Lillian Arlene Woodard

Lillian Arlene Soderstrom, 95, entered this world on January 6, 1928, but her real life began when she left this world as Lillian Woodard on April 6, 2023. On that day, she went home to her Savior. Waiting there to meet her was her beloved husband of 61 years, Jim. The two of them were inseparable voyagers through this life.

Lillian was an often joyous mother of three children, Mary Hicks (Tom), Carl Woodard (Beth), and Eric Woodard (Alyce). She had six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim; her parents, Karl and Viva Soderstrom; her foster mother, Lena Mankin; foster brother, Charles Mankin; foster sister, Marion Assante; and a grandson, Billy Hopkins.

Her sister, Mayselle Blake, passed away just two days after Lillian, at the age of 100. No doubt, the sisters had a good chuckle over this.

While Lillian could easily have given in to the adversity she faced early in her life, her hallmark was her ability to beat it back, persevere, and overcome.

Anyone wishing to honor Lillian should read a good book, travel somewhere new, or be kind to a person needing kindness. A graveside service will be held in Imlay City, Michigan, at a future date.

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