Obituary

Andrea Cecile Podley, of Bellingham, Washington, passed away August 8, 2022 after a brief illness. Andrea was born November 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. She lived out her final days in her home, surrounded by her husband Phil, beloved dog Danny and her step children.

Andrea graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School, in Los Angeles, California. She worked in Real Estate and later for a publishing company. She met her husband Phillip “PEP” Podley, and they married in Los Angeles on 5/14/1981. Andy and Phil were true soul mates, recently celebrating 41 years of marriage.

In the 1970s, Andrea grew very fond of the Peanuts Gang characters, created by Charles Schultz. Her initial collection began with approximately 10 character pieces. Andy and Phil spent many weekends going to toy shows, swap meets, and Hallmark stores to search for the latest and greatest items to add to her collection. Her collection expanded over the years, to the point where she had the world’s largest Peanuts Gang collection.   Andrea, with support from her husband Phil, started the Peanuts Collector’s Club and a monthly newsletter in 1983. The club started as a small endeavor, but the membership eventually grew to thousands across the world. Andy loved connecting with people across the globe and talking about her favorite subject.  A few years after forming the Club, Andrea and Phil began to hold Beaglefests every year in Santa Rosa, California, where Charles Schultz and his family lived. This was a great opportunity to network with other collectors. Charles Schultz and his wife often attended the event. Andrea also held a fundraiser each year at Beaglefest, donating to the charity Canine Companions.

In the 1980s, she was featured in several tabloid magazines interested in her extremely large collection of Peanuts items. She was also highlighted on a collectors TV show in the early 2000’s. Andrea also found time to co-author two books about Peanuts. She co-authored Peanuts Collectibles: The Official Price Guide to Peanuts Collectibles with Freddi Margolin.  Her second book, Peanuts Collectibles: Identification and Value Guide was co-authored with Derrick Bang.

Andrea was a bright, witty, loving and caring person. She was a mentor and resource to many club members. Most importantly, she formed many life-long friendships through her Snoopy collection. Andrea will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and fellow collectors.

Andrea was proceeded in death by her parents, Jack and Barbara Wolosin and brother-in-law, Robert Dale Werstein.  Andrea is interned at Beth Israel Cemetery in Bellingham, Washington. She is survived and greatly missed by her loving family; her husband, Phillip Podley, her sister Kathleen “Kathy” Werstein, and her step children Eric and Rick Podley, and their families. Charitable contributions can be made to Canine Companions, located in Santa Rosa, CA.