Madeline “Lynn” Woods, 55, cherished wife, irreplaceable mother and friend to all she met, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at her home on August 28, 2011.
Lynn was born on December 9, 1955 in beautiful Butte, America, to Chester and June (Rashleigh) Burns.
Lynn was raised in Butte, attended catholic grade schools and graduated from Butte High School in 1974. In 1975, she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree from Butte’s Vocational Technical School. Upon graduation, she was offered a position at the Fort Harrison Veterans Administration Center in Helena, Montana. After a number of years in nursing, Lynn decided to transfer to the pharmacy where she would remain for the next 25 years.
While in Helena, Lynn met and fell in love with John Woods, whom she married on June 2, 1990 in the Cathedral of St. Helena. They were married by Lynn’s uncle, Father Ernie Burns, and enjoyed 21 beautiful years together. They were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jacqueline, on September 5, 1991, happily sharing the same birth date as Lynn’s father. They were blessed again with the birth of their son, Joseph Patrick, on December 7, 1992, arriving home from the hospital on Lynn’s Birthday.
In her younger years, Lynn greatly enjoyed participating in local bowling leagues and playing in numerous state-wide softball tournaments. In the winter time you were sure to meet her on the ski hill.
After marriage, Lynn’s dedications to her family were always first and foremost. Countless memories were made from the many family vacations and the numerous boating and camping outings that the whole family enjoyed.
Lynn was a faithful and regular member of the Cathedral of St. Helena, and her catholic faith was second to none. Her faith in the Lord Jesus was strengthened by her daily praying of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. She was the spiritual role model for her children through her rich, faith filled daily example. There was a heavenly bond formed through the years between Lynn and the Blessed Mother. This bond blossomed and flourished daily by her being an incredible mother to her children. She will always be remembered for her unconditional love of her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and June, her younger brother, John, many aunts and uncles, close cousins, her father-in-law, and her niece.
She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Jacqueline; son, Joe Pat; brothers, Pat (Donna) Burns of Butte and Mark Burns of Minnesota; and sister, Michelle (Dan) James of Minnesota. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, many brothers and sisters-in-law, numerous aunts and uncles, cherished cousins, and much loved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
The family will begin receiving friends at 5:30 p.m. Friday, September 2nd at Retz Funeral Home chapel with a Rosary service scheduled at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Noon Saturday, September 3rd at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Ann Gidel says
John and family: I have thought of Lynn and you every day since her passing. I met Lynn when she was an LPN at the VA, then grew to know her as a close friend and colleague when she transferred to the pharmacy. She was respected by all her co-workers and patients alike, and always had a smile and kind word even on the most stressful days. She will be missed by all who knew her, and will never be forgotten. I hope that time will give you strength as Lynn continues to guide you through life.
Bonnie Lee says
John and family,
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your loved one, Lynn. Working with Dan, we have come to know the depth of love your family shares together. God’s peace and healing.
Bonnie Lee and staff aof the Diocese of Crookston.
Bonnie Lee says
John and family,
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your loved one, Lynn. Working with Dan, we have come to know the depth of love your family shares together. God’s peace and healing.
Bonnie Lee and staff of the Diocese of Crookston.
Candice Burns (1st cousin) says
John, Patrick, and Jacqueline …Pat, Michelle and Dan, Mark
There are no words to express how sorry I was to hear about my cousin “Linnie”. Your loss will be deeply felt for some time. My memories of her and my sister are delightful…whether it was playing house in Gram and Grandpa’s backyard, delivering items to my Aunt Catherine on Granite Street (ringing the bell and running!) I felt so fortunate growing up with her and the rest of the family! I’ve prayed for all of you and will continue to do so….see you soon!
Chuck Jezick says
Dear Cousin John and family.
