Marie Arethas Woodard

Marie A. Woodard, age 92 of Warren, died Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Sanctuary of Fraser Villa in Fraser, Michigan. She was born September 23, 1924 in Detroit, daughter of the late Harry and the late Mamie Ruth (nee: Jordan) Arethas. Being the dutiful and consummate homemaker that she was, Marie's most precious delights were those she found in the comforts of home and in the sharing of memorable moments with those she loved. Family meant the world to Marie and she always strove to be the best Mom and Grandma possible. Sometimes that called upon being a little frugal, like the fact that she was able to bypass the expense of clothes buying by sewing outfits for her family instead. Marie possessed some impressive talents with a sewing machine and created a number of classy looking styles that her children reflect upon, even today. Another way she kept her hard-working hands in action was found in her beautiful garden, an extension of the tender-loving-care that lie within. Between her succulent vegetables and those breathtaking roses she grew, there was never a question of how diligently she toiled in her garden to produce both tasty and gorgeous results in the process.Yet along with the responsibilities she bore, Marie also knew how to balance everything out with a bit of "me time" and some fun blended into it all. Enjoying a bit of entertainment was often satisfied in the simple pleasures of reading, a passion in which she wrapped herself with many-a-novel over the years,…her favorites being those steamy Harlequin romance paperbacks. At other times, entertainment came in the form of watching television and being engrossed by the mystery dramas like the "Closer,"...having her heart tugged by the warm & fuzzy offerings of the Hallmark Channel,…or as in her earlier days, being swept away by the horrors of "Dark Shadows." When the movies beckoned Marie to the theaters, you could almost lay money on the fact that it was some kind of "disaster drama" that was calling her name. For Maries musical pleasures, not much could beat the smooth sounds of Perry Como, Andy Williams, and the bit more feisty Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. As the Golden Years set in and the wintry months of Michigan became more challenging, it only made perfect sense to join the throngs of the other Michiganders flying south to become Snowbirds. First there was the condo in Clearwater, then ultimately a move to Zephyr Hills where she could reminisce about the snow and sleet muckin' up the works while she was kickin' back in the sun & warmth of the Sunshine State. Life was good come winter time for Marie!Yet as the old adage states,…"when you're eating, you're happy,"…this never stood more true than when Marie was enjoying her absolute favorite nosh, Chocolate! For Marie, chocolate was where it was at, Baby! Didn't really matter in what form either. In fact, some of her premiere experiences were those enjoyed while consuming one of the iconic "Sanders Hot Fudge Sundaes." And then,…that would naturally need to be washed down with another of her favorites, a cup of black coffee. Running a close second was definitely sinking her teeth into a hot & zesty Jets Pizza which was often accompanied by a glass of Ginger Ale. Raising a loving family, enjoying a number of eclectic pastimes, and feeding her passions made for a wonderful life filled with countless memories of people and places enjoyed. In her last months, Marie made her final home in the comforts of the Sanctuary of Fraser Villa, an assisted living facility located in the city of Fraser. As Marie's family reflects upon her time at the Sanctuary, they wish to share their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff for the sweet and tender care extended to their Mom. Marie was the beloved wife of the late James E. "Red" Woodard. She was the dear mother of Penny (David) Foulkes, Karen (Peter) Walkowit, and Gary (Nancy) Woodard. Loving grandmother of Kimberley (Thomas) Stenzel, Thomas (Meredith) Foulkes, Steven Foulkes, Renee (Chris) Hintz, Jeremy (Katie) Woodard, and great-grandmother of Emma, Katie, Anna, Bethany, Jacob, Isaac, and Anika. Sister of Betty Helen Pask. Visitation for Marie will be held Saturday, December 3rd from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, with a Funeral Service at 4:30 pm, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Marie will be laid to rest at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, December 6th at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, where she will join her beloved "Red." Please share memories of Marie at her memory book above.