Valerie Frances Woodcock
August 21, 1939 ~ October 23, 2024
Born in:
Croydon, England
Resided in:
College Station, Texas
Valerie was born in Croydon, England, just before the declaration of World War II. She grew up with older siblings, Sylvia and Michael. Her father, Frank Gubbins was away from home most of the war, and her mother Marjorie raised Michael and Valerie through the difficult war years with a confidence and grace that Valerie inherited. She was educated at Old Palace School in Croydon and studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London during her high school years. She completed her nursing training at London’s prestigious Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital and enjoyed the city location with its many opportunities to enjoy the visual and performing arts. After qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 1962 she undertook post-graduate surgical nursing studies in Bristol. She married David Woodcock in 1964, becoming mother to his infant son Jonathan, and spent two years in Texas while David was a visiting faculty member at Texas A&M. Daughters Frances and Penny were born in 1965 and 1970. Her interest and training in early childhood education began at a Quaker school in Canterbury, England where the family lived for four years. After the family moved back to the United States in 1970 she taught at the Saint Thomas Early Learning Center, serving as the Head of School from 1988 until her retirement in 2000. Her belief in, and advocacy for, the principles of the school helped to shape the lives of countless children and teachers. She was also a tireless supporter of David’s teaching career at Texas A&M, hosting end of semester student gatherings that remain special memories for three generations of Architecture students. In later years she was able to join David at professional meetings and made many friends in the Association for Preservation Technology International, serving as social planner for the conference in Galveston in 2004. Her civic activities included early education organizations, and the MSC Opera and Performing Arts Society, where she played a leading role in the development of OPAS, Jr., a program to introduce the performing arts to young audiences and served as President of OPAS in 2000. Growing up with BBC radio, she was a founding supporter of KAMU FM and TV, assisting with fundraising, and had her own children’s story program for many years. Her support for music in the Brazos Valley continued with her fund-raising work for the Brazos Valley Symphony Society for which she served as a Board member and Secretary. She was a recipient of the “Andy” Anderson Award from the Brazos Valley Arts Council. In 2004 she and daughter Penny established U Paint-It Pottery, that has become gathering-space for clients of all ages. She has been an active member of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church since 1964, serving as the Senior Warden on two occasions. Valerie enjoyed reading, art, cooking and good food, conversation, and music, especially grand opera at the Paris Opera, Covent Garden, London, the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and as a patron member of the Houston Grand Opera for many years. Travel and the memories it creates were always important, notably a road trip from Texas to Canada and down the East Coast and southern states in 1965, travels to the United Kingdom to see family over many years, trips to Europe, and family visits to Japan, Korea and Hawaii as son Jon’s military career took him, and his wife Tracey and their children, Ian, Caden and Kathleen, across the world. Frances and her wife Denise Cumming provided warm welcomes in the Northwest of the United States and in Knoxville, Tennessee. Penny’s career in student life added visits to campuses in South Carolina, Arizona, Dallas and Fort Worth. Penny and her husband Kirk Bane now live in College Station. Valerie is survived by David, her husband of sixty years, their children and family named above, by Michael Bishop and Pauline Holmes of Clifton Park, NY uniquely family and treasured friends, by nieces and nephews in the United Kingdom, Nick and Trish, Jane and Kevin, John and Vicky, Katie and Critch, Ben and Emily, Stuart and Ruth, Fiona and Nigel, and their families. She is also survived by her many cherished friends in the community and across the continent. A Celebration of Life will be held at Saint Thomas on Friday, 29 November at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Please wear bright colors! Gifts in her memory may be directed to the Saint Thomas Early Learning Center (stthomaselc.org) or to a charity of your choice. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Centers of Bryan-College Station. Express condolences with the family at www.CallawayJones.com.
Services
Celebration of Life Tribute: November 29, 2024 11:00 am
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
906 George Bush Drive
College Station, Texas 77840
(979)696-1726
https://www.stthomasbcs.org
remembering Sweet lady
Valerie was a good friend and cherished traveling companion. She was instrumental in building the education outreach program for OPAS, which began with OPAS, Jr. Her commitment to good, early education is well known and she believed the arts were at the core of that education. Rest in peace, my friend.
Valerie taught my preschool class at St Thomas ELC nearly 40 years ago. She was kind and engaging and loved seeing us learn. Rest in peace.
David and Valerie were our neighbors on Wolf Run when we first moved and even though it was not our first year living in College Station, having them as neighbors made us feel at home here for the first time. Valerie helped us feel welcome with her kindness, compassion, stories, love for the community, and, of course, her laugh. Even though we weren’t family we felt as such from her warmth and camaraderie. When she heard we weren’t traveling to see our family for Christmas, she invited us to join them for a truly English Christmas, complete with crowns, crackers, jammy biscuits, and lots of laughter. This, like many of the times we spent with the Woodcocks, is a cherished memory of ours we look back fondly on. College Station is a lesser place without her, but a much greater and richer place because of the love, care, and class she brought to this community and the people who were blessed to spend time with her.
