Jean M. (Gallo) Woodruff, of Medford, died on January 28th. She was 75. Born in Malden and raised in the greater Boston Area, she was the daughter of the late Vincent C. and Mary (DeAngelis) Gallo.
Jean married Dean Woodruff in April of 1962. They would have two children Douglas and Diana. In November of 1972, Jean and her children move from their home in Vermont to Texas where they would live until the 1980's. Jean would make homemade treats and good meals every night for her children, whom she loved very much. She managed all the bills and the cleaning of the house all while working first in the school cafeteria and then later in a restaurant called Laby's.
In 1985 Jean moved back to her home state of Massachusetts and bought her first brand new car, a red Ford Tempo. She held a couple of jobs and then found one at the rectory of St. George's Catholic Church in Norwood where Father William 'Bill' Wolkovich presided. This would be the job that Jean would retire from. She was meant for it, she cooked, cleaned, greeted and did the shopping for Father Bill and his guests.
When Jean could no longer drive in 1998, with the help of her sister Joyce, Jean moved to the Somerville Home where she was one of the youngest resident to live there. It was a good fit except that when her kids visited they could not stay with her so she found an assisted living apartment on Lowell Street in Somerville. Jean would stay in touch with the friends she made at the Somerville Home.
In 2008 Jean was diagnosed with Parkinson's, she met this disease bravely not letting it slow her down. She remained active, helping the elderly get to their appointments and playing Scrabble as often as she could to keep her mind active. We did not keep score, as no one wanted to lose against Jean you surely would. She knew every word and would always help you to have a better game. Jean was a kind and faithful person and believed strongly in doing what is right.
Jean was the devoted mother of Douglas and Diana Woodruff. Dear sister of Joyce Finnerty. Cherished daughter of the late Vincent C. and Mary (DeAngelis) Gallo. Jean was a dedicated mother, sister and friend.
A celebration of Jean's life will be celebrated in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Friday, April 27th at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family from 11AM to 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.