Obituary of Elizabeth A. Woodard

Rensselaer- Elizabeth Anna (Wiltse) Woodard, entered the nearer presence of God on December 31, 2021. She passed peacefully in her home, which was her greatest wish. She had loved ones by her side, including her 3 beloved cats; Maggie, Ben, and Rosie. Betty Ann or ‘Ba’ as she was affectionately known, was born in Albany, New York on December 17, 1929, to Helen Cecilia Ubrich Wiltse and Moreland Chester Wiltse. She resided in Rensselaer, NY, was wife of the late Maldwyn G. Woodard and stepmother to the late Mal Woodard, Jr., Cathy Woodard, Jane Woodard, and mother of Robert (Nancy) Woodard. She is survived by her grandson Ryan (Zobie) Woodard, three great-grandchildren, Deidlet, Lyra and Damien, and her cousins Evelyn Williams, Richard (Pete) Ubrich and Ann Taylor. She is also survived by Stephen (Liz) Scheibly, their children Jack, Emily and Hannah, Lisa Martini (Anthony) and children Kirk and Allison, and Lisa Wells (Mike).

Betty graduated from St. John’s Academy in Rensselaer. Betty had successful careers with American Airlines and New York Telephone Company before retiring in 1988.

She leaves behind good friends Alma Prebble, Mary (Mimi) Mc Manus, MaryAnne Vanderhyden, Karen Rogers, Ann Patrick, Anne and Hal Betters, Chris Adkins, Glendora, and Brian and Beth Williams. Betty wished to thank Rensselaer County Community Hospice as well as all her wonderful caregivers, her special angel May-Ling Rodruiguez who became a wonderful, treasured friend.

Betty leaves this world proud to have been able to again advocate for herself and use her rekindled voice to take part in all decisions concerning her life, care, and finances to the very end. In this past joy-filled year, she was able to complete many complicated jig-saw puzzles, have meaningful visits with friends and relatives, and tell wonderful stories displaying her great sense of humor with a mind as sharp as a tack. She looked forward to reuniting with loved ones and her beloved pets who have gone before her. 

Betty, a life-long advocate for all animals, has requested any gifts of remembrance be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204.

Viewing will be held on January 6, 2022, from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at W. J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144, followed by a 1:00 pm Mass at the Church of  St. Mary’s at Clinton Heights, 163 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Interment will follow at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3rd Avenue Ext., Rensselaer, NY 12144. If you choose to view the Mass online please search for “Church of St. Mary at Clinton Heights'' on facebook or youtube. www.facebook.com/StMaryNY or www.youtube.com/channel/UCnx0M8sk7wFUyCNtWMmHI7g