Obituary of Sibyl Woodward

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Sibyl Woodward nee: Coles announce her passing at her home surrounded by family on July 28^th, 2024, at the age of 95 years.

Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are her children: Peter Woodward ( Nickki), Tana Woodward (Mike) and Melvin Woodward; grandchildren: Erin Woodward, Gillian Woodward, Mac Whitehead, Luke Whitehead and Andrew Tee; great grandchildren: Bellamy, Spencer, Finlay, Devon and Alexandra; as well as a large circle of many extended relatives and friends.

The Woodward family has lost its foundation. Our mom was a caring and capable woman. She could skin, pluck, cut, and cook anything. She loved to plant things in the earth and the solitude of berry picking. She learned to sew by hand-making skin boots and had no difficulty repairing our leather coats. She was a beautiful knitter, and we are happy to see the christening gowns she made for her grandchildren being passed on to her great grandchildren.

Mom felt a great pride in the accomplishments of our father and recognized her role in this by being the center of our home and the grounding point of our family. Mom had humble beginnings and prior to coming to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, she lived in a boarding house in St Johns working as a cashier at the Royal store by day and as a server at the Candlelight restaurant by night. Mom never deviated from what she enjoyed and what was important to her. She was honest and good. She had a great deal of respect for self sufficiency and because of this, she loved Newfoundland and she loved Labrador. We feel a great loss in the history and hard work she represented.

Sibyl was predeceased by her husband: Melvin Woodward; parents: George Henry and Sarah Fanny (nee: Mitchelmore) Coles; brothers: Nelson, Randell, Maxwell and Lloyd; sisters: Alma, Hazel, Audrey, Sadie, Ada and Annie.

Friends and family may visit Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL on Tuesday, July 30^th, 2024, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 31^st, 2024, in the Anglican Church, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL at 2:00 pm with Rev Jean Shears officiating, Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to St. Andrews Anglican Church, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

The family would like to extend their thanks to Janet White, Eileen Mitchelmore, Sue White, and Mona Burden for their care of mom.