Alvis Elaine Kiesel

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother Alvis “Elaine” (Woollard) Kiesel who left us peacefully on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, at the age of 87, in Port Townsend, Washington. Born on May 16th, 1937, in Kew, Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Elaine was a beloved daughter of Alfred Ernest Woollard (9/7/1899-11/3/1978) and Ivy Elizabeth (Hall) Woollard (11/25/1903-4/4/1973).

Our mother met our father on a beach in Rosebud, Melbourne while our dad had short leave during his 20-year Air Force term. They stayed in touch through postal mail for a few years until our dad asked for her hand in marriage. She left with her wedding dress and new clothes she had sewn for her new life with our dad. She had an amazing life experiencing new places while being the glue to the family raising her children while our dad was continuously moved to new locations during his service. She had a deep love for being a seamstress, entering craft fairs and a gift for art, and a heart full of kindness. She dedicated her life to work, sewing or raising a family, and would do anything for you. Later in life, she showed signs of dementia and bravely faced the challenges it brought. Her strength and enduring spirit will forever be remembered

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Joseph Kiesel lll, and her sister Ivy Joan (Woollard) Mellere. She is survived by her children, (Tony) Anthony Stephen Kiesel and Virginia Elizabeth (Kiesel) Leidholm, her cherished grandchildren, Stephen Kiesel (wife, Ashley), Joshua Green, Bradley Smith, Alex Smith (partner, Elena), Michael Smith, Connor Smith (wife, Reina) and Emma (Smith) Cronin (husband, Tielor), eleven great-grandchildren and her sister, Catherine Betty (Woollard) Johnson.

In lieu of a formal memorial service, a Mass will be held in Elaine’s honor on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Port Townsend, WA. Family and friends are invited to join in remembrance and prayer.

Friends and family may share memories of Elaine and sign the online guestbook below.