Atwood (Woodie) Westmoreland De Wandeleer, 82, of Palmer Alaska, passed away May 10, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born June 4, 1940 in Asheville, North Carolina to Joseph Robert Westmoreland and Margaret Elizabeth Fleming.
A lifelong teacher, Woodie had a masters degree in early education and worked at many schools in North Carolina, Arizona, and Alaska. Her love of teaching and children led her into the special needs field where she worked with handicapped and severely involved children for more than 40 years. From her early years in teaching Woodie’s dream was to move to Alaska and teach. She realized her dream in 1997 and lived in Alaska until just before her death. Woodie retired from teaching in 2014 and remained in Alaska to enjoy the beauty and her love of the outdoors.
When she passed, her daughter Jennifer Halstead of Canton, NC and her son Ian Halstead of Gold Canyon, AZ were by her side. In addition to her two children Woodie is survived by her brother, Joseph Robert Westmoreland II and his wife Ramona, of Asheville, NC, three grandchildren, five great-grand children, four nieces and nephews, and many more loving family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband Claude Gaston Roger De Wandeleer, of Palmer AK, originally from Belgium.
Woodie was a fervent supporter of US Military Veterans and donated to many veteran organizations including the USO, MusiCorps, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. In lieu of cards or flowers the family requests that donations be given to one of these organizations in her memory.
Sending my deepest condolences! I’m so sorry to hear of Woody’s passing. She was such a good neighbor. My kids went to high school where she taught for a few years. One of my daughters was her teaching assistant for a school year. We will miss her and our times sitting outside enjoying the Alaskan summer weather. Rest In Peace Sweet Lady ❤️
An inspiring truly Alaskan Grandma & Great Grandma! Honored to have been loved by her and to love her back.
My husband Paul and I so enjoyed our friendship with Woodie. She was an outstanding teacher, and a bright woman with so much wisdom and humor to share with those around her. We feel blessed to have crossed paths with she and her late husband Claude. May she rest in peace.
My brief encounter with Atwood was traveling with her and Ian from Anchorage to Arizona. In that time, I got a small glimpse into her love of life and adventure. I know she touched many lives along the way, I was fortunate to be one of them. My condolences to Ian, Jennifer and all that knew and lover her 💕
I first met Woodie and Claude in Talkeetna Alaska. She was a teacher and Claude was a tour guide. I was their tax practitioner and friend. Our friendship continued when we both moved to Palmer Alaska. Loved visiting and hearing their stories of places they travelled to. She will be missed. RIP my friend.