Willa Jean Cole (Woods), age 73, passed away peacefully on the morning of Dec. 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Willa was born on Saturday, Dec. 13, 1952, to Wilbur and Clarice Woods in Siren, Wisconsin.
Willa lived her life in Siren, and will always be remembered for her kind and giving nature, her strength and resilience, her joy, and her tireless work ethic. If anyone needed a helping hand at any event, she was the first one to jump in.
Throughout her life, Willa was known for her love of gardening, canning, sewing, and making treats to hand out to the community. Willa could always be seen at school plays, the Big Gig, and all sporting events. She loved school and community activities. Willa loved working as a lunch lady at Siren School where all the littles would call her “Grandma Willa!” She had a big love for fishing and played a large part in the Annual Women’s Fishing Contest. In her free time, Willa enjoyed puzzle building, diamond art, and hand embroidery to pass the time and had quite a collection.
Willa was preceded in death by her mother, Clarice; father, Wilbur; brothers, Wilbur “Butch” Woods Jr., Albert Woods, and Scott Woods; brother-in-law, Wayne Glenna; niece, Tara Swanson; and the love of her life, Hal Engstrand.
Willa is survived by her children, Jennifer Lee, Thomas and Kara Cole, and Michelle and Ernie Swanson; grandchildren, Tanner, Chandler, Amelia, Blakke, Alexie, Jordan, Krysta, Sierra, Myles, Kaitlyn Lee, and Libby; and great-grandchildren, Blakkely Nesgoda and Trevor Schleusner. Willa is also survived by her sisters, Terry Glenna and Fern Woods; son-in-law, John Lee; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many good friends.
We will be celebrating the life of a truly amazing woman on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Siren School commons area. Please join Willa’s family and loved ones to share memories and enjoy her favorite foods.
