Our dear Lord and Savior and His Blessed Mother whispered softly to our most precious and loving Mother that it was time to come home to her eternal reward in Heaven.
Josephine (Jo) Woods passed early Thursday morning, February 6, 2014, in her own home. She was 101 years, 3 months and 22 days young. We were truly blessed to have our dear Mom with us for such a long life.
Mom was born on October 15, 1912 in Helena in her family home, where she lived all her life. Jo was the daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Jezick) Merzlock, the youngest of seven children. She attended St. Helena Grade School and St. Vincent’s Girls Academy graduating in 1930. Jo earned a scholarship to St. Mary’s College in Kansas and later entered the Good Shepherd Convent but returned home to help care for her ailing father.
Jo met Joseph Leo (J.L.) Woods, the love of her life, while they were both employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad. They were married at the Cathedral of St. Helena on February 1, 1944, and were affectionately known as “Joe and Jo” thereafter. Six children were born to this union, all sharing Dad’s and Mom’s name of Joe or Jo in honor of St. Joseph.
Mom’s entire life was filled with faith and family. She attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary every day with all her family, was a lifelong parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Helena, having been baptized there in 1912, and became the oldest active parishioner. Jo served her parish as a Eucharistic Minister, Greeter, was President and a great promoter of the love of Jesus through the Sacred Heart League for 22 years, was instrumental in starting Eucharistic Adoration devotion, and served on the Funeral Luncheon committee. Mom instilled in her children love and devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph through her example and active participation in the Third Order of St. Francis, Tuesday Novena to the Blessed Mother, Charismatic Renewal, and the “Living Rosary”. Mom and Dad worked hard to insure their children received a solid Catholic education. Mom was loved and admired by children, teens, young families, as well as the broken-hearted and destitute, for her compassion, wisdom and help.
Jo was musical; she played the piano exceptionally well, and loved to dance. Mom embodied a timeless style, enjoying the big bands as well as the Beatles, and the newest fashions. Picnics and family vacations, especially by train, were among her favorite past times. It goes without saying she was involved in all the children’s activities.
After staying at home and raising their children until they were in school, Mom worked as an executive secretary for many state agencies. Jo especially loved the time she spent working at the Montana Legislature, “hobnobbing with the bigwigs”, as she would often say. And, Mom loved her job as manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in downtown Helena, where she helped so many people.
Our parents began traveling in 1976 when Dad retired. They visited friends and relatives throughout the United States and toured Mexico and Canada.
Jo is survived by her loving children, Joe, Mary Jo (Dave) Schlick, JoAnne, Gerri (David) Payne, John, Peggy Jo (Bob) Williams; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded by her cherished husband, a miscarried son, Jimmy Joe, her parents, her six siblings, beloved granddaughter, Thalia Rose Reeves, and her dearest daughter-in-law, Lynn Woods, other relatives and many, many friends.
Our deepest love and gratitude goes to our dear sister, JoAnne, who moved in with Mom and Dad in December 2005 and lovingly took care of them in their home since then. She was truly Mom’s angel on earth and Mom and Dad are now asking God to reward her greatly for all she has done with unceasing love and devotion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing, Helena, MT 59601.
Mom, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you until we are all reunited again. We pray Jesus has already said to you: “Well done my good and faithful servant, now enter into the joy of Your Master’s house.” Mt 25:12
The family invites you to join them in praying the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will take place in the Brondel Center, located in the lower level of the Cathedral of St. Helena, immediately following the Mass. A burial will take place at a later date. Memorials in Jo’s name are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jo.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday February 10, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing St.
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 11, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 10, 0201
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday February 10, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing St.
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 11, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 10, 0201
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Maureen Dineen Fisher says
Dearest
Joey, Mary Jo, JoAnn, Jeri Jo, Peggy Jo, Johnny Jo and families,
Sending you all of my Love and Prayers. I sincerely believe that your mother was the most kind, gentle, loving person and friend that our family could have ever had. My condolences to all of you and your families. Your parents were a great inspiration to me and my family. Your mother lived a beautiful life in Christ and will be blessed with many rewards in Heaven. God be with all of you. Thank you JoAnn for being such a beautiful daughter to your mother. Your gift of her care will be remembered for you in the eyes of Our Lord.
All of you must remember that you were the breath of life to your mom. She loved each and everyone of you dearly!! I know that you will all miss her very much. Blessings to you All!!
Maureen Dineen Fisher
Michael Sheridan says
I am so sorry that we won’t be able to attend Jo’s funeral. She was a remarkable lady. Please God, she is now together with Joe in the Kingdom for which she so desired.
Greg Paull says
Peggy Jo and Families, sorry to hear of your mothers passing. You are in my prayers and may the peace of God be with you at this time.
Jen Dineen Gill says
Dear Woods Family,
My sister Maureen already wrote a beautiful message to all of you and I send that same message to you. I loved your Mother and she was such a wonderful friend to our Mother
and Dad and all of our family. We will always be so grateful for her wonderful friendship and love. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless You.
reaghan chaney says
dear great grandma jo I loved you so very and I still do and my last memory of you was you reaching out to me to give me a kiss and that was in the summer. have a great life in heaven I love you
Love your great grand daughter Reaghan Chaney
Sharon Pelletier says
Gerri and Peggy Jo….Now that your Mom has moved on further down the lane, walking by the blue and white house won’t be the same. Never knew her very well, but knowing the two of you and what I saw of her in the years she lived down the road…she was a gentle spiritual woman and loved her family very much. May memories provide peace.
Sharon
Margaret & Mike Foster says
Although we cannot be present for the Mass of Resurrection, we celebrate Jo’s birthday into heaven from Florida. Jo has been a beacon on our faith journey. We thank the Lord for placing her on our path! We have joined you in prayers for these many years, lifting up your beautiful mother & her intentions to the Lord & His Blessed Mother. It is not by any accident that her funeral is being held on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is the World Day of the Sick! Your examples, as a family standing by one another in every situation is a light to the world. Thank you JoAnne for your complete dedication since 2005 for caring for & honoring both of your parents. Your parents are smiling down on all of you today! We love you all & will continue our fervent prayers for you. Margaret & Mike Foster