1915 – 2004

FARMINGTON – Gwendolyn T. Woodside, 88, died Sunday morning, Feb. 15, at Sandy River Health Care Center where she had been lovingly cared for during the past eight years.

“Gwen” was born Nov. 24, 1915, in Avon the eldest child of Coe A. and Lois (Nile) Toothaker.

She graduated from Strong High School in 1934. On Nov. 23, 1940, she married William F. Woodside II of Hallowell. They made their home in Strong until 1947, when they moved to Farmington where they lived on Court Street raising their four children.

For several years they enjoyed living in Phoenix, Ariz., returning to Farmington in 1978.

In addition to the joys of being a homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother she enjoyed her lifelong love and gift of music. At an early age she learned that she had an ear for music. She loved to sing and through piano lessons she found that she could play any tune by ear when given the melody.

In her youth she played for a dance band. One of her greatest joys was playing hymns and many of the “oldies but goodies” on her piano for sing alongs.

She was a wonderful cook with many of her baked goods finding their way to church events, fundraisers and the tables of family and friends particularly in times of need.

She was an active member of the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church serving on various committees, as a youth fellowship leader and piano accompanist for Vacation Bible School.

In Farmington and in Phoenix she was passionately involved in Bible study groups where she fulfilled leadership roles.

Over the years she was a member of the Mother’s Club, Christmas Club and Home Extension.

She is survived by a son, David Woodside and his wife Katheen of Bar Harbor; a daughter, Catherine and her husband Douglas Ibarguen of Farmington; eight grandchildren, Kathy Casey and husband John, Carol Wingard and husband Rodney and Bill Wright of South Carolina, Robert Woodside of Portland, Jonathan Woodside of Albuquerque, N.M., Beth Hirsh and husband Michael of Frisco, Texas, Kara Ibarguen and husband Brendan Minear of Franklin and Derek Ibarguen and wife Jessica of Asheville, N.C.; seven great-grandchildren, Hanna, Jack and JB Casey, Emma and Alicia Wingard and Maya and Holly Ibarguen; two sisters, Hilda Spencer of Strong and Glana Rogerson of Houlton; one brother, Roe Toothaker and his wife Sadie of Sabattus; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her devoted husband, “Bill” of 59 years; a son, William F. Woodside III; a daughter, Marilyn Woodside Wright; and a brother, Coe Toothaker.

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