Harriet Louise Starke was born in Denver, Colorado, to Herbert and Lula. It was during the 1918 flu epidemic and the hospitals were full, so Harriet was born in the home of a family friend. She was the oldest of five children, the youngest of whom, died as an infant. The Starkes were life-long members of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Denver. In fact, Harriet's grandfather, Charles Starke, donated the land on which Emmaus was built. Harriet attended Emmaus Lutheran School and then Skinner Junior High School and North Denver High School, where Harriet graduated in 1936. During those years, Harriet became an accomplished seamstress and took an interest in art and fashion design. Her designs and garments were much admired, and these interests continued for most of her life. Harriet's father, Herbert Starke, died when Harriet was eleven, so Lula raised the four children in her home on Osceola Street by herself. Harriet and Calvin Woodward were married in 1941, at Emmaus. They lived for a time with Lula and then moved to Manitou Springs and then Colorado Springs. There they were active at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Daughter Stephanie had been born in Denver in 1946, with Caleen and Peter coming along in Colorado Springs in 1951 and 1953. In 1954 they moved to their home in Wheat Ridge, where they lived for 50 years. Daughter Janelle was born in 1960. Harriet had worked for Mountain Bell Company after high school and Denver National Bank during the years of WWII. When the children were growing up, she worked at the Denver Dry Goods Company and J.C. Penney's. Then she drove the school bus for Emmaus for 21 years and is still remembered for her cheerfulness and kindness by the children who rode her bus. Harriet and Cal were always committed to Emmaus Lutheran Church and School, participating and leading at every level. A passion for both of them was the Emmaus Choir, in which they sang for nearly 50 years. Additionally, Harriet was active in Mission Guild, the Parent-Teacher League, Sunday School, and various boards and committees. In 1972 Harriet and Cal were named Parents of the Year by the National Lutheran Parent-Teacher League. Harriet was committed to community service in a number of ways. From 1943 through 1993 she faithfully gave blood through Bonfils Blood Center and was honored in 1993 for her gift of 50 gallons of blood over the years. She and Cal were also faithful visitors at Colorado Lutheran Health Care Center. With her love for flowers, Harriet was known as the Flower Lady. Every week she collected beautiful flowers when they were no longer fresh enough to be sold by the florist. She then arranged them in small vases and delivered them to the Health Care Center residents. In 2001 Harriet received the Key to the City of Wheat Ridge for her volunteer work at Colorado Lutheran Health Care Center. In 2003, Harriet and Cal were no longer able to maintain their Wheat Ridge home and moved into the Gardens of St. Elizabeth in Denver. In 2005, Cal passed away just 2 months short of 90 years, and Harriet moved into Wheat Ridge Manor later that year. Her long life is a testament to her strong Christian faith, her devotion to her family and her commitment to her convictions. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 2:00 PM at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 3120 Irving Street in Denver. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Emmaus Lutheran Church School, 3120 Irving Street, Denver, CO 80211 or to Zocolo Outreach (a place for at-risk kids) P.O. Box 140099, Lakewood, CO 80214.