Clara Woodward

04/27/2009 — 11/07/2012

From Pasco, WA, US | Born in Richland, WA

Clara Woodward

Little Miss Sunshine, Clara Woodward, of Pasco, WA, passed away at her home, Wednesday, November 7, 2012, after a valiant 18 month battle with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. Though only 3 years old, she blessed the world with her radiant smile, her infectious laugh and a wisdom that defied her young age. We learned a lifetime of lessons from Clara in the short time we had with her on this earth and rejoice in the knowledge that we will be reunited after this life.

Clara was born in Richland, WA on April 27, 2009 and spent all of her brief life in Pasco. She loved singing, especially the primary songs she learned at church and at home. When she felt well, she loved to have the music loud so she could dance and sing along. Clara's joys in life included jumping on the trampoline, swinging for hours in the backyard, dressing up like a princess, pink pearls around her neck, and Ziplocks full of snacks. Her arms tight around our neck and kisses on our cheek brightened our days.

Our sweet Clara touched the lives of many with her zest for life through 5 months of radiation, surgery and chemotherapy during lengthy hospital stays. In October 2011, she returned home, reunited with her siblings and parents where we have spent the last 13 miraculous months together.

From Clara we learned that life is precious, that no earthly pleasure exceeds the joy derived from eternal family relationships. We learned that there are things much worse than destroyed potted flowers, that fingernail polish eventually comes off, that few things soothe a frightened child quite like a pink blankie and a drink of milk. We learned that strength comes from fighting battles together and that there is nothing sweeter than being reunited with family after a long separation. We learned to cherish seemingly insignificant moments and to celebrate minor accomplishments.

Clara loved to go to church and learn the stories of Jesus. During her darkest days of struggling with pain, she would watch Music and the Spoken Word by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for hours on end as it brought peace and comfort to her gentle spirit.

Clara was blessed in life by countless doctors and nurses, particularly those at Sacred Heart Children's Medical Center in Spokane who prolonged her life and enabled her to spend eight wonderful months at home prior to relapsing.

Clara is survived by her parents, Brian and Natasha Woodward, her brothers Chandler, Carson and Baden and her sister Kate; her grandparents Kent and Krista Woodward and Tracy and Jill Lybbert; great grandparents Forrest and Betty Lybbert, Joan Casper, and Zelma Woodward; uncles, aunts and cousins Cody and Candace Fielding Carter, Blake, Vivian, Lincoln, Kyle and Chelsea Mahuika Michael, Preston, Brooks, Devin and Kendra Lybbert Dean, Andrew Lybbert, Matt and Kim Peterson Ethan, Jens, Myra, Melaina, Brandon and Kym Woodward Cole, Jace, Bryce, Jaylee, Trey and Jami Warner Indie, Cameron and Ashley Treu Taya, Dodger, and Andrew and Jenna Van Buren Cash, Brody. She was preceded in death by great grandparents Harold and Joan Briggs, Paul Woodward, William Casper and cousin Zan.

We rejoice in the knowledge of a Heavenly Home where Clara now watches over us. The Atonement of our Savior brings us peace and comfort with the sweet assurance we will be reunited again in the eternities. Families can be together forever.

The family will receive visitors at their home on Sunday, November 11, from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Pasco Stake Center 2015 N 24th Ave at 11:00am.

Guestbook for

Clara Woodward

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  • Clara was very blessed to have been born into a valiant family. She gained her strength and courage from you and, in turn, has taught us all the life lessons of love, faith, endurance and courage. Thank you for sharing Clara with us. We know that you will some day hold Clara in your arms again and, at that time, there will be no tears or pain, only exquisite joy.

    Peggy Scrimsher
    November 4, 2014
    WA
  • Woodward family, so many before me have expressed gratitude for sharing Clara and her life, I join them in the rejoycing with the angels in heaven. May your lives continue in peace and solace, forever drawing upon your memories and love for Clara.

    Shelly Davis
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, USA
  • Though you do not know me, my family has prayed for you ever since My friend, Debbie Matheson, shared your blog and the struggles your family faced through this challenge. I admire your courage and faith in our Heavenly Father’s grace. We continue to pray for your comfort during this difficult time!

