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BORN
1949
DIED
2024
Frances Woollam Obituary
May 2, 1949 - February 14, 2024
Lexington, Kentucky - Frances Harumi Woollam, 74, of Lexington, KY, died early Wednesday morning February 14, 2024. She was born May 2, 1949, in Beppu, Japan. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Riddell, her son Gregory (Rachel) Stewart, three grandchildren, Gavin, Griffin and Gabriella Stewart, and her sister JoAnn Prosser, 2 nieces, Dannielle and Michelle Quintos.
Frances, or Harumi as she chose to be called later in life, loved to travel and worked as a flight attendant for TWA, traveling from California and New York to Asia and Europe. She worked as a secretary for Gainsway Farms upon moving to Lexington. She married John Stewart of Lexington and worked as a Travel agent for Travel Professionals and Avant Travel. She moved to Sante Fe, NM where she lived for over 10 years. She moved back to Lexington in 2018 after an accident while traveling to Cairo, Egypt. She recovered from her injuries and met her husband, Joe in 2021, they married on Dec. 1, 2023. She was a scuba diver and black diamond skier as well as an avid hiker. She loved dancing, photography and was a big participant in AA for 34 years and often shared her story of sobriety at the women's prison.
Haru loved animals and so became a vegetarian a few decades ago. Donations in her name can be made at the Woodford Humane Society.
Harumi was a member of the Unitarian Universalists Church on Clays Mill Road, where there will be a Celebration of Life Memorial in her honor on May 2, 2024, at 5pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frances Woollam
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
Marilyn Dishman
April 28, 2024
For her family and friends who don't know me. This is what I look like.
Marilyn Dishman
April 28, 2024
Frances was always so friendly and had a smile on her face. We shared a lot of concerns about race--acceptance and being respected. Years ago, I remember saying that we need to show respect and acceptance to all races and ethnicities, before she said to me "that social justice was White vs Black--Asians aren't even considered." Before she said that, I hadn't given it much thought. She was such an asset; not only to this church, but to society! I was saddened to hear of her passing. I wish the family and friends recall those special moments and experiences to lessen the pain of your loss.
Kathy
March 16, 2024
Frances was a wonderful friend, neighbor, and walking partner.
Kathy
Barbara Anderson
March 6, 2024
Frances And I skiied last March at Winter Park We walked and talked at Beaumont Y She was a wonderful person who I will miss
Traci
March 5, 2024
Traci
March 5, 2024
Traci
March 5, 2024
Janie Fauconneau
March 2, 2024
Frances was a friend and played an important and pivotal role in my life. She introduced my husband and I to scuba diving, and I learned to ski because of Frances. She was in my wedding and even came with her boyfriend on our honeymoon (which was really a dive trip!). I learned to love adventure and be an active participant in my life because of Frances. She was a special person.
Fran Belvin
March 1, 2024
I attended the Buddhist Sangha with Harumi, at UUCL. I always enjoyed her sparkling presence and heartfelt sharing.
Fran Belvin
March 1, 2024
Harumi was my sangha sister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington´s Sunday Sangha. I always enjoyed her sparkling presence and honest sharing.
Jane Hellmann
February 29, 2024
I enjoyed doing water classes and walking with Frances at LAC. Such an interesting life she lead.
Barbara Reed
February 25, 2024
Frances touched the lives of so very many people. She will be greatly missed.
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