Woman of the Year

Owner, Read Between the Lynes

Arlene was the “face of Woodstock” for many years with frequent media interviews and public speaking roles; she created and operated the very popular Read Between the Lynes Bookstore, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. She founded the Downtown Business Owners group and served as President of Woodstock Chamber of Commerce for several years.

Founder, Operation Wild Horse

Patti founded and operated the Operation Wild Horse program in Bull Valley, connecting wild mustangs with military veterans to create unique community benefits and opportunities.

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Founder, Phoenix Woodworking

Sandra founded and served as President of Phoenix Woodworking Corporation creating custom commercial cabinetry and millwork for 30 years, while serving on the Raue Center and MCC Foundation Boards.

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Grants Manager, City of Woodstock

Terry worked for the City of Woodstock for almost 3 decades; as Grants Manager the last 8 years, she earned $8 million to develop projects including Woodstock’s Intergenerational Inclusive Playground, SOAR@Dorr Active Senior Center, Woodstock on Film & on the Stage Pedway Mural, and major restorations for Woodstock Opera House and the Old Courthouse.

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MAC Automation Concepts

Jackie has held leadership roles in her family business, MAC Automation Concepts for twenty years, along with significant volunteer efforts as mentor to the WHS INCubator program; for disaster services with American Red Cross; on the City of Woodstock’s Plan Commission; Board Director for Leadership Greater McHenry County; and, Secretary of Woodstock Rotary.

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Recognizing all women of Woodstock during through the challenges of COVID - 19

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Actor, Director, Stage Manager, and President of Woodstock Musical Theatre Company

Kathie has delighted audiences for generations with acting and directing roles on stage at Woodstock Opera House and McHenry County College’s Black Box Theatre; she served as President of Woodstock Musical Theatre Company for many years prior to their merger with TownSquare Players to create our community’s current thespian treasure:  Theatre 121.

Executive Director

Leadership Greater McHenry County

Marcy is an accomplished corporate trainer, strategic planner and communicator, working for 32 years with United Airlines before serving this area as Executive Director of Leadership Greater McHenry County, helping guide professional executive development throughout the county.

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​Lynn spent several decades in the banking industry, with lead roles at Golden Eagle Community Bank, Home State Bank, and Advia Credit Union.  Lynn’s dedication to the community was consistently appreciated through events with Rotary Club, Independence Health & Therapy, and others, earning her Volunteer of the Year recognition with Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

Joann is an accomplished Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, owning Animal Hospital of Woodstock with husband Jason for almost three decades.  She is a specialist in canine reproduction and shares her expertise teaching classes through Purdue and a mentorship program through U of I.

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​Monica spent several years in the City Manager’s Office at Woodstock City Hall and served the community through volunteer efforts at City-related events along with countless non-profit groups including SOAR@Dorr, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Woodstock Food Pantry, St. Mary Church, Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

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Jane became a “force of nature” in Woodstock by sharing her passion for the outdoors and environmental issues widely.  Attending law school late in life, Jane’s advocacy efforts were greatly appreciated by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and The Land Conservancy of McHenry County.  Her award was made following her passing in March 2014.

Laura became a community leader developing programs to address substance abuse and mental health issues. She brought organizations together to improve peoples’ lives for 20 years in roles with McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition and Community Unit School District #200.

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Sherry volunteered extensively with D200 events and programs, Woodstock Rotary, Christmas Clearing House, the League of Women Voters, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Woodstock Kiwanis, and the American Cancer Society.

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​Jane has served as the Executive Director of Turning Point, Inc., for over three decades.  Turning Point is an integral asset to the social structure of McHenry County, providing advocacy, shelter, education, training, and mental health support for all individuals—women, children, and men—dealing with issues of domestic violence and abuse.

Phyllis was a professional Accountant who served as WPBW Treasurer for many years. Phyllis’ role as Chairbear for Good Bears of the World provided thousands of stuffed bears to kids in need for 26 years.  Her awards included Woodstock Chamber of Commerce’s Harold Buschkopf Award and Woodstock Moose’s Member of the Year.  Phyllis passed away in August 2023.

Janelle was HR Director at the City of Woodstock for 10 years.  She was a strong supporter of education, attaining her PhD, and serving on board and commission roles with numerous countywide organizations.  Challenged with a hearing disability herself, Janelle was a passionate advocate for disability services and became a leader in HR disability positions in education.

