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Ilene Woods Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ilene Woods, the voice of Cinderella in Disney's animated classic, has died. She was 81.

Woods died Thursday of causes related to Alzheimer's disease at a nursing home in Canoga Park, her husband, Ed Shaughnessy, tells the Los Angeles Times.

Woods was an 18-year-old radio singer in 1948 when she recorded a demo for an upcoming Disney feature. Two days later, Walt Disney himself auditioned her and she went on to voice the title character's speaking and singing parts for 1950's "Cinderella," about a mistreated stepdaughter who finds her Prince Charming.

Woods sang on the Perry Como and Arthur Godfrey shows in the 1950s before retiring from show business in the early 1970s.

In addition to her husband of 47 years, she is survived by their son, a daughter from her first marriage, and three grandchildren.


Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
Published by The Gazette on Jul. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ilene Woods

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128 Entries

Michael Simmons

April 25, 2021

so sorry for your loss. Cinderella has always been my favorite Disney production.
She is the most beautiful Disney heroine both in voice and animation.
May Ilene RIP forever. She will be in our hearts for all time.

Marilynn

February 4, 2011

To the Woods family and friends. I would like to ecnourage you to turn to our Heavenly Father when you feel that the pain is to much to bear and know that he will give you comfort when you feel you can't go on, because he will never leave you. I found the following scripture to be very comforting. Isaiah 41:10, I would encourage you to read it whenever you feel you need that extra help to get thru the day. - Psalm 65:2, Romans 15:4.

J.

July 31, 2010

Sorry for your loss,I watched Cinderella as I was growing up, and my daughter enjoys watching it too.As a Bible student I would like to share a soothing thought. "Revelation 21:4 God promise us that He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore".

Robert Cowell Sr.

July 13, 2010

We the American People have lost our one and only Royalty. I remember kissing your hand when you visited Orlando a few years back. You are truly missed. Thank you for your beautiful voice. One last Kiss. XO

Eileen Lonergan

July 13, 2010

From one Eileen to another... you made my childhood very special with your talents and gifts. Thank you for those special memories.

Amy

July 13, 2010

I am so very sorry for your loss. God has a very beautiful angel with him. I so enjoyed watching Cinderella as a child, and I still love watching it with my daughter.

sarah rico

July 12, 2010

"A dream is a wish your heart makes when your fast asleep...." Rest In Peace <3 and thank you

judy Munn

July 12, 2010

i to as achild to lived in Pgh Pafrom 1940 to 1983now iam in gainesville Walt Disney really created a [email protected]

Maryann Dayton

July 12, 2010

I am so very sorry for your loss. She has brought such great joy to me growing up as I have loved Cinderella as my favorite princess. Not only is she bringing joy to all the little princesses now, but she will continue to bring joy forever to the future princesses. May she rest in peace with God and His angels!

July 12, 2010

Beautiful to have a voice that made such an impression on so many children both past and present.

To the family "...through the comfort from the scriptures we might have hope."

Mary Rascon

July 12, 2010

I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Mary Rascon

July 12, 2010

Our deepest condolences, please find comfort from the
promising scripture that says as the last enemy, death
will be brought to nothing.

July 12, 2010

Beautiful voice. Beautiful Princess! You will live in the hearts of Disney fans forever! - Anne Waddle (El Paso,TX)

Debbie Brynelsen

July 11, 2010

Yow will never know how many of us princesses hearts you touched .... young & old not to mention all the ones in the future years. Rest in peace.

Aunrey Jacobs

July 11, 2010

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Memories of good times and the love of family and friends will encourage you in the days and months ahead. May the scriptures comfort you and give you hope and strength. Psalm 34:18 - "God is near to those that are broken-hearted; and to those that are crushed in spirit he saves. You are in my prayers.

Karen Sutt

July 11, 2010

Cinderella,forever a timeless classic in the hearts of princesses everywhere.
Thank you

Steven Ritter

July 11, 2010

Rest in Peace Cinderella with Singer Prince Charming Mike Douglas, and Voice of Prince Charming William Phipps.

Eva Purnia

July 11, 2010

Thank You princess!you will forever be everyones cinderella!my prayers to your family.

michelle ditria

July 11, 2010

Wow...you even looked like Cinderella...rest peacefully

Terrel Jamett Clark

July 11, 2010

God Bless Her and the husband the children. One of the best movies made.

July 10, 2010

My Thoughts and prayers go with Ilene's family. May the Lord Comfort you in your time of grief.
ILene's singing part has always been a comfort to me as I was a true Cinderella.
I will always remember and Thank you for being so instrumental along with the Lord in comforting me during my lifetime.
Marilyn(Nestor) Jalinski,Whiting NJ

Kendall Dooley

July 10, 2010

R.I.P. Cinderella.. Thank you for being the voice of the most beloved Disney princess.

