Judith M. Wood
Judith Mae Wood, originally of Lansing, Michigan, passed away in Chicago, IL at age 87 on May 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Judy was born on September 16, 1937, in Traverse City, MI, the daughter of Clark and Florence (O’Kelly) Simmons. She graduated from Resurrection High School in Lansing in 1955 and was married in 1970 to James J. Wood in Lansing.
After attending the St. Lawrence School of Nursing in 1959, Judy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Michigan State University in 1964 and later received an Associate in Arts degree from Lansing Community College in 1983.
She was a woman of strong faith and great empathy, who built her life around service to others. She was the oldest of 4 children, and as a young woman, she helped care for both of her parents during their struggles with cancer. As a nurse, she worked in hospital and public health settings, and spent the majority of her career caring for the elderly as Director of Health Services at ALFA Adult Daycare in East Lansing. “They always appreciated what I did, no matter how much or how little – and I thrived on that appreciation.”
Judy enjoyed traveling around the country with husband Jim during their retirement. She was active in her parish, and in her community, volunteering her nursing skills to area migrant clinics, Cristo Rey Clinic, and the Ingham County Health Dept. She was always an advocate for those who most needed one.
A lifelong artist with a keen eye for nature, her paintings and pottery celebrate the innocence of childhood and the beauty of the natural world. Her work was shown at the Okemos and East Lansing Public Libraries and other venues, including her own show at the Public Art Gallery in East Lansing in 2017.
Judy was a gentle soul who lived with a mission of kindness toward all, and especially toward those most in need. Her generosity, creativity, and faith will continue to inspire us, and we will miss her dearly.
We wish to thank the staff of St. Joseph Village of Chicago, Platinum Care Group, and Suncrest Hospice for their faithful care, which added so much to the quality of Mom’s life and to the grace and comfort of her passing.
Judy is survived by her son Steven (Monica) Wood, and brother John Simmons. Also by nieces Elizabeth Ezzo, Rebecca (David) Levine, sister-in-law Pauline Simmons, nephew-in-law Jon Ezzo, cousins-in-law Jim Zister and Tim (Kris) Malatinsky, and great-nieces & nephews Elena, Jon Carmen & Danny Ezzo and Zoe, Riley, Lilly Mae and Jonah Levine. Judy was predeceased by husband James, and brothers Dan and Michael Simmons.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., with the Rev. Fr. Steve Mattson as Celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the church 1 hour prior to the funeral service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
6 Messages to “Judith M. Wood”
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Jill McNeilly-Ostrander
May 7, 2025 at 11:39 amSteven & Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Not only was she was a classmate of my mother, Mary Jane (Letzau) McNeilly, but a life-long cherished friend of over 70 years. Many years ago my mother started an “Angelic Angels” group, which included several of her Resurrection classmates who were near and dear to her, your mom being one of them. We had many years of eventful gatherings with food, fun and friendship, not to mention all the shenanigans. I also fondly remember the visits my parents had with your parents through the years. Sadly, we unexpectedly lost our mother in Oct 2022. Please know that our thoughts are prayers are with you during this difficult time. Judy will most certainly be missed by the entire McNeilly family.
Maggie Quinn
May 7, 2025 at 5:48 pmSteven, I am happy I was able to know you and your mom. She sure was a kind lady and so talented and sweet. Her desk is used daily at IVEL and we think of her often. May all of your memories sustain you t this difficult time.
Maggie Q
Louise Mengang
May 8, 2025 at 12:51 pmDear Steve and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. Judy was like family to me, my daughter, and my grandson during our time in Lansing, Michigan. I first met her at Resurrection Church nearly a decade ago, and from that moment, she embraced me like a sister.
Even after we moved to Virginia in 2019, Judy stayed in touch—faithfully sending cards, words of encouragement, and updates about her life. Her love for the Lord and for people shone brightly through her unwavering kindness, compassion, and life of service. She truly embodied what it means to live a Christ-like life, loving all people regardless of background or race.
I will always cherish the beautiful memories we shared—riding together to church on Sundays, dropping off my grandson at school, visiting elderly friends, enjoying lunch together, and spending time in her warm and welcoming home.
I pray that the Lord will comfort you and Monica in this season of loss, and that you will find strength and peace in the memory of the strong, faithful woman Judy was.
May God bless and uphold you both.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Nancyann Turner
May 11, 2025 at 4:30 pmSteve, I have so appreciated how you stayed in touch after moving your mom to Chicago where she could be closer to you and Monica. I and my Turner family grew up close to where Judy lived as a child and a teen. I have wonderful memories of those Resurrection years with Judy and others. I moved on to ministry in Appalachia and Washington DC and lost track for a while.
After returning to Detroit in the late 90’s, I resumed closer contact. Thanks to Mary Jane McNeilly about 8 of us (Clare Cordes, Mary Kuhn, Jane Costello, Mary Kegle, Judy Robel,
Betty Goodrich, Mary Jane, Judy and myself) would do lunch in Lansing every 3 months or so. I didn’t mind the drive in from Detroit at all. Judy was consistently faithful and loving to all. May she rest in peace.+++
nancyann turner
Susie Cherry
May 12, 2025 at 8:29 pmSteve and Monica, I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I have many fond memories of time spent with your parents playing bridge, working for your dad and going to lunch with them. I remember seeing your mom at the hospital when Karen was a patient. She was so kind and gentle. I know you have great memories to keep with you forever. May Gods loving arms welcome Judy and give you peace.
Susie Cherry
Sarah Ryan
May 13, 2025 at 5:07 pmDear Steve,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your mom, but we know she’s in a better place. We weren’t able to attend the funeral, but we are thinking about her and praying for her. She was blessed to have such a caring son.
Sincerely,
Sally and Pat Ryan