June 2, 2008 was the 5 year mark since the passing of my Granny. She left her mark on the world... and lived a truly amazing life! She definately made an important impact on my life... and I still think about her and miss her everyday.She inspired everyone who came in contact with her. She had a passion for life like no one I've ever known!
She was an example of amazing strength. She was no stranger to sadness and trials. She was widowed twice. Her first husband, William Love Putnam, was killed while serving his counrty during World War II just 9 short months after they were married. Her second husband, Harry "Barney" Newton Offield, my grandfather, passed away when my mother was only 14 years old.
Granny served in the Navy with Barney, they lived at every naval base in the country from Honolulu, HI to Rhode Island. After the war they eventually settled in St. Louis, MO.
After Barney's passing in St. Louis, she moved her 2 daughters to Salt Lake City, where she purchased a home on Michigan Avenue close to the University of Utah where her 2 daughters were attending college. She opened her home to girls attending the U of U, giving them a place to live (for free). There was a time when she had 7 girls living in her home. She provided for their every need! At one point she even gave up her own bedroom. She was known for giving away everything she had... if you needed something and she had it, she gave it to you!
She raised 2 daughters on her own. Her oldest daughter, Anne passed away farely young after a battle with cancer. She also took care of my 4 younger brothers and me after my parents divorce. She spent her entire life serving and caring for others.
She loved life and really LIVED each and every day... she never waisted a single moment.. and never quit. The last 3 years of her life she fought a courageous b
attle against Lymphoma (a cancer similar to Leukemia). Even in her fragile health she hiked the Grand Canyon (with me) at the age of 84. She also had a love for hard work... she worked fulltime for Ballet West in their marketing department up until 3 weeks before her passing at the age of 85. She had a passion for working... she said it kept her mind young and active... and it really did... she was absolutely AMAZING! I count myself lucky... having had her influence in my life... I was just one of the many blessed by her.Barbara Amundsen Putnam Offield ~ December 8, 1917 - June 2, 2003
