January 10, 1944 – September 24, 2008
In the comfortable setting of her seaside home, with family and dear Ontario friends, Sharon and Sandy Tibbs at her side, Woodrina, (Woody, Woo) passed away. She was predeceased by her natural mother Irene Hughes (nee Strange) at an early age and later by her parents W.W. Hughes and Margaret Hughes (nee McVey) and step-brother John Vance of Fort Frances, ON. She is lovingly remembered by her adoring husband and best friend, Richard Dick of Salt Spring Island, BC; sisters: Sandra (nee Hughes) and Jack Walkey of Vermilion Bay, ON; Tammy Hughes and Daniel Ring of Richmond, BC; nieces and nephews: Jason and Jennifer Walkey and sons Vance and Rhys of Winnipeg, MB; Andrea (nee Walkey) and Clint Weiss and son, Jack of Thunder Bay, ON; Amanda Ring of Richmond, BC; and many, many wonderful friends around North America.
Woodrina’s early childhood was spent in Winnipeg, MB. Once she moved with her family to Fort Frances, she attended Robert Moore School. As a graduate of Fort Frances High School, she started her career in the Canadian Navy in Halifax in 1962. She subsequently worked in Ottawa, Bermuda, and Toronto in various government roles. Her professional career culminated as a Canadian Customs Inspector in Fort Frances and the surrounding lake ports. Sand Point Lake was one such special spot for Woodrina as many friends reside there. Woodrina and Richard retired to their dream island retreat on Salt Spring Island in 2004 so that their wish to live on the water would be a reality. As she said, “It is a blessing beyond measure to live near the sea.” As part of her island life, she renewed her love of dancing and became a trainer at “Curves” and made friendships that she cherished with the “Curves girls”.
Woodrina always had a passion for animals. She was devoted to selecting, training, and caring for numerous pets as companions for herself and Richard, friends and family. We know that her purse always had a corner for the dog cookies.
Woodrina touched the lives of many people wherever she went. With her genuine interest in people and their lives, her generous and caring spirit endeared her to many as a “special mother” to some and as a friend to all. She was a wonderful woman who was able to cross generational boundaries with ease. She was on the leading edge of trends and known to her friends and family for her ability to accessorize an outfit or a room.
At her request, there will be a gathering of friends to remember her on Salt Spring Island and in North West Ontario at dates in the future.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for the advancement of research for a cure.