Woody Woodward

WOODWARD--Woody, activist and community leader, died on June 13, 2009, of ovarian cancer, on the morning of Boston's Pride Parade. The image of Woody with her rainbow-colored mohawk has become synonymous with LGBT pride parades. She taught those around her to be true to themselves, to be proud of who they are, and to live without excuses. "You have to show up and be there for your community," she said. Donna Marie "Woody" Woodward was born in 1944 in Fall River, Massachusetts and graduated from University of Massachusetts Boston. Throughout her 64 years, she combined volunteerism with her passion for motorcycles, traveling over 300,000 miles in the US and six out of the seven continents of the world. To fund her travels, she worked as an archeologist, roofer, chimney sweep, mason, carpenter, limo driver, and English teacher at the Chengdu Institute in China. Woody was a founding member of Boston's Moving Violations Motorcycle Club and a member of New York City's Sirens Motorcycle Club and the Motor Maids. She was a dedicated rider for the Pony Express Rides, raising money for breast cancer research and working as a volunteer organizer for many causes including HIV/AIDS, women's shelters, and the arts. She leaves a trail of inspired friends, family and stories around the globe. She was deeply loved. Donations in her memory may be made to the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (memo line: Adventure for the Cures--Woody Woodward), 230 West Monroe, Suite 2528, Chicago, IL 60606 www.firstgiving.com/woodywoodward