Anne Helen Woods

1951 - 2025

Anne Helen Woods (Sonenklar)

October 31, 1951 - September 21, 2025

Anne Helen Woods, a lifelong dancer, dedicated mother, and lover of nature passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 73, after a prolonged battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 31, 1951, Anne was the beloved daughter of John Woods and Merilyn Woods and sister to Elizabeth Woods (Steven Lis). She graduated from Friends Select School in Philadelphia in 1969 and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 1973 with a combined major in Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology and a minor in Dance. Anne also completed coursework in dance at the Juilliard School and later received her Master of Fine Arts in Modern Dance from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Anne's passion for movement was both artistic and spiritual. After moving from New York to Richmond, Virginia, in 1988, she created her own meditative movement practice, Moving Meditations, blending dance, yoga, Tai Chi, and other techniques. She shared this practice for many years through classes at the Richmond Jewish Community Center and local community colleges, inspiring students to connect body and spirit through gentle, intentional motion.

Anne and her husband, Neil Sonenklar, built their lives together on a small farm outside of Richmond, where she found joy in gardening, caring for animals, and appreciating a quiet rural life surrounded by trees. She was an active member of the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond for many years and served in multiple board roles, including president. She was also a long-term member of the Richmond International Folkdance Club and performed with their ensemble at events around the region. Above all, Anne dedicated her life to raising her children, nurturing their curiosities, talents, and interests with compassion and love.

Anne's authenticity, creativity, and presence enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Neil; her children, Molly Sonenklar, Daniel Sonenklar (Marcela Salazar), and Lydia Sonenklar (Robbie Shorr); and her cherished granddaughters, Tehila Shorr and Adira Sonenklar; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Beth Hungate, Dr. Rackson and the team at VCU House calls. We are especially grateful to Kate Drinkard, Anne's remarkable and steadfast caregiver for many years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in her honor.

Anne lived gracefully, danced joyfully, and loved deeply. Her spirit continues to live on in all those who were fortunate to have known her.