Estelle G. Woodcock, 86 of Cape Cod passed away February 5, 2019.

She was the beloved wife of Richard (“Dick”) for 63 years, loving mother of Deborah Virginia Woodcock and her husband, Marc Zimmerman; Heather Stevens Woodcock Ayres and her husband, Dr. Douglas Ayres; Dr. Richard “Rick” Joseph Woodcock Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth and, devoted grandmother of Joseph Cade, Estelle “Ellie” McLoughlin and Virginia Grace Woodcock.

Estelle was born in Chicago, IL to the late Peter and Bertha (Giannios) Gianakopulos. Estelle graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1953. She served as president of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and was voted May Queen, the most outstanding junior woman, by the student body.

Estelle met Dick at Northwestern in 1952 and they married in 1954. They lived in Anchorage, AK, Hartsdale and Scarsdale, NY for 20 years and in Potomac, MD for 43 years, before relocating to Cape Cod in 2016.

Estelle taught First, Second, and Third Grade for more than 20 years in Alaska, New York, NY, and Montgomery County, MD and was beloved by her students. She earned her master’s equivalency in education while teaching full time and supporting her children’s numerous activities. At Kenwood Golf and Country Club in Bethesda, MD, Estelle and Dick received the Hobelman Award, given to the parents contributing the most to swimming and diving activities.

Estelle loved attending performances of all kinds, but opera was her passion. When they lived in Maryland, Dick gallantly accompanied her to operas at the Kennedy Center – only occasionally using the opportunity to catch up on his sleep.

A gifted flower designer known for her bold compositions, Estelle served on the boards of the National Garden and the National Capital Area Garden Clubs. Most recently, she served on the Judges’ Council of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and was a member of the Osterville Garden Club.

A memorial service will be held later in the year.

Estelle was a long-time member of the National Presbyterian Church's Flower Ministry in Washington DC. We miss her and will remember her with very fond memories. Blessings to her family and friends.

While Estelle was in Maryland, she was the valued member of the Potomac Village Garden Club where she encouraged its members to be active in the District, Regional and National Garden Clubs.