I was saddened to learn of Lynn’s passing. My deepest sympathies and condolances to your family. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
SKincerely
Chuck Jezick
Daniel Reeves says
John and kids, o Johnny I am so grief sticken for you, and you family, Am at a loss to express all i am feeling for you, May God amd loving angels be with you John, I recall Thea mentioning she and Bryan using you and Lynn as a roll model for child rearing, I felt the same..John, please reach to me for any support you might need from me, my love and being is with you, may God and Holy angels be with Lynn, as are my prayers..John, may God, and Holy angels who mean you and your kids well, be with you..Hugs and Blessings
Daniel Reeves
Denice Danz says
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Lynn for the last 9-years, and I already miss her so much. She was more than a co-worker though; she was more like a mother and had a great ear for listening. She was always foremost a mother and a wife. I never heard her hang up the phone without telling John she loved him, and her blue eyes always sparkled when talking about her children. I miss her smile, her laugh, and hearing her say in the morning how she was going to go get some coffee before she could do anything. She will always hold a special place in my heart. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Woods family in this tragic time.
Denise (Kelley) Seilstad says
My sympathy and prayers to all of you. Such great and wonderful memories of Lynn(Foxy). I didn’t play on the softball team, but certainly was one of their strongest supporters. Great times at Marty’s Bar. Lynn always made me laugh. You were certainly blessed to have her as a wife and mother. God bless you during this difficult time. ~ Kelley
Diane Eby says
I was fortunate to play on the same team with “Foxy”. She was not only an awesome softball player but a wonderful and fun teammate. It has been a number of years since we played softball together but still would run into each other around town and either visit a bit or at least share a smile and a hello. She was a wonderful person and I am sure will be missed a great deal. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. A
Ellen Speranza says
I am so saddened to hear of Lynn. I worked with her for a short time at the VA in the 1980″s and she was such a happy, smiling person. Throughout the years whenever we bumped into each other she always stopped to talk to me. My heart goes out to the family. You are in my prayers.
Ellen Vogelsang says
Dear Woods and Burns Families:
My sincere condolences to all of you in your loss. “Linnie” was a fun and creative companion in the neighborhood growing up. Later, I would see her at the VA, always smiling, cheerful and serene. A beautiful and geniune soul. Praying for all of you.
Emily and Bryce Hanson says
John-
We are truly sorry for your loss. We only had the pleasure of meeting her once but her kindness was truly overwhelming. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest condolences-
Bryce, Emily, Jimi & Cooper Hanson
JoannieVolesky says
Dearest John,Jackie, and Joe,
There are no words to convey how saddened and how sorry I am to hear of Lynn’s passing. Know that you are all close in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I remember your mom as a sweet, gentle, and so loving and supportive of her children. She was so faith filled and her love of God, and her family was so evident to me every time I saw and talked with her. I am so, so sorry, and am always here for you kids. ALWAYS. May God hold you in His loving arms now and always.
Karen Fishman says
I met Lynn when she was the sponsor for not just one but two converts to the Catholic faith at the Cathedral of St. Helena. I will always remember her as a faith-filled woman who loved her family very much. My sincerest condolences to her entire family.
Kathy Roberts says
I will so miss Fox’s sense of humor and the ability to make all of us laugh.
We all sooooo very much enjoyed the days we all played softball. We were quite the sorority!
Our team was united and were more like sisters. We grew up together – some being only 12 and 13 years old when we began playing and singing Let’ s all go to Marty’s Bar in Butte.
Everyone matured and we shared weddings and births. And, now we share grief as a sisterhood.
John, Jacqueline, Joe and family, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Laura Gannon says
Dear Jackie,I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. You are in my prayers. Take comfort in knowing that your mom is safe in the arms of Jesus.
Love Laura Gannon(Valerie’s mom)
Lori Armstrong Paull says
I went to IC grade school with “Lynnie.” My fondest memory was when we were in CYO, and after visiting who we were supposed to in the house behind IC church (SW corner of Western and Woolman)we went to my house and made a pizza. We started to eat it when it looked like it was cooked, but the middle wasn’t! I ran into Lynn at the Fort when I took my dad up there, and after not having seen her for many years we recognized each other and visited. Go IC Indians! God Speed Lynnie. My condolences and prayers to Pat and Donna, and all Lynnie’s family.
