Marie and Bill Greenwood on their
39th wedding anniversary.
Her Family
At the age of 30, Marie L. Anderson married William (Bill) Rivers Greenwood, age 23, on April 17, 1943. They went on to have four children, a girl and three boys. Mr. Greenwood always wanted the best for her and their family. "Everything we did was for us and almost everything we had was ours. We made decisions together, shared problems and joys, solved our differences agreeably, and always presented a united front to our children," said Marie. "Dinnertime was family time when we communicated with each other - good, bad or indifferent. Life nor marriage is perfect, but solving problems and disagreements amicably accentuates the good and the understanding that strengthens love and respect in any relationship."
Mrs. Greenwood put her teaching job on hold to raise her family. There were many family trips and adventures, including two World's Fairs (Seattle in 1962 and New York City in 1964). In September 1955, she returned to work as the first African-American teacher to be placed in an all white school in the history of the Denver Public Schools (Newlon School). The children grew and thrived, and eventually started their own lives. Mrs. Greenwood now has 6 grand children and 9 great grandchildren.
Tragically, her husband died in a car accident on April 2, 1983. Mrs. Greenwood says about her marriage: “40 wonderful years of caring, sharing, and most loving companionship." She still wears her original wedding band, and she wears Bill's ring which he wore for 40 years.
Mrs. Greenwood's
Philosophies of Life
"Be willing to go the "second mile" whenever and wherever needed."
"Be adaptable to changes in this world...Most of all, Never Stop Learning!"
"Nothing is so bad that it couldn't be worse. Be thankful for what you have and make the most of it. Be an optimist."
"Listen to advice and opinions of others, but make your own decisions."
"Learn from your mistakes and bad decisions. They can be some of your best lessons; then "Heaven help you" if you make the same mistakes again!"
"Set goals to achieve. You may have to take detours along the way, but never give up on achieving your goals."
"No matter how menial a task may be, make it the very best."
"Have a sense of humor. It can lighten many a load."
"Remember those who helped you along the way. Reach back and give a helping hand."
"Do the very best at what you enjoy doing and what you are most capable of doing. You are a success if you do what makes you happy."
"Accept the differences in each of us, as in this quotation attributed to Edward Wallis Hoch (1849-1925):"
There's so much Good in
The Worst of us,
And so much Bad in
The Best of us,
It hardly behooves
Any of us,
To talk about
The Rest of us.
Lessons from Mom
Louise Yvonne (7/28/45 - ):
"There are so many ways she has inspired me, both personally and professionally. Mom has been my best friend since my freshman year in college."
Richard Joseph (4/20/48 - 1/15/03):
"Do the very best at what you enjoy doing and what you are most capable of doing. You are a success if you do what makes you happy."
William Rivers, Jr. (1/22/50 - ):
"Plan the work and work the plan."
James Lee (4/16/52 - ):
"Mom rarely said no. Instead she would say, 'How are you going to do it? How are you going to make your dream happen?'"