Nancy Rodriguez

July 10, 2010

We will miss you always(Cinderella)R.I.P

Sims

July 10, 2010

My sympathy to the family of Ilene Woods. May the words found in God's word the Bible bring comfort and strength. Isaiah 25:8

Patricia Brown

July 9, 2010

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Ilene Woods (Cinderella) R.I.P

Sue Iniguez

July 9, 2010

You'll live in our hearts for generations to come. Thank you. May the peace of the Lord be with your family through this sad time.

Carol Pearson

July 9, 2010

My home town hero from Portsmouth NH. What a beautiful voice. We were lucky Mr Disney found her.

Robin Schultz

July 9, 2010

Ilene Woods will be adored for generations to come as Cinderella. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind for us all. Prayers to the family for understanding and peace as they say good-bye.

adriana gutierrez

July 9, 2010

"cinderella" all time classic

kenneth correale

July 9, 2010

all disney fans like me will never forget you

Theresa Sabatino

July 9, 2010

Ahhhh, I can still picture Cinderella twirling to the beautiful song, I danced with you Once Upon A Dream. I could almot start to cry. Her voice made Cinderella truly come to life.

Lisa Hall

July 9, 2010

My all time favorite Disney movie! Her voice was so beautiful, peaceful, and alluring! May God hold her in His sweet arms, so she may sing sweetly to Him, forever! God Bless you! Thank you for the beautiful memories of my childhood!

m.

July 9, 2010

To the family of Mrs. Woods.......

Mary Martin

July 9, 2010

I dragged my mother to see that movie 7 times to downtown Seattle (no strip mall theaters then) when I was a little girl. I will always remember her fondly.

July 8, 2010

I will always cherish the memories of her voice in Cinderella.This was my first movie as a small farm girl. I was in awe and I still love this movie.She is now a star in heaven.My condolences. Stella in TX

allison bowe

July 8, 2010

so sorry for your loss iliked cinderella my thoughts and condolances go to the family

J. Frank

July 8, 2010

I was privileged to be on stage with Ilene (picked from audience), on the breakfast club radio show, back in about 1950 or '51; and wondered what became of her career. I will always remember that exciting day, as I was a young teen. My Condolences to all her family.
Sincerely,
J. Frank

Terisa

July 8, 2010

So Sorry for the loss of your loved one. she is a beautiful lady and I too loved Cinderella !!! thank you for the memories IIene. may the precious memories of your loved one bring you some comfort.

July 8, 2010

WOW! R.I.P. SHE EVEN LOOKS LIKE CINDERELLA! WHAT A PERFECT MATCH! CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY ~~ T. SMITH (GA)

cheryl reyes

July 8, 2010

she'll always be a princess in our hearts
deepest sympathy to the family cheryl reyes farmington,nm

Barbara Hawkins

July 8, 2010

She "IS" Cinderella...and will always be the voice of an angel.

J Blevins

July 8, 2010

Thank you for sharing your talents with us, it will be we will remember forever.

christy trexler

July 8, 2010

I grew up looking at cenderlla and still love it to this day. It will always have a special place in my heart.

July 8, 2010

this was one of my favorite movies because of the beautiful singing. I watched with my daughter and grandson many many times. God Bless the family for shareing ms woods with the world. north carolina

Mary E. Riegling

July 8, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Shaun

July 8, 2010

My condolences to the Woods family. May the "God of all comfort" be with you.

J MADDOX

July 8, 2010

TO THE FAMILY OF ILENE WOODS
YOU TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE WITH YOUR VOICE. YOU MADE US BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF LOVE THRU CINDERELLA. IT IS STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITES. PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO YOUR FAMILY.

A Fan

July 8, 2010

Ilene Woods . . my Cinderella will live forever in my heart.

Henryk Zaleski

July 8, 2010

Rest in peace and thank you for taking us on the journey with you.

July 7, 2010

July 7, 2010 May she rest in peace. I still have my Cinderella records. She will always be a Disney Princess.-- Judie Barry(Montgomery NY)

Always A Fan

July 7, 2010

To the family of a Lovely Lady,
I am in my 30s & Cinderella is still one of my all time favorite movies. That beautiful voice will always be etched in my mind.
At a time such as this, treasure one of Gods precious gifts to us, memories. Allow them to comfort you and know that one day soon, we will no longer have to experience such pain brought upon us by our 1st human parents. At his Fathers request, Jesus gave his life for us so that we might have everlasting life in a new world. That was Gods most precious gift! So live for the day when we can say: "Life Without End At Last!" Isaiah 25:11

Heather Bell

July 7, 2010

I am so sorry for the loss of a woman with such a beautiful voice. Many young girls dream of having such an angelic voice like Ilene had!

