Poppy Johnson Harshman

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University of Florida

Poppy Harshman Obituary

Poppy Johnson Harshman had a great life and partied hard. In high school, she played varsity basketball from 9th-12th grade, winning several Atlanta city championships. Earning a Bachelors in psychology and a Master's in Education from the University of Florida, she was the first woman on the Gator ski team. Poppy worked in the developmental services program in the state of Florida for 15 years. Poppy created the STARS program (Start Training Appropriate Responses to Stimuli) for the developmentally disabled, gaining national recognition. She went on to become the Director of the Diagnostic and Evaluation team for the State of Florida community services for the developmentally disabled. In that role, she was chosen to be 1 of 12 in the state of Florida for the navigation of Fellows Program. Then she had her first daughter and retired from the workforce. Poppy dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her children and enjoying her time on this earth. She was seen frequently at Christina's, buying rounds at Dante's, making turns down Ray's Ridge, and on the beach at Purgatory. When not out rabble-rousing, she was in her kitchen serving up some big, juicy, almost raw, tasty meat snacks for her family, friends, and neighbors in Mayday, CO.

She is survived by her daughters, Melanie Harshman and Stephanie Waechter, her sister, Susie Girardeau, and her beloved grandson Wolfgang. Poppy said that her children were her greatest accomplishment in life. Many would say her greatest accomplishment was how many people she was able to make smile and remind to live life to the fullest.

Poppy requested that we "remember the good times," so please join us to celebrate Poppy's life at the VFW in Durango, CO on Saturday, September 2nd starting at 1pm. Open Bar, because that's how Poppy would want it!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Southwest Colorado Special Olympics, 970.945.0395.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Aug. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Poppy Harshman

10 Entries

Sherry seay

August 18, 2023

Miss you everyday.

Wendy Butler

September 1, 2017

Poppy,oh Poppy how you would brighten the day with your smile and humorous forwardness. You've strived to live life to the fullest, no matter the mission. You definately could party like a ROCKSTAR. After meeting Poppy no matter the situation or occasion there was never a dull moment at all. She was one of kind, unique in her own crazy way and a die hard PARTY GIRL til her end. R.I.P. POPPY AS YOU PARTY ON, THE GATES WERE OPENED AND THE PARTY WILL NEVER STOP. Condolences to her family and all that knew her as well. You'll be missed,but definately never forgotten my friend...........

August 28, 2017

Please accept my condolences. May you find strength and comfort in the many promises from God's Word for a happy future. 1 Thessalonians 4:14- RJP

August 27, 2017

I miss you Poppy!

Charley

Cheers!

Amy Kendziorski

August 27, 2017

Poppy, you brought joy and fun to the Big Island! Thank you for helping me learn about myself and my impact on others. Tonight I am celebrating your life with a lantern in your honor at the Hospice of North Hawaii fundraiser...and next weekend Poppy's Pirates will be racing our canoe in the Queen Lilio Race. We know you are with us in spirit!!! Your kindness and spirit, and craziness too, made the world a better place!!

August 26, 2017

Poppy,Patty,Sherry and Mikey where best of friends for years we were the 4 musketeers, know separating us. When Poppy got sick and had to leave town we all seemed to go our own way which is sad in its self but i will always have the memories. I wish i could be at the VFW on Saturday but its a busy day/weekend for me I guess I will have to get my closure in another way.Hope y'all have fun. All my love to family and friends.

Lory J

August 25, 2017

My condolences to poppys family. I will miss poppy and her smile. Whenever poppy entered a room, she brighten it. Rest in peace my dear friend

cj wise

August 25, 2017

I will always remember poppys great sense of humor.. the years I knew her as her nurse.. and the homemade pickles and treats she brought to me.. she adored her family and always had pictures of wolfgang on her phone and could not wait to share.. The stories of her adventures.. sail on Poppy to your next adventure... you will missed

Jeanie Widner

August 25, 2017

My life was richer because I knew Poppy. She is one of the unforgettable people who touches you in a way and place that no one else has before! My sincere condolences to her family.

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