Anna Elizabeth Woodson
Obituary
Anna Elizabeth Woodson
Anna (Muffett) Woodson passed away at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after living gracefully with cancer for three years. She was 71. She will be dearly missed by her husband Peter Barnett; her daughter Merritt Crews (Dave Miller) and grandson Charles; Peter’s children Mackenzie and Clayton; sister Sarah James, brother James Woodson, and nephew Michael James.
A woman of uncommon physical and inner beauty, deep spirituality, and natural warmth, Anna was born in Selma, Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University and subsequently received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. After immigrating to Canada in her mid-20’s, Anna married David Crews, who she met in Muskoka. She worked for and led numerous professional organizations over the years, including Oolagen Community Services, the Metropolitan Toronto Special Committee on Child Abuse, and the Creche Child and Family Centre. Anna married her second husband Peter in 2000 and moved to London, ON, where she became the Clinical Director of Madame Vanier Children’s Services. The final 20 years of her career were spent working as a private practice psychotherapist.
For over 20 years, Anna graced the choir at St. James with her beautiful voice. Her radiant spirit and uplifting presence touched everyone she encountered, earning her the love and admiration of all who knew her. Anna’s kindness and infectious high spirits will forever be remembered and sorely missed.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London, ON, on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 2 pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Anna may be made to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and the St. James Westminster Church Music Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Our deepest sympathies to Peter and the extended Barnett and Woodson families on the loss of their beloved Muffett. What a beautiful, gracious soul—she radiated kindness and warmth, and was keenly attuned to the loving presence of the divine. We will always treasure happy memories of rich, meaningful times spent together with Muffett and Peter. She will be greatly missed. May her memory be for a blessing.
So sorry to see this sad news. Sending Peter and family our condolences. May your many memories bring you comfort in the coming days, weeks years….
I met Muffett through her parents when I was the Rector of Christ Church Deer Park in Toronto. Her father Jim contacted me in my first year to ask if we would continue the tradition of inviting him to preach each June on their way to Muskoka. Of course! Jim and I developed a friendship during his and Abbie’s annual travels and to thank me he gave me the New Oxford Annotated Bible which I still use in my daily prayers. And then I met Muffett and we had several significant conversations. I send my deepest sympathy to Peter and family with whom I also have a connection. We now live in Stratford and I know St. James Westminster a bit and I can imagine the contribution Muffett made to the parish and choir. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
May her Easter faith be ours as well.
Please accept our deepest condolences during this sad time. The loving Barnett family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Barbara and Paul
We were so sorry to learn that Anna had passed away. Jim and I send our condolences to you, Peter, and to your family. We always enjoyed our chats with Anna when we would see her in the neighborhood. She was a beautiful person.
We will be thinking of you in these sad times.
Jane and Jim Leney
Condolences Peter, Merritt and the entire family and friends whose hearts Anna touched. She was the most amazing, beautiful, kind and thoughtful person I think I have ever met. She touched my heart very deeply especially in the last few years as we worked to keep her body and mind in good health. She handled all challenges and joys in life with grace and faith and was always grateful for a kind thought, gesture or support from her friends and family. I will have a large gap to patch in my life but together we started the grieving process quite some time ago. Peter and Merritt, please remember I am always here for you in whatever you may need. All my love, Cheryl
We were so sorry to hear of Muffett’s passing. She was always so kind, caring and thoughtful. We feel so fortunate to have known her. Our deepest sympathies to Peter and the family.
Kathi and Glenn Murphy
We are heartbroken that a such a bright light has been extinguished. Anna was just the nicest person always with a radiant smile and a warm hello. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbours than Anna and Peter with Anna shouldering leading the Neighbourhood assn for many years. She was a fighter and battled to the end. She also quick to help, share a laugh, drink or a dinner. To Peter, the kids and all her other family and friends, we offer our deepest condolences
John and Cathy
Anna was my therapist during childhood, and I have thought often of her since. She truly provided my safe space to me; her energy was indescribable…particular to her – you could feel her kindness radiating from a mile away… She was the best at her job and likely saved many lives. I always wanted to thank her as an adult.
My deepest condolences to the family for such an immeasurable loss.
A beautiful soul. She will be missed. As I’m sure many can say, Anna had a profound impact on my life.
Dear Peter, Merrit, Mackenzie and Clayton and your extended family,
Clyde and I were so sorry to learn of Anna’s passing.
Anna was such a special person. I always enjoyed my interactions with her.
Our sincere codolences to all of you. I know you will miss her greatly.
Elizabeth and Clyde