Joan Rieger Woodcock

Joan Rieger Woodcock, age 92, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Brightview Senior Living in Wayne, PA. She was a loving wife, wonderful mother, doting grandmother, caring great grandmother and good friend to all of those whose lives she touched.

Born in Philadelphia to Harry G. Rieger and Katharine Littlewood Rieger, she grew up in East Falls, PA. Joan graduated from Germantown Friends School and went on to attend Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. During her senior year of college, Joan met her “one and only”, H. Palmer Woodcock, Jr., affectionately known to many as Woody, on a blind date. He was attending Dickinson Law School at that time. They fell in love and shortly after her graduation, they married and settled in Merion.

Joan began teaching first grade at Spring Side School in Chestnut Hill, a career that was short-lived when Joan and Palmer’s family began to grow. When they had outgrown their Merion house, they built a beautiful home in Radnor, PA, where, for many years, the family grew and developed deep roots. Long lasting friendships were also found there.

Joan was the much-loved mother of Carolyn (Larry), David, Wendy (Jim), Beth (Clark) and Steve (Donee). She was the very proud grandmother of Megan, Allyson, Devon, Carrie, Nils, Alisha, Evelyn, Suzanne, Jessica, Austin, Kaylah, and Madison; and her eyes lit up when hearing news or seeing pictures of her great grandchildren, Palmer, Baker, Luke, Lucy, Teddy, Claire and Parker.

Aside from the time spent with the family she adored, Joan found her perfect niche as the Hospitality Manager at Bryn Mawr College’s Wynham Alumnae House, a Bed and Breakfast/Restaurant. There, Joan’s natural skills and talents as a gracious hostess, blended the beautiful atmosphere at Wyndham with her ability to draw people together.

Joan also very much enjoyed volunteering with the Junior League, PEO, and most especially, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

Joan will be most remembered for her faith in Jesus, which she lived out each and every day. This faith shone through her beautiful blue eyes, her warm smile, her gentleness and kindness to all she came in contact with. She will be dearly missed.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Palmer; her son, Steve (who prematurely passed away due to MS), and her brother, Harry, Jr.

Her memorial service will be held at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 11:00 am. Refreshments to follow in the Ministry Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 30 S. 17th Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19103, or at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/  would be greatly appreciated.