THE Wauchope community has bid farewell to one of its leading ladies.
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Isabelle Margaret Woodlands was born on June 19, 1937 in Wauchope. She was the daughter of Irene and Wilf McCudden.
Isabelle was one of seven children.
She had three brothers, Frank, Bernie and Patrick, and three sisters, Clare, Pauline and Kathleen.
She was educated at St Joseph’s Convent School until 1951 then spent two years at Lochinvar boarding school.
After leaving school she went to work at a department store owned by Mrs Webber and later went on to manage the store for Mr Pead.
Isabelle met Bob Woodlands at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills where both were involved in the surf club. They married in 1959 and were blessed with three children, Joanne, Steven and Cathy. Isabelle’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bob and Isabelle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before Bob passed away in 2010.
The family farmed firstly at Redbank then to Bellangry and finally at King Creek before settling into town life opposite the golf course where Isabelle’s passion for golf developed. She was proud to become a life member of the Wauchope Golf Club.
Isabelle became heavily involved in the community volunteering at the St Joseph’s school canteen, the Catholic Women’s League, St Vincent De Paul, the Ladies members Football Club, Neighbourhood Aid, Meals on Wheels, Driver Reviver and for 10 years on the Bundaleer management committee while the hostel was built.
When Bob was elected mayor, Isabelle spent six years as the “Mayoress of the Hastings” a role she filled with great enthusiasm.
Isabelle fully supported Bob’s career in local government the region’s politics was regularly discussed.
After Bob’s death, Isabelle’s health faded.
She passed away on February 21.
Excerpts taken from eulogies read by Joanne Woodlands and Patrick McCudden.