Mandy (Burns) Peterson says
Dear John, Jacqueline and Joe Pat, we just returned from Helena, sharing the prayer of Rosary with you and the others in honor of our dear cousin, Lynn. During this past week you have gracefully offered Lynn a beautiful farewell that would touch anyone’s heart. Through your actions, you have shown how much you loved and adored your Wife and Mother, as well as her own family of Pat, Michelle and Mark. Lynn was truly a special person to so many, including our Burns family. Her absence will be a great loss to all of us. We have many memories of her, with all of them showing she was a kind person with a gentle heart. Being closer in age, Lynn, Caron and I would stay at Grandpa Doc and Grandma Manda’s house together. We enjoyed the kind of fun that cousins do, when they’re at Grandpa and Grandma’s house! Even in our adult life, we continued to share life’s experiences, including the raising of our children. Throughout the years, we were both pleased to see our own children become “friends.” Please know we have you in our thoughts and prayers, as you begin this next journey of life, with Lynn gone from this world. Remember her presence is a part of your heart and you have her with you always. May God Bless You! Love, Cousin Mandy, Gregg, Dusty and Ashley, Geoff and Becky, Lindee and Baby Quinn.
Mary Walker, Cooper, Nicholia and Garrett says
Dear John, Jackie and Joe:
We are heartbroken for you and send our love and prayers. We can’t imagine the pain and devastation that is yours alone to feel right now. I pray that God shelters you to a great degree and that you find love and solace in one another. Lynn was a bright spirit, a loving mother (to all the neighborhood) and an especially warm and loving person to the four of us, through good times and tough times. We have many fond memories of the Woods family and they all center around the love that radiated from Lynn. We hope to see you soon. Until then- all of our love and support is with you.
Michaelanne says
I worked with Lynn in the Pharmacy at the VA for a short summer. She was a shining light at work with her wonderful smile, easy laugh & willingness to help. She will be sorely missed.
Our prayers & thoughts are with you. God Bless you & comfort you in this difficult time.
Mike & Kathy Doughty says
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Lynn is gone too soon. Our prayers are with you all as you work through this very difficult time. I miss Lynn’s smile and seeing her in the halls of the VA.
Rick and Stacey Skalsky and family says
Our condolences for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through all of this. May she ever rest in peace.
Robin (Butala) Hossfeld says
John,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Scott & Susan Ripplinger says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Lynn forever rejoice with the angels!
Sharon Mercado says
Dear John, Jacqueline and Joe Pat,
I’m so sorry for your loss of Lynn. I knew her from Ft Harrison. She always had a smile and was pleasant to work with. Everyone will miss her. What a shock! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sharon Mercado
Susan Burns says
Dear John & family, I can not understand the grief your family is going through at this time, but know my heart & prayers are with all of you. I loved Lynne, she always made me smile & laugh. She loved & was so proud of her family. Love, Sue Burns
Ted Hannah and Michelle Holt says
Dear John, Jackie and Joe, Our thoughts are with you in this tragic time. We will miss Lynn’s sweet smile and friendly wave that we became so accustomed to during the eleven years we have had the good fortune to be your neighbors. We have watched your family grow and share with you the sadness of this time. May you and she know peace.
Your neighbors on the corner.
Thea says
Aunt Lynn, you are loved and missed beyond words. You will forever by in my heart. Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
All my love,
Thea
Tom, Liese and Kaleb Zebrun-Gero says
Dearest John, Jackie and Joe – Your wife and mom was a constant warm spirit for us through Kaleb’s elementary school years. Bumping into her later as you kids went to high school was a sweet moment in time – in deed! We admired her very much. God be with you as you grieve. Our love and prayers are reaching out.