Louise "Joan" Dodge-Woolsey

Jan 1, 1946 -

May 5, 2022

Louise "Joan" Dodge–Woolsey was born in 1946 on New Year's morning in the heart of the Bronx. She had three brothers and a big extended Italian family. She spent her early childhood in New York and later moved to California to be closer to family. She was just 18 when she married Bob Woolsey and then relocated to Alaska in 1973 with relatives Joe and Betty Gurley … they never left.

Joan spent most of her career working for the Anchorage School District, including over 10 years as the attendance secretary for Chugiak High School, where she was loved by many staff and students.

Her Italian heritage was a source of extreme pride, and she loved to showcase her Italian cooking by providing a multi-course authentic Italian dinner every Christmas. Upon retirement, she and her son Robert traveled to Italy, a trip she spoke of fondly over the years. After retirement, Joan spent years as a Sunday school teacher, volunteer for at-risk youth, women's prison mentor and part-time traveler visiting grandchildren and family. Joan loved Jesus, family and all things Italian; she will be extremely missed.

Joan had always wanted to go to Hawaii. She finally made the trip with her friend Lisa and son just last month and passed peacefully in her sleep just a few days after returning home. She leaves behind many extended family members - Gurley and Contreras families - as well as close relatives to include two daughters, Teresa and Laurie; and son and travel partner, Robert. Joan leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The celebration of life will be held at Janssens Evergreen Memorial on June 11, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. You may send monetary donations to offset end-of-life expenses or flowers directly to Janssens, 737 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99515. Please feel free to attend Joan's celebration of life, with a reception to follow.