Obituary of Laura Woods

Laura Pearl Woods of Camrose passed away on Sunday, February 9th, 2014 at the age of 93 years. Laura Pearl (Berg) Woods was born August 6, 1920 to Gust & Bessie Berg. The third of seven children, Laura grew up on the farm north of Manville and attended school at Pathfinder and Myrnam. She attended Edmonton Normal School and started her teaching career at Bezanson in northern Alberta. A year later she accepted the position of teacher at Pretty Hill School, near Kingman, followed by a position at New Salem School south of Camrose. Her last teaching post was at Armena where she spent two years. During her time at New Salem, she met Bob and romance blossomed. They were married July 27, 1947 at Camrose United Church and started farming with Bob's parents on the farm south of Camrose. Laura took an active role on the farm, helping with chores, milking cows and raising chickens. She became an avid gardener and was proud of her bountiful crops. Many friends and relatives were recipients of the surplus produce - especially zucchini, rhubarb and in later years - pumpkins! Laura was involved in many community and church activities which always played an important role in her life. Joining the Country Women's group led to a life long dedication to Unit L and U.C.W. She spent endless hours in the church kitchen as the 'boss' for catered events and funerals. In fact, when issues of indecision arose, the common response would be "ask Laura"! Her volunteer efforts did not end with the church, she served on the Co-op Board, worked at and participated in the local fair, supported her daughters 4-H involvement and made valuable contributions to numerous other worthwhile causes. Laura was passionate about writing. She enjoyed writing poetry and short stories and often composed them for special occasions. She was thrilled to be able to contribute her stories to Grain News on a regular basis from 1983 - 1991. Writing continued through her retirement and with the help of her grandchildren, in her later years, she was able to master the use of a computer. Bob & Laura retired from the farm in 1987 and moved to Camrose, where they resided until their move to Sunrise Village in 2011. Laura will be sadly missed by her loving husband Bob, daughters, Evelyn (Maurice), Loretta (Gerry), Adele (Terry), eight grandchildren: Mark (Jaki), Paul (Carly), Nicole (Jared), Greg (Jody) Karin (Brad), Ryan (Stacey), Meghan (Rob), Darcy (Kirsten) and six great grandchildren: Xavier, Ella, Claire, Sianna, Salem and Lena; her sister Hazel (Dick) Pilger and brother Glen. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers George, Howard and Norman, sister Grace and grandson Robert Campeau. A funeral service was held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. from the Camrose United Church (4829 50 Street, Camrose, AB)with Rev. Alan Richards officiating. Interment has taken place in the Skafse Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Laura's name to Camrose United Church UCW or a charity of choice.