Esther K. (Knoebel) Woodward

Esther K. Woodward, of Garden Spot Village, New Holland, died peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 95.  She was the widow of the late Wayne C. Woodward, with whom she had shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, and raised there and in suburban Cheltenham, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Else Knoebel.  She was a graduate of Cheltenham High School (Class of 1948) and Ursinus College (Class of 1952), where she met her husband.  They were married in 1952 and moved to Virginia Beach, where her husband was stationed with the Navy during the Korean War era.  They later moved to his hometown of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, where they raised their family of four sons before retiring to Garden Spot Village in 2003.

Esther was the proud daughter of German immigrants and would often speak of her German heritage and growing up immersed in the music, culture and traditions associated with it.  Music was a lifelong joy and passion for Esther.  There was always music in her home -- whether the Big Band pop songs of her teenage years, showtunes from the Broadway golden age, or the great hymns and anthems associated with the Church and her Christian faith.  In raising her children, she instilled an appreciation of music in them, also. 

In retirement, she and Wayne loved spending time with their children and grandchildren and relaxing at their home in the Pocono Mountains.  They also became avid travelers with trips taken throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Esther spoke with particular fondness of traveling to Germany, visiting a cousin and exploring her parents’ hometown.

She grew up with a strong connection to Tabor Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, and, more recently, was a member of the Doe Run Presbyterian Church in East Fallowfield Township for over 40 years. 

Esther is survived by her four sons, W. Steven Woodward (Nanciann), Thomas C. Woodward, David B. Woodward (Sherry) and Kevin J. Woodward, as well as five grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA.  Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested contributions be made to the Doe Run Presbyterian Church, 3104 Doe Run Church Road, Coatesville, PA 19320; as they upgrade their building for better wheelchair and handicap accessibility. 

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