Rest in Peace Ilene for you are no longer suffering and are in the biggest castle ever.

July 7, 2010

I am dearly sorry for your loss. Her voice has been heard by so many. When the Kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven she will have an opportunity to be heard again.

E,E & A Rodriguez

July 7, 2010

Woods Family: May you find peace in knowing how many lives Ilene touched through her beautiful voice ! God bless !

RIP Disney Princess !

Joy Anderson

July 7, 2010

Cinderella lives forever!

Elizabeth

July 7, 2010

How wonderful that Walt Disney saw Ms. Woods' talent and brought her to the world through Cinderella. She has touched so many lives. Surely she is singing in the angel choirs in heaven. Deepest sympathy to her family. Hold her close to your heart by treasuring the memories.

July 7, 2010

My mother always said that she got my name from the credits at the end of a movie when I was born in 1956--so Ilene Woods must have been the person that so impressed her!! Thanks for sharing your name. Gods blessings to your family. Ilene Baker Gohmert

FELIX PAGAN

July 7, 2010

MAY THE BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS REST IN PEACE...

LORRAINE /ANGELA SKINNER FAMILEY

July 7, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

JJones

July 7, 2010

My sincere condolences to the family. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.

(2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

A Grandmother

July 7, 2010

Woods Family,

We are sorry for your loss.My daughters and granddaughter loved cinderella. May knowing that others care give you a measure of comfort. May God who see your tears and pain of heart give you all the needed strenght to endure without your loved one. For God is with those who are broken at heart and those whoare crushed in spirit He saves.

Ellen Kaye

July 6, 2010

My first Disney movie I saw in a theatre. I was around 10 or 11, and it's the only one I still have on video...which was a gift. Rest in Peace, Princess! Deepest condolences to your loving family!

S. K.

July 6, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Woods Family. Thank you for sharing Ilene,(Cinderella)with myself and Daughter. Ilene is a real PRINCESS.
almost an Anastacia--- Staci

steve vail

July 6, 2010

ilene woods family:
i am sorry for your loss. miss woods did
many generations a great amount of good
being the voice of Cinderella for all these years. Rest in peace

Jason Parker

July 6, 2010

Thank you for being part of my family's lives for all these years.

Cinderella Cherry

July 6, 2010

To the Woods Family our deepest sympathy to you all. Her sweet voice will live on Thank You for so much enjoyment. God Bless you at this time

p(rev.21:4)

July 6, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

July 6, 2010

RIP Cinderella..............

Lorraine From New Jersey

Condolences

July 6, 2010

The Wood's Family has my sincere sympathy for the loss of your love one. Hold on to the wonderful memories of her talent that she shared with the world. Ecclesiastes 2:24 tells us working hard and enjoying the benefits of hard work is a blessing from God. May God's word comfort and carry you through this difficult time.

Juanita

July 6, 2010

To Ilene Woods and her family, sorry for the loss of a person voice we only knew. She was a beautiful person, I love this pictures of her, now it matches her voice. May you all take comfort from God's word at
Revelations 21:1-5 when death will be no more.

Roger Festa

July 6, 2010

"A dream is a wish your heart makes."
Rest in peace, sweet lady. Your voice is in our hearts forever.

July 6, 2010

My favorite princess is now in her castle in the sky.....how sad but how wonderful that she will live on forever in the hearts of little girls...and big ones!

Thomas Smith

July 6, 2010

May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the family and friends of Ilene Woods.

stephanie benson

July 6, 2010

i love cinderella iam 31 years old i grew up on the movies may she rest in peace

M. Rogers

July 6, 2010

May God be with Cinderella and her family!

Penny

July 6, 2010

"Cinderella" was my daughter's 'first' favorite Disney princess when she was barely three and still remains a favorite. We just returned from a trip to Disneyland where she got to meet Cinderella. What a beautiful voice and a beautiful legacy Ilene Woods has left us all.

Linda Hartman

July 6, 2010

I am 64 years old and I remember fondly "Cinderella" that was probably my favorite movie by Disney. I fell in love with "Cinderella" always thinking I would find my Prince Charming. As I remember Cinderella's face before she went to the ball, and Ms. Woods face it almost looks like Ms. Woods. That golden voice is forever silent. My most sincere sympathy to Ms. Wood's family.
Linda L. Hartman
Syracuse, NY

Angelita O. Florez

July 6, 2010

You leave me beautiful memories, such an inocent voice. R.I.P Princes. I am 51 years old, I still enjoy watching Cinderella, now along with my grandbabys and their Mommy.

