Molly Anne Woods

We have a wall here in the music department dedicated to those who are making a career chasing their dreams in the world of music it is called the Hopkins Notables wall. On this wall is Molly's picture and I feel fortunate that I am able to walk by it everyday and see her.
There will always be a place in my heart for Molly. I remember her taking Guitar classes with me and I would help her with different progressions and different styles. I was ALWAYS impressed with her unique voice and sound. I was equally impressed with her free spirit and her underlying drive to be successful. She loved her craft! The picture we chose for the wall is one that for me best depicts who she was....not pretentious and not afraid to be herself or whoever she wanted to be.....a light gone to soon but never forgotten!

Dear Molly,
What is eternity like? Today I was thinking of you from the mortal side of humanity, hoping to hold on to the memory of times past and remembering your passionate life as we ran and played as kids carelessly singing throughout the day. You are a fond memory immortalized in my mind and etched in my lifes timeline. I hope you see my passing smiles and feel my warm thoughts as I wave and look through the window of immortality. Life is a treasure, thank you for your mark on mine. Im not sure I ever told you that!

I will never forget our long night chats. You inspired me to be me and for that I will be forever grateful. I carry with me your heart because you unburdend mine

Molly (Mali) and I played beautiful music together for years - I'll miss her so much :-( - Sarah

Your passion for equality and love for everyone in the world and bringing together people of different class, skin color, sex, age, music genres, nationality, etc. via your music, creativity, and presence will not be forgotten. In your own words: "We are ONE." I am honored to have known such a beautiful and remarkable soul. Your 32 years on this Earth have touched so many people's hearts and souls. Thank You.

Even though Molly was in my Life briefly, she made a big and lasting impact on my Life. When she first contacted me a year ago, we immediately connected like soul sisters. I will always remember her loving heart, joyful laugh, her angelic voice and face, and her beautiful and genius music. Molly truly allowed the Divine to work through her in every song she created and in everything she did. She has inspired so many people in so many ways with her giving heart. Molly's creative, loving, humanitarian, beautiful Spirit will live forever in all of our hearts. Her music and love will forever be here. I love you Molly. The last words I said to you were "Thank You." And again Thank You for coming into my Life and awakening so much in me. You are truly an Angel. I know you are with God playing eternal, blissful music, Astro Twinny!

Molly and I went to school together in Wisconsin... I am truly heart broken to hear any of this. My family will be praying for your family as you grieve this HUGE loss... words cant even express the sadness I feel for each of you. May God comfort your family in this time in huge and real ways.
- Jill

I knew Molly only briefly, but it was long enough to be deeply saddened by the loss of her light. We have her music which will live on forever, it's a shame there won't be more. Prayers and blessings of peace to her family and friends.

Molly was part of our daughter, Leslie's, friend group from Glen Lake through High school. Leslie would frequently mention how talented she was. She once brought her red car and her guitar to our house for a too brief sing a long. Leslie continued to follow her on facebook. We are so saddened by this turn in her life. Our thoughts and prayers will be with she and her family though out this very difficult time.

It is hard to fathom Molly's death. She was so young and such a bright star. I am honored to have met her. She was deeply loving and compassionate and so encouraging to other artists she knew, and even to those she had just met. I feel blessed that she supported my art. She left an imprint on my life and my heart, and I hold immense gratitude for having known her. My deepest sympathies go to Molly's family and friends. May you find peace in knowing she touched and changed many lives.

She was a creative force of love and compassion, a beautiful woman in all conceivable ways. I've only known her a short time through an organization we both attended, but she's touched my heart deeply in that time. She will be missed greatly. My prayers will go out to her family as she transitions into her next life.

Hi, my name is Christina, and I am a cousin of Molly's cousins, which is how I found out about this terrible tragedy. Molly sounds like an amazing person. I looked at her website, and the music and blog entries show her insight, thought, and talent; I really enjoyed reading and listening. I don't really know what else there is to say. Molly and all of her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Molly's family and friends. I remember Molly as a compassionate, philosophical, talented girl who was always seeking to make sense of the world and make a difference - and she did make a positive difference for so many people. She inspired me to think more deeply and experience life more fully. I always wished I knew Molly better, and I am so glad I've had the opportunity to enjoy her recent music and writing. I'm thinking of you and wishing you peace.
Sincerely,
Katie (Romportl) Cook
HHS Class of '98

My deepest sympathies go out to your family. Molly was one of those individuals who touched many lives. Her music and voice were unique. Her passion and spirit for trying to make the world a better place help guide her music and thoughts. As an educator we all have students who stand out in our careers. Molly was always one of those students for me. I remember her trying to figure out a way to go to Costa Rica with us on tour. For weeks she pleaded with me to let her go. Then she came up with the idea of photo journalist. She was fantastic! -I had just re established contact with her a few months ago and had down loaded her most recent work - a great work and a great recording that I will cherish forever. Such a sad loss....again my most sincere condolences on your loss.

Dear Woods Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, Molly. I pray you will find the strength to understand this unexpected loss and the peace to move forward keeping Molly in your heart. Thinking of you.
Dee McCarthy
HHS Social Studies Teacher

I was sad to hear that Molly had left this world all too soon. We shared memories of adventure and creative expression throughout the years. She was so impassioned and I will always appreciate her ability to emphasize that and encourage others. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do. You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries they only asked one thing when a man died, "did he have passion."