    Stephanie Getter
    November 4, 2014
    Cedar, Hills, UT, USA
  • We believe that your beautiful daughter served to an immense purpose in the brief time she was given to be with her family and friends on earth.She has made us laugh and cry and she has humbled us with her courage and determination in the face of this relentless disease.God bless Clara and her family.

    Conan and Jeanae Wade
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA
  • Thank you for sharing Clara’s life, through Facebook and your Momma’s Timeout blog. She has blessed our lives with her sweet, fun personality and with her courage and determination to live each moment. Now she is truly free and her spirit will continue to be felt by those who loved her and by those she loved best.

    Jim and Lola Fish
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA
  • Sweet Clara I only knew you through the loving words that Thomasene shared about you. You are so loved and you were so brave. Be at peace now and know that many nurses at SHMC in the Surgical Admit Unit loved you too!

    Maureen Kohler
    November 4, 2014
    Spokane, WA
  • Though I don’t know you I am a friend of one of your extended family members. Your daughter is beautiful and I’m certain she will continue to bring you joy throughout your lives and beyond.

    Julie
    November 4, 2014
    Snohomish, WA
  • we are so sorry to learn of Clara’s passing. Your entire family has suffered and endured much and your strength and faith has touched so many people. You continue in our prayers and we pray you know the blessings which await all of you.

    Louise Farkas
    November 4, 2014
    Sun, City, AZ, USA
  • My life with my children will be forever changed because of Clara’s livly spirit and love of life. I have a little more patience with my children and hug them a lot more. Thank you Clara, and to your parents for sharing you with us.

    Erin salsbury
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, USA
  • Clara has touched us all. We ran for her, donated, prayed for her, went to the temple and put her name in. And now we know she is well and we pray for you that you will be comforted. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love- The Duane & Tina Beus Family

    Duane & Tina Beus
    November 4, 2014
    WA
  • We will forever be changed and strengthened for knowing Clara and her strong spirit. Thank you Natasha and Brian for sharing Clara and her story with our family!

    Tony Christensen Family
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, United, States
  • Our prayers are with you at this time..our thoughts are with you.. We want you to know how much we admire you and your strength, testimony…we find comfort knowing Clara is free from pain…and that you will be reunited with her…

    Laura
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, USA
  • We so love you dear Woodward family! Thank you for your valiance, honest sharing, and spiritual example. Know you are loved and remain in our sacred prayers.

    Jess Grow Hodges
    November 4, 2014
    Pendleton, OR, United, States
  • Clara was blessed to come to such a family that could give her so much love in such a short time. Though the days may seem long, it is a blessing that you will see her again. But for now her spirit will enrich many in heaven. May we all face our trials as bravely and courageously as Clara.

    Ciana and Dave Esplin
    November 4, 2014
    CA
  • Our thoughts are with you during this time. I personally want to thank you for the inspiration that Clara and your family have been to our family and to all those she encountered. She truly is a blessing.

    Amanda Efterfield
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA
  • We are honored to attend this celebration of sweet Clara’s short life. We are SO grateful that your family has allowed us to share in Clara’s and your families life. We as a family have grown through our prayers and fasting for you. Sweet Clara has taught us the sacred and important things in life at her tender age. We all wonder how you have survived this , and yet, through the simple plan of happiness we can survive the most difficult trials in life. We as a family have been truly strengthened and touched as you have shared your life and Clara’s with us. We are deeply grateful!

    Clara the sweet pink Angel has taught us all and so has her family that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real!

    We love you!

    Much peace and healing for you in the future!

    Love Karl & Kathi Eppich

    Karl & Kathi Eppich
    November 4, 2014
    Mesa, WA, USA
  • Our prayers are with your family. Your strength, courage, and testimony during this time has been a blessing to our family. We love you.

    Brett and Sandy Lott

    Brett Lott
    November 4, 2014
    BURBANK, WA, United, States
  • We continue to pray for and think of your sweet family. Knowledge of eternal families will bring peace and joy, knowing you will be together again! Lots of love…

    The Leonard Family
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA
  • My heart is full…If its possible to be sad and joyful simultaneously, I am just that. I can only imagine how much you already miss her and yet we both know she’s now running & playing with other children alongside Jesus. What a beautiful site that must be! I love Princess Clara and love your family!

