Minna "Myke" Woods

Obituary of Minna "Myke" Woods
In Loving Memory of Minna "Myke" Handmacher Goldfogel Woods
February 12, 1937 – July 6, 2025
Minna Etta Handmacher was born into fashion-literally and figuratively. The daughter of fashion entrepreneur Alvin Handmacher and the granddaughter of retail pioneer Sam Klein (Klein's on the Square), she was destined to make an impression. And she did-from head to toe.
But it wasn't this Minna the world truly came to know. Early in adulthood, she cast off the name she was given and claimed one of her choosing: Myke-spelled with a y, always with flair. It was a declaration of independence, of style, and of selfhood. Myke lived life on her own terms.
Myke had an undeniable flair for elegance and class. She was always impeccably dressed and insisted her children be, too. To the outside world, she may have sometimes seemed forgetful-she was known to stash birthday and holiday presents and find them much later-but to those who knew her well, she was warm, hilarious, generous, and completely original. She made each of her three sons feel seen, celebrated, and always loved.
She raised her children with fierce vision, creativity, and resilience. Her life unfolded in vivid chapters: first, as a devoted wife and mother; then, as a newly single parent navigating uncharted waters; and finally, as a woman reborn when she met and married the love of her life, John Woods, affectionately known as Corky.
With John, Myke found her soulmate. John empowered her to build a thriving business with two dear friends-Baskets Instead, one of Denver's first specialty gift basket companies. Each basket was lovingly curated, just like Myke herself: creative, thoughtful, and unexpected.
Myke and John traveled the world, played tennis and golf, gave generously, and lived joyfully. Their partnership remains a shining example of mutual love, respect, and unwavering support.
Myke was also a fiercely loyal and beloved friend. Many of her closest relationships began as college roommates and blossomed into lifelong sisterhoods that endured for more than seven decades. Her broader circle of friends in the Denver area is legendary, including a leadership role is Welcome to Colorado and The International Club. To know Myke was to be invited into her warmth, her wit, and her world, and she maintained those bonds with remarkable grace and consistency throughout her life. These friendships were among her greatest treasures.
After John's passing in 2013, Myke entered a quieter phase marked by periods of deep grief and sleeplessness, but her deep love for her family remained undiminished. Even as her optimism declined, she remained fiercely herself. She passed away in assisted living, early on the morning of July 6, 2025, she was 88 years old.
Myke is survived by her three adoring sons-Gary, Greg, and Mark Goldfogel-two brilliant grandsons, Matt (Michelle) and Aaron Goldfogel, and one great-granddaughter, Emily, who was scheduled to meet her great-grandmother in just three weeks. Sisters Etta Berkman and Lois Handmacher Kroll and their amazing children and grandchildren expand Myke's devoted lineage.
She loved playing bridge and mahjong to her last day, travel, live theater, symphony and much more. She loved fashion, beauty, art, and everything creative. And above all, she loved her family and dear friends-with intensity, style, and her signature sparkle.
In the end, Myke wasn't just a name. She was a presence–one who will missed by many.
If you're so moved, please make contributions to the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society in remembrance of her beloved nephew Doug Kroll.
Watch for details of an upcoming Celebration of Life to be held later this summer.