Words by colleagues from the International Admissions Team.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Yvonne Woods. Yvonne passed away peacefully at home on 30th June 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Yvonne was a much-loved member of the International Admissions Team having joined the International Recruitment and Relations Office in 2007, prior to which, Yvonne worked in the Department of English from 2004.
Yvonne had many friends across the University, and was known for her friendly, approachable manner, always making time to support colleagues to offer her expertise and encouragement. Her pleasant manner extended beyond colleagues – Yvonne provided exemplary support for the University’s International applicants, leaving a lasting impression on many.
Colleagues also fondly remember that beyond supporting them with work, Yvonne would have a tool for most jobs in her ‘Mary Poppins’ desk. If you ever needed an allen key to adjust an arm on a chair, a sewing kit to mend clothing, or acetone to remove a sticky label, Yvonne was the person to ask!
Yvonne was a proud scouser, raised in North Liverpool. We often enjoyed listening to her stories about growing up in Walton, and her misadventures! Yvonne would also often talk of her time spent in Wales, a place which she was very fond of. Colleagues liked hearing about Yvonne’s run-ins with cantankerous farmers, wayward countryside drivers, and tales of working at Clogau Gold.
Yvonne was incredibly social and well-loved, often hosting colleagues and friends in her garden at home for ‘Gazebo Gang’ get-togethers, or at her family’s caravan in North Wales.
Yvonne was also a founding member of SRAWP’s craft group, teaching others crochet, whilst having a natter with friends.
Yvonne fought her illness very bravely over the past 10 months and remained positive despite discomfort.
We will miss Yvonne and her bright smile very much. Our thoughts are with Yvonne’s Dad, sisters, and extended family at this time.
Yvonne’s funeral will be held graveside at Anfield Cemetery at 1.20pm on Friday 14th July (section C16). This will be followed by a celebration of Yvonne’s life at the Sandon Suites, Oakfield Road, Anfield. Family have suggested attendees, if they wish to, wear a splash of orange which was Yvonne’s favourite colour.
In lieu of flowers, Yvonne’s family have asked that donations are made to a charity of people’s choosing, which reminds them of Yvonne.