Elizabeth Freulich-Woodruff

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beautiful mom, Elizabeth Freulich-Woodruff who peacefully left us on April 2, 2026 at the age of 82. Born on August 28, 1943 in Kielce, Poland, she lived a life of steadfast determination, succeeding in every plan she set out for herself, always moving forward in face of challenges and smiling at each graceful moment encountered on her life journey.

Oh what a force she was to behold! Growing up in challenging times of Polish People's Republic, our mom graduated with master’s degree as an electrical engineer. As little children, we have seen her as a magic goddess, capable of everything. In one of our fondest, shared memories, we were sitting on her lap at her drafting table at night, with transparent rolls of tracing paper and blueprints, pink erasers and pencils on it. She’s teaching us about rules to follow in technical drawing, pointing to little windows, doors, arrows and numbers. In other memories she’s baking a mountain-high yeast cake with raisins, in others, peacefully strolling through fragrant forests with us, mushroom picking and teaching us about various kinds of trees and flowers.

When we were little, she always made sure we explored Poland together, traveling to villages and cities, learning polish history, visiting castles, museums, and art galleries. For vacations, we spent time in the mountains and by the sea, sitting beside her in the evenings, listening to her as she read us poems and stories by beloved Polish writers. We often accompanied her on work assignments in small villages, where we delighted in playing with ducks, baby lambs and other animals.

Our mom was ahead of her times and always thrived for something greater. When progress in Poland felt limiting, she followed her desires and joined her brother in New York, traveling across the ocean. It did not take her long to adjust and take course in her new purpose, working in the engineering firm in New York City and meeting the love of her life. Her most precious achievement was reviving an old, damaged house into a fairy tale beauty, complete with lovely rose garden. Already a master of Polish and German languages, she went back to school and learned English. She nourished her artistic side with painting, playing piano and planting hundreds of flowers, always prioritizing her family and taking time for her friends in creation of everlasting memories.

In the latest decade of her life she decided to move to Florida. She continued waking up early along with birds and their songs, and an occasional screeching of parrots and peacocks. She enjoyed the southern beauty of nature and like a magician, created comfort and sustenance in every space in transition. She reconnected and allowed her heart to soothe, even though her hands kept continuously busy. She loved spending time caring for her dogs, her loyal and waggling tail companions that welcomed her each morning with energetic “hello”. As always, she expressed her love through care and attention to detail.

Amid ups and downs of the aging process and burdened with heavy weight of chronic, progressive lung disease, our mom continued to be the most amazing guide, sharing her wisdom of life in every fragile request and need. She lived and fought every battle with grace, resolve and determination and will forever remain in our hearts as the most cherished mother, brave warrior, gardener of soulful beauty. We love and miss you mom.

She passed on the continuity and knowledge of life to her two loving daughters: Elzbieta Wloga and Malgorzata Wloga, and reunited with her beloved husband, Daniel Woodruff. She is nurtured in peace and serenity by her entire family.

As she always helped those less fortunate we invite you, in her remembrance, to consider a donation to your favorite charities close to your heart. Flowers are welcome, as she deeply cherished the beauty of nature.

A Committal Service and burial will take place in South Florida National Cemetery at a date and time to be announced.