WOODWARD, Lucy Berton
October 12, 1921 - December 9, 2015
Artist, writer, theatre lover, lively personality, dedicated gardener, handywoman, devoted West Coaster, unparallelled baker of raspberry pie, loving Mom and Grandma. Born in Dawson City, Yukon, Lucy later attended the University of Victoria, and then UBC, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Ubyssey. After stints at the Vancouver News-Herald, a dress designer's studio and the Weather Office, she met Geoffrey Woodward through the Players Club Alumni of UBC theatre group. They married in 1950.
After she started a family, Lucy wrote two children's adventure books, Johnny in the Klondike (1964), co-authored with her mother, Laura Beatrice Berton, and Kidnapped in the Yukon (1968). She also did publicity for Vancouver arts organizations, including Holiday Theatre and the Community Arts Council. From 1968 to 1970, she wrote the Vancouver Sun's "Here and There" social column, and later did freelance reports for CBC Radio's "Morningside" program. She was a loving mother, a skilled seamstress and able to fix almost anything. A firm Canadian nationalist, she was fiercely independent. In 1975, enchanted by the magnificent views, Lucy and Geoff moved to White Rock. She worked part-time at the switchboard at Peace Arch Hospital, and the two enjoyed many travels abroad. After Geoff died in 1998, Lucy continued to garden, paint prolifically and study genealogy. She was blessed to live in her own home and have clarity of mind almost to the end. She died peacefully at Peace Arch Hospice. Lucy is survived by son Berton, his wife Phielle, and their children Catalina and Phillip, and by daughter Paisley, her husband Steve Kelen and their children Avi and Sarah. The family deeply appreciates the support given by her longtime caregiver Elba "Ping" Ledesma, along with Lorna Donzal. Thanks also to Jean Ouderkirk, Lita Butangen, Rosemarie Barcena, Cecilia Flores and the many others who looked after Lucy in her last years. Special appreciation to family friend Julia "Mardy" Allatog. Thanks again to Peace Arch Hospice staff. A family gathering will be held in January. Donations to the Performing Arts Lodges Vancouver
(http://palvancouver.org) appreciated.
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