Virginia earned a Fellowship to the Nuclear Physics PhD program at the University of Chicago; owned a Real Estate company; was elected as McHenry County Board Member and served for over 35 years; and, aided McHenry County community members’ financial education and survival as Executive Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service for over 26 years.

Ellyn was the beloved Superintendent of Woodstock Community Unit School District #200 for 13 years.  A strong advocate for both students and teachers, Ellyn championed a successful community referendum campaign that enabled construction of several new school facilities, and initiated D200’s award-winning dual language program, now serving students grades K-12.

Lynda is a licensed social worker who served as Executive Director of Family Alliance, Inc. caregiving organization prior to their merger with Independence Health & Therapy.  Lynda’s personal experience and practice focused on aging seniors inspired her to co-author the book “Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories” published by Vanderbilt University Press. 

Suzanne is the Founder and Executive Director for Family Health Partnership Clinic, offering low or no-cost medical services to thousands of McHenry County residents without insurance.  This year’s 25th annual Care4 Breast Cancer 5K attracted 2,000 participants.  Suzanne is an elected McHenry County College Trustee, and has served on numerous area boards and commissions.  

​Pam was the Circulation Manager at Woodstock Public Library for many years.  She managed a beloved team of Librarians and Assistants and excelled at leading children’s groups and numerous Library programs.  Pam’s community involvement earned her Woodstock Chamber of Commerce’s Harold Buschkopf award as well.

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Ann was well-known throughout the county; she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, to McHenry County Board serving as Chair, to D200 School Board.  She was a founding Director of American Community Bank, was active with Woodstock Rotary, and was Secretary-Treasurer of Hughes Seed Farms.  Ann passed away in March of 2021.

Denise co-founded The Woodstock Independent, providing the graphics expertise to create this award-winning weekly community newspaper, still being published today, over 30 years later.  She is a long-time force with Woodstock Rotary, helping successfully develop Woodstock’s signature annual fundraising events including Christmas Clearing House and Gavers Barn Dance.

Carol was a dedicated RN specializing in Geriatrics.  She founded and was the Executive Director of Family Alliance for 30 years, growing the organization from a Senior Day Care facility to a key venue for aging adults, with a wide range of health-related programs and services benefitting thousands of seniors and their families.

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Mary was LaSalle Bank’s Customer Relations Manager; she mentored D200 students and organized Freshman Career Days; was Woodstock Chamber of Commerce President; and active as Dick Tracy Days Parade Chair, attracting Drum & Bugle Corps participation; served with Miss Woodstock Pageant, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and Christmas Clearing House programs.

Cheryl was co-founder and Publisher of The Woodstock Independent.  Cheryl earned the honor of being only the secondwoman President of the Illinois Press Association in its 100-year history.  She was a guiding force behind the Challenger Learning Center, Woodstock’s Groundhog Days celebration, 4th of July Fireworks, and Cheryl helped establish the McHenry County Community Foundation.

Bev was a passionate supporter of the Woodstock Square and of area artists.  With husband Cliff, Bev purchased the deteriorating Old McHenry County Courthouse, saving it from demolition.  In collaboration with Northwest Area Arts Council, Bev managed the Old Courthouse Arts Center for two decades, showcasing local and nationally-renowned artists.

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Susan served as CEO of Woodstock’s Adult & Child Rehab Center for over 20 years.  As a Registered Nurse, Susan became a leader in offering unique health services for area residents and was a strong advocate and fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.  In 2018, Adult & Child Rehab merged with Family Alliance to form Independence Health & Therapy, still active today.

Joan was a devoted public figure, serving on Woodstock City Council for 18 years.  An avid informal Historian, in 2002, Joan and friend Jane Dahm (Pam Moorhouse’s mother) researched and published the extensive Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock 1852-2002, available at Woodstock Public Library.  A former 1950 Miss Woodstock, Joan passed away in June 2012.

Claire brought awareness and comfort to numerous area families as a certified LCSW therapist, specializing in couples counseling, depression, anxiety and grief.  Her interpersonal skills while volunteering helped make events and programs throughout the community more successful.

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Mary Ellen was a beloved early education teacher, changing lives every day while serving D200 as a Kindergarten and Developmental 1st Grade teacher.

