Sadie B Woodward

March 29, 1926 – August 18, 2025

After living a remarkable 99 years with independence, strength, and joy, Sadie Mae Boyer Woodward passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Her dream was to make it to 100, and she was proud to have lived such a full and healthy life right up to the end. Nothing brought her more joy than being “Grandmom” to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born on March 29, 1926, in Lockport, New York, Sadie was the daughter of Ammon and Anna Boyer and the younger sister of Daniel Boyer. During her senior year of high school, government recruiters visited and offered graduating women jobs in Washington, D.C. Sadie moved there with two girlfriends and worked in the Medals and Awards Department. It was in D.C. that she met her future husband, James Woodward. They married in 1948 and settled in Silver Spring, Maryland, where they later welcomed their only child, a baby girl, JoAnn, in 1951.

Sadie was ahead of her time as an independent woman. In 1953, she returned to work full time as an administrative assistant at Wheaton Lumber Company hardware store. During that time, and through her whole life, she was known for never missing a birthday or special occasion, always sending cards and writing letters to friends and family. Just a month ago she wrote and addressed birthday cards to family and friends for the next 6 months.

Widowed young in 1977, after years of lovingly caring for her husband James, who battled multiple sclerosis and spent many years in a wheelchair, Sadie continued to live in Maryland. She cherished her lifelong friendship with Dee Woodward, whose husband was James’s cousin. Living just down the street from one another, they raised their children, Sadie’s daughter JoAnn, and Dee’s daughters Diane and Judy, like one family, with countless summer vacations and get-togethers that created bonds lasting a lifetime. That bond carried through the generations, and Dee’s grandchildren continued to visit Sadie, even celebrating her 99th birthday with her this past year.

Sadie also shared a long and loving relationship with her dear companion Vernon King. They enjoyed many road trips and traveling and building a life together until his passing. She also loved hosting her annual girls’ Christmas party, which became a treasured tradition among her circle of friends. After Vernon’s death, Sadie moved in 2010 to Houston, Texas, to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. She fit in immediately, embracing the city and making friends wherever she went, whether at the hair salon, the grocery store, or her favorite deli shop.

Sadie was very set in her ways and found comfort in routine. She followed a strict schedule her whole life, whether it was the day of the week for her hair appointment or her standing dinners at Outback with her girlfriends. She was also proud to drive independently until she was 90, and one of her favorite outings during those years was meeting her granddaughter and great-grandsons for brunch. She loved her collections, especially her enormous snow babies and nutcracker displays, which brought her great joy year after year.

Even at 99, Sadie remained mentally sharp and fiercely independent, writing her own checks, making her own decisions, and gifting thoughtful things to her family and friends. She was an avid reader who often finished three or four books a week, and she stayed in touch with lifelong friends including Phyllis Grimes and Laurie Sanchez, sharing memories and laughter about the “old days.”

She was known for her humor and generosity with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often joked about which one was her “favorite of the week” and was famous for slipping them little treats like a Starbucks gift card, a cookie, or even a $20 bill.

Sadie was preceded in death by her parents, Ammon and Anna Boyer, her brother, Daniel Boyer, and her husband, James Woodward. We know she was greeted in heaven by numerous loved ones who went before her.

She leaves behind her daughter, JoAnn Woodward Hazard, and son-in-law, Rick Hazard; three grandchildren, Nicole Pawloski (and husband Murray), Kristen Hazard, and Ryan Hazard; four great-grandsons, Dylan, Drake, Carter, and Cameron Pawloski; and many cousins, including Larry, Lisa, Suzanne, Bob, Michael, Christine, Kevin, and their families, who adored their “Aunt Sadie”.

She also left her mark on her retirement community at Tarrytowne, where she was the favorite of all the staff. She remembered their birthdays, and they remember her beautiful smile.

Sadie’s favorite charity was Texas Children’s Hospital, and the family invites those wishing to honor her to consider a donation in her name.

Sadie will be remembered for her strength, independence, generosity, and, above all, her deep love for her family. Reaching 99 was her badge of honor. The way she lived every day of those 99 years is her legacy.