Obituary of Josiane Woodman

Josiane M. Woodman, a high school French teacher died February 17, in Clarence. She was 88. Originally from France, she and her family lived through the Nazi occupation. They joined the French Resistance to aid the Allied war effort, for which Josiane was honored in later years. In 1946, she married an American WW II soldier, Elmer W. Woodman, who had landed in France during the Normandy Invasion. The couple returned to his home town of Angola where they raised their family. Josiane received her teaching degree in France where she taught for a short time after the war. She started a 25-year teaching career at Lakeshore Central High School in Angola in 1959. She established an afterschool French Club for her students who participated in French competitions and performances at local universities, including St. Bonaventure and SUNY Fredonia. She was an active member of several international organizations, including the Alliance Française de Buffalo. Josiane continued her education at Canisius College and SUNY Buffalo, receiving a Master's Degree in French literature. She then taught French at SUNY Fredonia. After retiring from teaching, Josiane pursued ballroom dancing and took instruction in drumming at Community Music School. Both endeavors led to her participation in competitions and stage performances. Her husband of 37 years, Elmer, died in 1983. Surviving are a son, Henri (Debra) Woodman, M.D.; a daughter, Elizabeth (Edwin) Voll, Ph.D.; and four grandchildren, Constance and Thomas Woodman; Kelly and Brian Voll. Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Addison Funeral Home Inc., 262 North Main Street, Angola. where funeral service will be held Friday, February 22, at 10:00 a.m. Interment services will follow in Forest Avenue Cemetery, Angola. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 2805 Wherle drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221