Kassy LuAllen

July 6, 2010

How my heart aches when finding this news out. RIP

Shellie Drage

July 6, 2010

This is truly a sad day for princesses everywhere. How lucky we were to have her been such a big part of our lives for all these years.

Tami G.

July 6, 2010

Thank you for giving us a extrodinary piece of history in your role as Cinderella. May your family find peace in knowing how many lives you have touched !

July 6, 2010

"Our condolences to Cinderella's family. The movie has enchanted me, my daughters, and now my little granddaughters, who "sing along" with her when they watch. We'll always have the beautiful voice to enjoy, God Bless." Anne Goodwin (Kensington, MD)

Linda De V

July 6, 2010

Sweet Cinderella--you are immortal. Rest in Peace.

Susan Osborn

July 6, 2010

I send to you all my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Ilene. The Walt Disney classic Cinderella has always been among my top favorites since I was a little girl and in raising my own two daughters...we have many wonderful memories watching that and hearing Ilene's beautiful voice as Cinderella...I have enjoyed the same with my grandchildren. Walt Disney picked the ideal person for the voice of Cinderella...her goodness and kindness came through. How pretty Ilene was as well. I know you will all miss her;I pray for your comfort and peace in this time.

Donna Borrell

July 6, 2010

Cinderella has always been one of my favorites... thank you IIene

JOAN CORRETTE-GOLEC

July 6, 2010

MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF ILENE WOODS RELATIVES
I WAS A CINDERELLA LOVER SINCE I WAS A YOUNG CHILD.
I LOVE THE ANIMATED MOVIE AND I HAD A WATCH, TOO!
I HAVE A DAUGHTER NAMED; CYNTHIA BUT IT DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE STORY.
MAY THE HAPPY MEMORIES OF ILENE GIVE YOU PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING AT THESE SORROWFUL DAYS AHEAD.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
WARM HUGS,

Christine

July 6, 2010

Thank you for our lasting childhood memories. Your beautiful voice made Cinderella magical to myself, and now my daughters.....Bless you.....

Phyllis Hanna

July 6, 2010

RIP Cinderella

Harold Saunders

July 6, 2010

A great voice has been stilled today.My condolences to the family .Her singing voice added tremendous depth to this Disney classic

Julia Nelson

July 6, 2010

This beautiful lady brought such joy to so many people with her angelic voice...just last week I went on YouTube and played "Sing Sweet Nightingale." When 'Cinderella' came out on DVD, I ran to the store to buy it, not for my little daughter, but for myself, and I am 45 years old now! I cannot imagine my life without the beautiful sound of Mrs. Woods' lovely voice as part of my happy memories. God bless her and all her family as they mourn her passing.

Lori Farrar

July 6, 2010

You were such a wonderful lady to grant the public with your voice, and your talent. You will be missed by millions. God bless you and your family. And God speed. You are in heaven with GOD and his angels. I hope your singing for the Lord and everyone up there. I will remember you and everything you did for me, when I was alot younger. You have always been my idol. I love you, Princess.

R Golay

July 6, 2010

To the the family of Ilene Woods - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Ilene will be missed by many.

July 5, 2010

ANYTHING DISNEY WAS AND FOREVER WILL BE MAGIC....WHAT A LUCKY GIRL TO BE DISCOVERED BY THAT STUDIO. SING IN HEAVEN MY DEAR.

Mary Casteel

July 5, 2010

I will always be grateful for having had a stepmother who (throughout my knowing her) presented me with love, hospitality, and true concern for my well-being; one who had faith in me throughout all that I would do; one who always offered praise; and one who played such an important role in my father's life as well as mine. You will be missed.

July 5, 2010

YOUR BEAUTIFUL VOCIE IS REFLECTED IN YOUR PERSONAL BEAUTY. THANKS FOR THE SWEET MEMORIES. BLESS YOU. JW,CHCIAGO

Seth Rogalsky

July 5, 2010

Cinderella was my favorite Disney movie,I love the message the narrator said about Cinderella at the beginning.Our Heavenly Father is watching over Ilene.

Alicia De La Garza

July 5, 2010

God Bless you and your family. What a truly beautiful woman. No cosmetic surgeries, no botox.. did not need anything, that is a true beauty. Rest in peace.

Susan Hutchison

July 5, 2010

Rest In Peace

July 5, 2010

r.i.p 1929-2010

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