Judith Ann Woulfe

Judith Ann (Judy) Woulfe a kind woman, devoted wife and loving mother, departed this world on Sunday December 29 with her family at her side. She is dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Born November 6, 1937 in Alton to Jack and Virginia (Eckhart) Tonsor Judy attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Marquette High School in 1955. After receiving an elementary education certification from Washington University she taught 2nd grade at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School. She later accepted a position at Owens Illinois Glass Company where she was to meet the love her life. Judy married Paul L Woulfe on November 7, 1958 at St. Mary’s Church. Judy and Paul began their family in 1959 with the birth of their first son Matthew Paul, soon followed by daughter Virginia Jo (David Beile), another son Mark David (Teresa) and finally Andrew Jude (Melissa). The family enjoyed summer road trips in the Pontiac station wagon packed with a musty canvas tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses, Colman cooler and camp stove on adventures to the Great Smokey Mountains, Table Rock Lake, White Sands, Estes Park and Florida beaches. While raising her family Judy worked in the Alton Township Assessors office, served as the Chief Examiner for the City of Alton’s Civil Service Commission and as the Executive Assistant to the Alton Fire Department. Along with raising 4 children and working full time Judy enjoyed hosting holiday and family gatherings, being a Girl Scouts leader, dancing with her husband, embroidery, needlepoint, quilting, and sewing. She was an avid reader and puzzle solver. She took time to read aloud epic tales and classic stories to her children. She was a lifelong learner and returned to college to complete her degree in 1982. She also loved shopping and doing lunch with friends, children and grandchildren. Judy is well known for her baking skills and treated friends, family and co-workers to her famous Red Velvet Cake, 10 pound cheese cakes, carrot cake and tapioca pudding just to name a few of her coveted treats. Judy and Paul enjoyed travelling both in the United State and abroad and were fortunate to experience many diverse cultures and landscapes. A devout catholic, Judy was an active member of St. Mary’s Church where she served as a lector, Eucharistic minister among other roles. Judy excelled at spoiling her 9 grandchildren, Christopher Woulfe (Casey Solterman) and Laura Woulfe and Holly Fairless (Ryan), Kaylin and Phillip Beile, Jennifer and Richard Woulfe and Keegan and Tessa Woulfe. Her love and devotion to them was redoubled by the love they returned to her. Judy and Paul were especially blessed that all their children and grandchildren reside in the Alton/Godfrey area and have been an integral part of their daily lives. Also surviving are her sister Jackie Gissal (Ralph) of Land O’Lakes, Florida and her brother John Tonsor (Fran) of Decatur, Illinois, Sister-in-law Patricia Runtz and Brother–in-law Harold Woulfe both of Alton and a special cousin Marsha Yarnell of Wood River and many nieces and nephews. Judy’s family would like express their gratitude to BJC Hospice and the East Wing Staff at the Eunice Smith Home for their loving care. Visitation is at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, January 2, 2014 from 4-8 pm. A requiem mass will be presided over by Father John Luong at 10 am on Friday, January 3, 2014 at St. Mary’s Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital c/o St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. PDF Printable Version

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Judith Ann Woulfe

November 6, 1937 - December 29, 2013