Valerie was a lady of compassion and grace. Her presence lit up the room. It was so evident to Shiryn and I that her and David had a deep loving relationship. I will think of her with that memory.
What a compassionate, dear and precious soul! David and family, you are in my prayers. May God comfort you.
David, Valerie will be greatly missed and my prayers go out to you and your family!
Valerie made a difference in the lives of so many. A “life well lived”!
The many wonderful attributes expressed by ALL reflects such in many ways. I do want to add that I always found Valerie’s smile and warmth to be so special and uplifting.
Valerie was a special teacher My children and St Thomas ELC were so fortunate to have her.
She will be missed
David,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Valerie. She was so kind and welcoming always to us as a member of the St. Thomas family. We are praying for your peace and comfort.
Valerie will be missed by so many, made an exceptional contribution to her community, and lived an inspirational life and I am thankful to have known her.
Valerie was a wonderful friend and mentor throughout our years of volunteering together for OPAS and BVSO. She will be missed by me and by so many!
Dear David and family,
Valerie was such an important, vital part of the early education at St. Thomas of our 3 sons Robert, Michael and Jason. We became good friends through the years as we endeavored to enrich the experience of all the children. To say she was an extremely special, gifted person is obvious. In addition, she had such a lovely personality! Our world is dimmer today because of her leaving. David I’m sending hugs to you and your children. Unfortunately, for health reasons and distance I won’t be able to attend the service for her. However, you can be sure I’ll remember as it’s on my birthday. Much love to all. Kandy
Dear David and family,
I will remember Valerie as being so cheerful and kind, always so happy to see you (especially at APT conferences) and so genuinely interested in your well-being. Such a kind and loving person and an inspiration to us all on how to treat one another. David, we grieve for your loss and hope that as the pain fades you will find strength in her love and memories.
Dear David – My thoughts are with you and your family as you celebrate Valerie’s remarkable life and the memories that you shared.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Doris
Dearest Valerie,
We are so very honoured to have known you. Your unbridled “joie de vivre”, your sense of adventure, and your capacity to love have been inspirational for us both and have made our lives richer.
We will treasure our memories of you forever. Rest in peace dear friend. What fun we had….!
Love,
Jacquie and Lorne Simpson
Canada
Valerie was a most remarkable woman. We loved the opportunity to be a part of so many memorable parties at Ward and Diane Wells home when she and David were in attendance. She was an inspiration for certain. Hard to part with someone so dear. Blessings to the family.
Pam and Jim Reynolds
Penny and Frances we are so sorry to hear this news. Our hearts are with you.
So sorry to hear this. Mrs. Woodcock was such a sweet lady, I enjoyed our visits every time I saw her! Prayers of comfort to Mr. David and the rest of her family!
The Woodcocks were friends for more than three decades….our children were raised together. We have many, many fond memories; so I will mention the one we treasure most. It was impossible not to be happy and optimistic when Valerie was present. The smile shown in the obiturary photo reflects the joy in her life and the joy that she brought to others! With love and respect! Pam and Jim Reynolds Idaho, Falls Idaho, ID.
Valerie was a dear friend. We admired her professionalism and public service. She was a fan of our son’s acting career and never failed to inquire after him. She will be missed by family.friends, and community.
Mrs. Woodcock was my teacher at the St. Thomas ELC thirty years ago, and I saw her every Sunday at church growing up. She was such a kind person and I know she will be so missed by everyone whose lives she touched, especially all the kids at the ELC. My condolences to you all.
We were saddened to learn of Valerie’s passing. She was a delightful and caring person. Our sympathies are extended to David and the family.
Dear David, we are so sorry for your loss. Valerie was a lovely compassionate lady. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo
I am so sorry for you loss. She was a beautiful person.
Dear David and family,
So sorry for your loss. Bob and I always enjoyed our times together. We had fun at Marche’s graduation party from UofH and most recently having our picture taken together at Derby Day. Valerie and I would often see each other at the hairdresser and share thoughts.
Love to all of you and may you find comfort knowing that she is no longer struggling but has physical freedom.
Becky and Bob Hall
Valerie’s family,
My deepest sympathy for your great loss. Valerie was a lovely, friendly person and will be missed by so many in this community. She taught my son in preschool many years ago and the last time I saw her she asked about him! That was Valerie, always interested in others and willing to listen and smile. May treasured memories of her comfort each of you. God bless you and give you peace.
David and family please accept my condolences on Valerie’s passing. She was such a lovely woman and was always a welcome addition at any APT conference. What a productive and loving life! I am lucky to have known her. May her memory be a blessing. Love to you, Joan