Molly the adrenaline was pumping tonight there in your presence. Your family did a great job with flowers, and pictures, and sharing their thoughts and your music with everyone. I am sad to say I missed my opportunity to speak. If you would have been sitting next to me you would have pushed me out of my chair to get my two cents in. In your words, "silence is violence" so I will take my opportunity here to leave a message. You left a lasting imprint on me. My most vivid memories of you were when we were young. We shared 1st and 2nd grade together, played on the Glen Lake Mighty Mights team, and shortly after would be separated until junior high when we would reunite and learn to write, sing and be creative. You for one thing had all the talent. The fastest runner at Gatewood elementary. It must have been those shoes you used to wear. In Junior High you would host the best pool parties, with the best of friends and we had the best laughs. We sometimes would get into trouble but the two of us would never get caught. When we had a day off from school you wanted to go to Vally Fair and along the way you found some secret lake where we swam and just enjoyed the sun in our faces. You had a way with ideas that were the best. I'll never forget your red honda, you backed out of a parking space once and literally side swiped the car next to us, we looked at each other and laughed and knew trouble would come later. What an amazing journey life is huh? Trials and tribulations, sadness and despair, laughter and an incredible amount of responsibility with parents that only want the best for us. I know your Mom and Dad only wanted the best for you. Sometimes that comes with tough love. You loved your brother and your baby sister in a regard that only the heavens can relate to. This message is for you.

I watched the movie Before Sunset and thought of you. Its a story about a man who meets a woman on a train in Europe and wants to spend the day with her. On their journey they come across a poet, he asks them if he could write them a poem and if they like it they could pay for it, whatever they thought it was worth. So here it is...

Daydream, delusion, limousine, eyelash / Oh baby with your pretty face / Drop a tear in my wineglass / Look at those big eyes / See what you mean to me / Sweet-cakes and milkshakes / I'm delusion angel / I'm fantasy parade / I want you to know what I think / Don't want you to guess anymore / You have no idea where I came from / We have no idea where we're going / Latched in life / Like branches in a river/ Flowing downstream / Caught in the current / I'll carry you / You'll carry me / That's how it could be / Don't you know me? / Don't you know me by now?

There are some key things we learn in life and one thing is to keep on, keeping on. I think that was apart of your message in your music. I found this and thought to share.

A king long ago was searching for words of wisdom to help the people of his kingdom when they were plagued by worry and despair. He commanded his wise men to find the right words that would apply to every situation, every setback, and each despairing mood.
After many more years, they finally gave the king these four words: “This too shall pass.”
Hang on. Tomorrow will bring a new day and a fresh start.

Lastly, a poem Dana Jensen shared with us in the 5th grade. A year you spent at Glen Lake. I thought this would be a poem for the season and one that will resonate with me for you forever. I love you Molly. I will miss you, as many others.

~Snow Country Weaver~
A time to tell you
things are well.
Birds flew south
a year ago, one
returned a blue winged
teal wild with news
of his others love.
Mention me to friends,
say wolves are dying
at my door. Tell them
this, and more. Say
I saw spiders weaving
Threads to bandage up
the day those webs
were filled with words
that tumbled meaning
into the wind.
~ James Welsch

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Molly. I remember many times playing with her when we were in grade school and sneaking a whole box of fruit snacks and eating them together. Molly and I both were in choir together all through junior and senior high and I remember her love and passion for music. We would often stay after school and she would play her guitar and we would sing together. She was such a kind person and I admire the courage and passion she had to follow her love of music. My thoughts are with her family at this time and know many people have fond memories of Molly.

LIbby, Gary, Brent, and Lucy. My thoughts are with you on this day of mourning. I"m sorry for your loss. Take care all of you.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a beautiful, talented, loving person. I have fond memories growing up listening to Molly's music and watching her grow as a musician. She was a loyal friend who thought deeply and lovingly. I am a better person for knowing her and having her in my life during some difficult years. Molly you will be missed each and every day!

We are saddened to here of Molly's passing. Your entire family is very special to us. Our thoughts an prayers are with all of you in the upcoming days.

Libby, Gary & family:

I was so sad to learn of Molly's passing. My heart hurts deeply for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days, weeks and months during this most difficult time.

Our daughters went to school together and I am deeply saddened for all of Molly's family and friends. Kaia told me about this last week and I have been unable to get her or all of her family out of my mind. My heart just aches for you. May God's love wrap around you today and the days ahead.

I am so, so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Molly. My sympathy and love extends to Molly's entire family as you deal with your sadness. My heart is aching for you.

I was deeply saddend by Molly's passing. She was a great singer/songwriter with a heart of gold and not afraid to say what she felt. She was always so conscious of others. May peace be with your family, and friends Molly. I hope you are not in pain anymore.

I was saddened to hear of Molly's passing. We lost touch over the years, but I will always remember her fondly. One of my favorite memories was the Halloween snowstorm of 1991 when we were in 6th grade. May peace be with you, Molly, and your family.

Molly, you were such a wonderful friend growing up! I wish you peace in your next adventure, you will be missed.

I remember a special story about Molly as a young girl making a video while she was home sick, moving a pair of sneakers an inch at a time and carefully filming each change. Molly's creativity, intelligence, and humor were apparent from the beginning. I am so sad for all of you, her family, as you learn how to navigate this world without her. With lots of love, Mary Lowry Clark