Jean M. Woodruff

Jean Mary Woodruff of Hope passed from this life to a better one on May 18, 2012 after a very brief struggle with cancer. She was born February 6, 1926 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to the late Mary (Zappacosta) and Angelo Daniello. She was christened Edvice Marie, but was always known as Jean. She grew up during the great depression, learning first hand how to be frugal, while still being generous. Jean was an athletic child, excelling in whatever sport she tried, whether it was jumping double dutch, baseball, playing jacks, or ice skating in hand-me-down skates after stuffing the toes with sox. She loved music, but with no instrument to play, she pretended to play the piano on the windowsill of the porch. Jean was always dancing, and always said she tried to teach the neighbor kids how to tap dance, even though she had no lessons herself. After learning the latest dance craze in Toronto, she returned home and taught the jitterbug to her brother Ben, who was her forever favorite dance partner.

She had a beautiful singing voice, singing on the radio as a teen for $3.00 a song, which was a lot of money then. During WWII she sang for the troops stationed in Soo, Michigan at Fort Brady, which is where she met her future husband. She moved to Michigan and married Bill Woodruff in Midland on February 4, 1946. For a time she sang on a local Saturday radio show. Home was always filled with music, where friends would bring their instruments and rock the house! Mom played by ear and could play anything she picked up or sat down to; piano, guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica. Dad took a few guitar lessons and learned how to chord, as long as Mom was there to tell him when and what chord to go to. Dad died in September of 1962, and the music was never the same.

She became a naturalized citizen in 1960 and retired from Giant Supermarket in 1986, after 21 years of faithful service. If it was her turn to open that store, nothing could stop her from doing it, even if it meant she had to sleep in the break room because of a raging snow storm. Mom was a wonderful cook, but she always said she couldn't fry an egg when she got married. She was funny and fun to be around, the best Grama and Great Grama, affectionately known as G.G.

She is survived by her daughter, MaryLou (Bob) Pyle of Hope, granddaughter, Krysti Pyle of Pinconning, great granddaughters Danielle and Shedel, her brother Ben of Strathroy, Ontario and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother Johnny, sister, Caroline, five sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

Jean's request was to be cremated, and no services, and that her ashes be returned to Canada. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider MidMichigan Hospice or Salvation Army. Arrangements are under the care of the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Personal messages of condolence maybe offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com