Woode, Violet Grace (Greenard) March 10, 1940 - January 28, 2016, passed into paradise surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Many travelled long distances to be with her in the last months. All her 5 siblings and her 3 children stayed close to her through the last 5 months of her journey.
Vi was one who took all her opportunities with joy and made them her own. She started her days in her garden, her kitchen was at the centre of her life and her bird houses were the delight of her grandchildren. She shared her love of the outdoors through the seasons of berry picking, hiking, skiing and watching the river migrations. She was known for her love of music and the arts, an eternal student always ready to learn something new.
Violet was the oldest daughter of her homesteading/logging family in Port Alberni and was raised in all the strength of those traditions. She attended teachers training at UBC and moved to Vanderhoof in 1960 to teach in 2 room schoolhouses. Here she married, had 4 children and continued as a lifelong learner and teacher in natural ways ...ESL lessons to neighbours, volunteer preschool teacher, gave accordion and piano lessons, and found small ways to encourage others daily towards their own joy. Her strong faith in God and her ability to extend grace and live each day with joy is the legacy she leaves her children.
She leaves behind her husband Gerald Woode and her children Shannon Woode and husband Lowry Olafson, Andrea Woode and husband Lane Robertson, and Joel Woode. Her grandchildren Dayton Robertson, Desirae Robertson and Jillian Olafson were her pride and joy. She has been reunited with her son Christopher in spirit. She also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of her own siblings Lillian McIntosh, Sharon Lawler, Dave Greenard, Doug Greenard and Ev Bradbury.
She passed into eternity expressing her complete peace with the joy of a huge smile on her face and lives on now forever in all our hearts.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at St John Hospital, the home support team and especially Dr Dhillon and his oncology team whose trusting care carried Mom peacefully to the end.
The family extends a warm welcome to come and share with us in an afternoon tea to celebrate Violet’s life on May 22, 2016 at 1pm at the Nechako Valley Seniors Centre.