Darlene Diane Woodbury

October 26, 1955 – July 20, 2025

Darlene Diane “DeeDee” Woodbury passed away surrounded by loving family on July 20, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 69. Born on October 26, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Robert and Diane Bartelmehs.

DeeDee was a renowned handweaver and textile artist whose life was defined by creativity, curiosity, and a deep reverence for all types of traditional craft. She began weaving in 1971 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, studying at the University of Minnesota and with the Minnesota Weaver’s Guild. Her passion for textiles led her to travel through Guatemala and Mexico in 1978 to learn traditional weaving techniques and immerse herself in the rich textile cultures of Central America.

She continued her education in historic American weaving under M. Susan Brock and studied with master Scottish weaver Norman Kennedy at the Marshfield School of Weaving in Vermont. With a meticulous eye and a whimsical spirit, DeeDee’s work honored the past while nurturing a vibrant, living tradition.

In 1982, DeeDee became an active member of the Contemporary Handweavers of Houston (CHH), joining alongside her soon to be best friend, Tracy Kaestner. Over the decades, she served the weaving community with unwavering dedication, holding many roles within the guild, and mentoring new weavers. Most dear to her heart were her years as CHH’s library director and historian, where her love of knowledge and preservation flourished. Recently, she helped organize the preservation of CHH’s historical newsletters and swatches through a partnership with the University of Houston—ensuring that future generations of weavers will have access to the legacy she helped shape.

DeeDee met her husband, Neil Woodbury, when they were just fifteen years old. Life partners in every sense, they shared a bond built on deep love, quiet strength, and shared purpose. Together, they raised their children, Sara and Alex, and created a home filled with creativity, care, and love.

She always saw the world through the eyes of an artist—everything was a rainbow of colors, full of texture, history, and meaning. That same vision gave her the ability to see beauty where others might not, and to create beauty where none existed before. DeeDee brought that spirit to every aspect of her life, including her battle with cancer, which she faced with grace, quiet strength, and deep sisu—the Finnish word for inner determination, perseverance, and resilience.

DeeDee was known for her kindness, and being quick to smile. She loved to laugh and she was an amazing listener. She could talk to anyone about anything, and she made everyone feel like they mattered. Her warmth, compassion, and humor left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Neil Woodbury; her children, Sara and Alex; her sister, Marylynn Dvorak; many in-laws, nieces, nephews and countless friends, fellow weavers, and admirers of her work.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Fall 2025. More details soon. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that you consider making a donation to cancer research through MD Anderson Cancer Center or by donating blood at your local hospital.