    Elva McLaughlin
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, USA
  • My heart is with Clara and your entire family. Though I have never met her she has touched my life and my heart. My son is 3 and is a little less than a month younger than Clara. I have spent a lot of time thinking of Clara and your family. I will never take the little things for granted. God bless all of you.

    Andrea Pizzarella
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, United, States
  • Our hearts go out to you guys! So happy that you have so many fond memories with Clara! Treasure them until you see her again.

    Love,

    The Scovilles

    J-P Scoville
    November 4, 2014
    Parker, CO
  • We send our love and prayers to you. Little Clara has touched all of our lives. We rejoice that although we didn’t meet her in this life we will be able to see her smile in the hereafter. Best wishes and love, the Benson family

    Gina Benson
    November 4, 2014
    Salt, Lake, City, UT
  • Sending my love to all of you! Loved reading about Clara and her adorable personality! What a poignant obituary! You are an amazing family and a blessing to Clara. I know you will miss her so much, but pray you will receive peace and comfort from our Heavenly

    Father. He must be so pleased at the love you gave Clara.

    Robin Olsen
    November 4, 2014
    Orem, UT
  • I am so sorry for your loss. My beautiful mother just passed away and if she has a say, she’ll make sure little Clara finds the snacks in heaven.

    Laurie Montero
    November 4, 2014
    WEST, RICHLAND, WA, USA
  • Brian and Natasha and family, Kent and Krista and all the extended Woodward family. I wanted to add my sympathies and prayers on your behalf at this very difficult time. Knowing your family and your faith you will be carried by the Saviour during this trial. You all are a very special family. Love Dan

    Dan Warren
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, USA
  • Dearest Natasha and Brian-and all-my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your sweet Clara. Although we walk in the valley of sadness, we know Clara to be safe in the arms of our Saviour, as He too, sustains us through this time of pain and tears. You are so right-Clara will be with you and watch over you every moment of your lives-until you meet again.

    Only love-

    Barbara L. Mannion
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, United, States
  • Brian,

    You have such a beautiful eternal family and our prayers are with you.

    Michael Bates
    November 4, 2014
    Frisco, TX, USA
  • So sorry to not have been able to go to the open house but the funeral was beautiful. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and it was such a blessing to have gotten to know you in 8th ward for a short time and have Clara in Nursery. Love from the Ruiz Family

    Ruiz Family
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, United, States
  • Dearest Brian and Natasha,

    We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful angel Clara. I know you and your family have been through so much with her illness. Please know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers! May god hold her in his arms ever so tightly.

    God Bless

    Troy and Lisa Hilberg
    November 4, 2014
    North, Bend, WA, US
  • Clara will always be in our hearts!!! Thank you to the Woodward Family for your great examples and strong spirits!

    Fox Family
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, USA
  • Thank you for sharing your journey with us. This gives us renewed hope and faith. Our prayers have been for Clara and your family over the last year. May your hearts be comforted.

    Love, The Olson’s

    Scott and Lori Olson
    November 4, 2014
    Glendale, AZ, US
  • Dear Brian and Family, you all have been in our thoughts and prayers, once I learned of little Clara’s fight, my sister Karen Landoni, helped to keep us up to date plus watching

    updates and celebrations of her life via FB, we were able to understand what a precious and special spirit she was. I was humbled by her strength and spiritual connection. She touched our lives even though we had never met. Your family is amazing and a great example to us all, may The Lord continue to bless you.

    Gerry and Robin Goude

    Gerald Goude
    November 4, 2014
    Moses, Lake, WA, USA
  • Sweet, beautful Clara has fulfilled her ‘Mission’ here on earth and is in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. Truly Jesus and all her know her loves her.

    Jim and Joan Fleming
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA, US
  • Completely beautiful. Though I never was able to meet Clara, she has touched my life in ways I will never, ever forget. Love you all!

    Britanny Dempsey
    November 4, 2014
    Woodinville, WA, USA
  • Dear Woodword Family.

    Our prayers and love are with you all… May God, our Father in Heaven conffort your hearts and fill you with his warming love. May you always feel Clara’s presence near you. Families are Forever.

    With our Love

    The Cathey’s

    Carmen Cathey
    November 4, 2014
    Mckinney, TX
  • My prayers are with you all! Clara was a beautiful little girl with a big heart and her strength has inspired many people. Grateful that you all shared her story!

    Lori
    November 4, 2014
    Pasco, WA
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