Mary Woodruff
September 25, 2023
Obituary
Mary Woodruff, formerly of Twillingate, passed away peacefully in St John’s on September 25, 2023 aged 97 years.
Predeceased by her loving husband Dr. Frederick Woodruff, and son-in-law John Goosney. Mary leaves to mourn her children Stephen(Katja), Janet Goosney, Kate Saunders (John) and Paul (Lisa) and grandchildren Claire, Evan, Marc, Lauren and Andrew.
Born in West Hartlepool, England, Mary worked as a nurse and then attended medical school where she met Fred, who became her husband of 70 years.
The family moved to Twillingate where she ran the local library, started the NDBM hospital auxiliary, volunteered with the girl guides, eventually becoming the District Commissioner, she helped establish the Twillingate museum, to name a few of her pursuits. Later Mary continued her volunteering in St. John’s as a member of the Friends of the Botanical Gardens, the Queens College library, and edited the Seniors Resource Centre newsletter for many years.
Mary will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank Dr. O’Shea and the caring staff at Kenny’s Pond for the love and care they showed our mother the last few years.
There will be a private service for the late Mrs. Woodruff, followed by a funeral service at a later date.
In her memory donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House.
Kate: I am so very sorry to read of your mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Karen Smith
Mary was a valued volunteer at the Seniors Resource Centre (now SeniorsNL.) Her contributions were many but her role as editor of the Seniors Pride was of particular importance. This little newsletter, written by seniors for seniors, was widely sort after and distributed throughout the province. Mary compiled it and made sure it was ready to go to print each month often contributing articles she wrote herself. True to character she asked for no recognition. Ill health prevented her from continuing to volunteer in recent years but she will always be remembered by everyone at SeniorsNL.
Rosemary Lester
Retired ED Seniors NL.
With her calm, empathetic manner Mary was a wonderful Peer Advocate at the Seniors Resource Centre for 14 years. She was a great listener and provided information and down to earth advice to callers, often ending by advising them to “go and make a nice cup of tea”. Mary was willing to represent the views of seniors, always with her inimitable sense of humour. Her outport experience from the years she lived in Twillingate made her contribution to the Peer Advocate program, and specifically to me, invaluable.
My condolences to the family
Condolences on the loss of your mother.I have many happy memories of her and your father inTwillingate.
She certainly accomplished a lot in her lifetime
I got to know Mary and Dr. Fred when I worked at MUN Botanical Garden. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them both. Many conversations were about their time in Twillingate and the healthcare and history of the Isles. Mary was a very quiet and gentle soul with a comforting demeanour. A very lovely lady.. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
Jan, Kate, Paul & Stephen,
So sorry to hear your beautiful mother has died. The impact she had on her family, and the community at large was enormous. She had gentle and quiet way about her and she and Dr. Woodruff complimented each other perfectly. We did not see them often but when we did we so enjoyed their company.
Sincere condolences to you and your families.
Hugs
Hi Paul and family
I was heartbroken to hear the sad news.
Your mum was a wonderful lady and always treated me like family.
She introduced me to a wide array of authored and her calm demeanour was always so comforting.
Thinking of you.
The end of an era. ❤️🩹😢❤️
Ravs.
To Katie and all the Woodruff Family, my sincere condolences on the passing of this beautiful lady. She was my girl guide leader, librarian, and my friend’s mom. I remember her as a kind, gentle woman..
Paul, Lisa and family
Sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful Mom, mom-in-law, grandmother and friend to a lot of people. She led a fulfilled and amazing life and will surely be missed by you all. May she rest in peace💔
Ed and Agatha Howlett
To Paul and family
My condolences on the passing of your mother. She was the glue that kept Dr. Woodruff going in Twillingate when I was a student and later worked there. Cherish your memories.
Ean Parsons
A fine lady that I remember well. My condolences to Stephen, Janet, Kate & Paul and the rest of the family.
Paul Sharon and I want to express our sincere condolences. No matter how old they are you will always miss your parents. Our prayers are with you and your family.
It is with a saddened heart that I read of the loss of Mrs. Woodruff.. Although we did know the entire family, we did know her daughter Janet. A sweet memory of Janet is when she shared with us her “mum’s” proper use of a duvet and how it is properly cared for. To this day, I follow these care instructions. and I could never be without my duvet. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the entire family at this most difficult time. RIP.
Paul , Lisa and family
Our condolences on the passing of your mother. Susan remembers your Mom from her time at Queens College . Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kevin and Susan Foley
Paul and family
Our condolences on the loss of your mom.
May she RIP
Paul, Lisa and family
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother
Paul, Lisa and the Woodruff family – so very sorry to hear this sad news. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Deepest sympathy Paul on your families loss. Darrell Long and Family
Paul, sorry to hear of you mothers passing. Please pass along my condolences to your family.
Hi Paul,
So sorry for the passing of your mom… I didn’t know her personally but see she surely lived a full life and certainly contributed so much to the lives of those around her! I know you and your family will surely miss such a amazing women and mother… I will be thinking and praying for you and your family…
Paul and family, sorry to head of your moms passing .I remember your parents from around “ the mall “ and I cut your dads hair and you too Paul many times . Please accept my condolences.
To Stephen, ,Janet, Katie and Paul and families … my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mom. I knew this beautiful, unassuming lady for many years when I worked at the hospital. With you in sorrow.
Deeply saddened to her of your mom’s passing. She was highly esteemed here in Twillingate and has been remembered by many.
We are sending heartfelt condolences to all her family and prayers for peace and comfort for you all.
Carl & Eula Dalley
Our condolences to Paul and Lisa and all the family on your loss! A life well lived obviously and to be proud of! I remember first when we all arrived on Stenlake Crescent and your parents use to visit, and I’d have a little yarn with them if I happened to be outside. Lovely people!
To all of Mary’s Family,my Deepest condolences to you,she sure has a Special place in my Heart and you’re all so Blessed to have each other.
I’m sure Fred is waiting with open arms.
God Bless
Mary- Housekeeper