Lara Harding 1974-2011

(RantWoman realizes it would be truer to Lara to include some kind of a picture. Stay tuned; no promises.)


Celebrating the life of Lara Harding, 1974-2011

Seattle and the world of people with disabilities advocating for
education, full access and participation have lost a HUGE presence and
our first task is to celebrate the life of Lara Harding.

May 12, 2011, 2:00-4:00 pm
Center Park Community Room
(across the hall from the STAR Center)
http://www.starofseattle.org/



PLEASE RSVP by calling 206-325-4284
Lara loved dark pink or mauve; Bringing or wearing something that color would be a great way to celebrate Lara.
If you would like to speak or offer other contributions to the memorial, to contribute items to a biography of all the things Lara connected to in the Seattle area, please contact the STAR Center, 206-325-4284.

If you cannot attend our gathering, Lara Harding and her mother Mildred Harding both have pages onFacebook and memorials can be posted and read there.


BIO
Lara Harding was born May 12, 1974 in Reno, NV. As a result of a blood clot in her lung, a rare side effect of a new pain medication, Lara died unexpectedly at Evergreen Hospital, April 14, 2011.

Lara spoke occasionally of a very challenging birth family involving substance abuse and other abuse issues. Pastor Roger and Mildred Harding adopted Lara when she was 7 years old. Lara was a 1993 graduate of Eastland High School, Fairfield, IL. Lara received a BA in Psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale IL in 1993. Lara also received a certificate in IT Management from Colorado technical University in 2005.
Lara’s early work experiences included work as a people greeter at WalMart in Freeport IL, the Northwest Illinois Center for Independent Living in Sterling IL, Literacy Tutor and Service Program Coordinator for Americorps program in Dixon IL. A substitute teacher in Manlis IL

Among Lara’s many connections since coming to the Seattle area:
The WA Initiative for Supported Employment
The Involving All Neighbors Gardening in the P-patch project in West Seattle
The Getting Involved in Your Neighborhood project in NE Seattle
The Rite of Passage project at the STAR of Seattle working with youth transitioning from public school to work
The New Horizons program at the Seattle Public library.

Lara was visionary and tireless in her efforts to educate others,to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities, and to travel all over the Puget Sound participating in activities or just shopping for books.
Lara loved dark pink or mauve; Bringing or wearing something that color would be a great way to celebrate Lara. Lara also loved books, coffee, and making a difference in people’s lives. She truly was an example that is hard to keep up with. Let us all do what we can to carry on her dreams.

Lara's family has asked that memorial contributions be made to
The Mustard Seed Adult Family Home
8906 172nd St. Southeast, Snohomish, WA 98296
Phone: 425-770-3039, Fax: 360-863-2281
http://www.themustardseedafh.com/



Some RantWoman adventures with Lara, aka Travelling Buddy


http://rantwoman.blogspot.com/2010/07/navel-of-starbucks-universe.html


http://rantwoman.blogspot.com/2009/10/diner-food.html


http://rantwoman.blogspot.com/2009/08/adventure-travel-crossing-second-avenue.html


http://rantwoman.blogspot.com/2009/07/who-says-curb-cuts-help.html