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Cav established the community’s first museum honoring Chester Gould/Dick Tracy when the Gould family lived in rural Woodstock and the iconic cartoon strip Dick Tracy was featured as the full front page of the Chicago Tribune Sunday Comics section.  She also opened and managed the popular Books on the Square bookstore for many years.

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Darlene spent her early life in TV production with NBC Chicago, while her life here in Woodstock devoted extensive time and talents to environmental and arts organizations.  A master birder, Darlene was a founder of McHenry County Audubon Society, Woodstock Fine Arts Association, and Woodstock’s Mast House folk music circle.  Darlene passed away in June of 2016.

Val was a strong supporter of the arts and Woodstock Opera House.  She was a founder of Woodstock Fine Arts Association and proudly hosted many of the renowned celebrity presenters for WFAA’s annual Creative Living series at her home.  Val’s husband Joe, a nationally recognized attorney, served as Woodstock’s Mayor 1973-77. Val passed away in February 2009.

Maggie served as Woodstock Public Library Director for 40 years,.  Maggie officially retired in 2009 but, as an avid historian, can often be found still contributing to the Maggie Field Crane Local History Reference Area section of WPL.

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Charie was a community leader best known for founding American Community Bank in 1999.  Until her retirement in 2019, Charie served as CEO, expanding the institution into six communities.  She was Board Chair for MCEDC, Northwestern Medicine, Centegra Health System, Leadership Greater McHenry County, Challenger Learning Center, and many others.

Dorothy was a passionate advocate for historic preservation efforts with McHenry County Historical Society in Union.  Her time and talents were appreciated throughout national, state, and local historic organizations.

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Thelma served in a Public Relations capacity for the Salvation Army, raising thousands of dollars as Chair of their annual Doughnut Day activities.  She volunteered with Clothing Closet, Fair Diddley, Kiwanis, and Christmas Clearing House activities as well.

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​Gay was active with Friends of Ryders’ Woods and benefitted community members through work here with Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Faith in Action, and Woodstock Fine Arts Association.  Gay served on the Woodstock Library Board and founded Friends of Woodstock Public Library. Gay passed away in September 2025.

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​Frances served as Woodstock’s Mayor, 1965-69 and 1977-85; she was the first female Mayor in a town of over 5,000 in Illinois.  She helped restore the historic Woodstock train station and Woodstock Opera House and led adoption of our current city manager form of government.  WPBW’s Scholarship Program is named in her honor.  Frances passed away in January 1991.

Bertha founded the area’s Welcome Wagon and became District Manager.  She served in numerous capacities with First Presbyterian Church and was Chairman of the area’s Migrant Ministry.  Supporting Woodstock Opera House, Bertha welcomed actor Paul Newman as a boarder during his summers with Woodstock Players theatre.  Bertha passed away May of 1996.

Margaret helped found the League of Women Voters and held key roles with the Kishwaukee Valley Garden Club and Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.  She organized the local American Field Service student exchange program. 

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​Lela was an environmental advocate, serving on the board of Woodstock Area Recyclers and helping create Ryders’ Woods as the city’s first nature preserve.  She worked in the Home Bureau extension service and served as an adoption supervisor who established the Parents Anonymous group to aid families in preventing child abuse. 

Margaret worked in the McHenry County Treasurer’s Office and served on the City of Woodstock Planning Commission.  She was elected as the first woman Elder of a local church, serving in that role with First United Presbyterian Church.

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Jean served as President of Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board, helping raise $1.5 million in funds for Woodstock Memorial Hospital.  She led the Women’s Society of the First United Methodist Church and helped establish Meals on Wheels.  Jean passed away in November 2011.

​Helen strongly supported critical restoration efforts for Woodstock Opera House and was named Citizen of the Year by Woodstock Lions Club.  Helen served as the first President of Woodstock Fine Arts’ Women’s Guild and their Arts Scholarship program was named in her honor.  1984 WOTY Gay Remich is Helen’s daughter.  Helen passed away in January 1998.

Lillian was President of Woodstock Opera House Community Center, leading the facility’s 1975 major restoration, and earning the title of Woodstock Lions Club Citizen of the Year.  Lillian was a 4H Leader, an organizer for the League of Women Voters, and a national representative for Rural American Women, Inc.   She passed away October 2000.