Valerie Lynne Wooders
Valerie Wooders (nee Rose), beloved wife for 52 years of Jack Wooders passed away peacefully in hospital, Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the age of 76 years after spending her final days surrounded by family and friends.
Predeceased by both of her parents, she will be remembered with love by her husband Jack, her son Cameron (Harmony), Jack’s children John (Cheiko) and Victoria, two sisters Cindy (Glen) and Pam, her six grandchildren, Laird, Jake, Andrew, Sarah, David, Arianna, and many friends who looked on Val as family.
Valerie was born in Edmonton, received her schooling and university education in Edmonton and taught with Edmonton Catholic Schools briefly before moving with Jack to a small farm near Edson, Alberta where she taught with Grand Yellowhead School Division for a total of 36 years and as a substitute for years thereafter. She was recognized by students, colleagues and parents for not only her teaching skills but also her big heart in caring about her students. She was also an Alberta Teaching Award of Excellence finalist.
Always happiest spending time with family and friends, Valerie loved her long life on the farm and welcomed others to enjoy the outdoor activities with them. She also loved travel, theatre, cards and Sudoku. Wherever she was, Val was a presence who cared about those around her. She leaves us all with many treasured memories.
Following Val’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. The family invites memorial donations to the charity of your choice.
You will be missed mom, you were everyone’s mom. I am glad to have worked with you. You showed me to be strong, tough, but fair and never sugarcoat anything.
My condolences to all who loved Val. I first met her when I was the educational assistant in her class. It was a pleasure to see her interact so well with her students (read hugs). When I let me son (age 42) know of her death he said “when I need to answer identifying questions, and they ask who was your favourite teacher, I still answer Mrs.Wooders”.
I think of Mrs. Wooders every time I pull my phone out of my pocket and open up my calculator, “you won’t always be caring a calculator around in your pocket!”, but I am. Every time I see a BEDMAS meme, and every time I get it right. When helping my kids understand positives and negatives, I hear her voice, “you owe, you owe, you really owe!”. And of course, I can still picture her walking down the hallway singing, “Tiptoe through the Tulips with meeeee”, usually with a hooligan or two on her arm.
I’m certain I’m not the only student who carries her voice, and fond memories with me regularly. Jack, Cam, and family, I’m sorry for your loss.
My condolences to your family.
Valerie was a great teacher, she was so great at connecting with her students. I only had her for a couple classes but she was one of the best. I’m sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace
Daryl Beaner
My condolences to Val’s family. She was a “one in a million” teacher and impacted the lives of so many people. She was definitely one of my most memorable teachers and also played a mentor role when I became a teacher myself. I hope she is Tip-toeing through the tulips with that big smile on her face 💕
Condolences to your family.
Val was the most memorable teacher I had the pleasure of learning from. She brought the best out of her students, no matter the type of student. We always knew if we got caught chatting or not paying attention that we had a hug coming in front of the class. RIP Mrs. Wooders
It is with deepest sadness that I learned of Val’s passing. We met in university, were colleagues at St. Cecilia’s and later would encounter each other at ATA conventions. A very caring, competent teacher and person who will be missed by all that knew her but most of all by her family. RIP Val.