Like the rest of my family, we have gotten to know Kathy through her friendship with my mother, Jewell Paulson. They both lived in the same apartment complex and quickly became fast friends.
Since my mother could no longer drive, Kathy would often take her to the grocery store, medical appointments or other places she needed to go. My Mom could always depend on Kathy.
As the years passed, their friendship grew stronger. When my wife and I came to visit my mother, we made sure to see Kathy or invite her out to dinner.
When we were planning my Mom’s 100th birthday party in February of 2023, Kathy’s name was at the top of the guest list and we were so happy she could attend.
We will all miss Kathy, but no one will miss her more than my Mom. A good friend is hard to find, but Kathy was the definition of a good friend. God speed.
Kathryn J. "Kathy" Woodruff
June 22, 1942 – April 10, 2023
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Kathryn J. “Kathy” Woodruff, age 80, of Sartell. Burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery in Backus.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, and after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, both in the St. Francis Xavier gathering space in Sartell. Parish Prayers will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Kathryn was born June 22, 1942 at home in Hackensack, MN to Warren and Genevieve (Hraban) Woodruff. She passed away April 10, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital with her family by her side.
Kathy loved her work to the fullest. She started her journey at the St. Cloud Children’s Home. Kathy had never gotten her driver’s license, but her job included taking a van with kids to different things, so at age 31, she made the leap and got her license.
From there, she went to work at Catholic Charities as an outreach social worker, marriage counselor, helped with adoptions, and just about any other service that was provided.
After many years of working, she had to go back to school for her degree. There was no question about it, St. Cloud State was where she was headed. Kathy worked in many of the schools counseling young kids and giving moral support to many teachers as well.
Kathy worked very closely with the priests in the diocese. Fr. Pat and Kathy worked together on a program called the Men’s Group, dealing with court ordered domestic abuse and anger management. She was also a mentor to many interns as well.
When she decided to semi-retire, she took a job counseling the nuns in Little Falls. This brought her much joy.
No one loved working and helping people any more than Kathy. She loved to be with her family and friends as well as cooking and helping out with whatever they needed.
Kathy is survived by her sisters, Shirley Pederson of St. Cloud, Bonnie (Jerry) Brooke of Hackensack, and Nancy Gilles of Hackensack. Nephews, Todd (April) Brooke, Joe (Cheryl) Woodruff, and Jason Gilles. Great nephews Hunter Brooke and Devon Woodruff. One step great niece Betsy (Jeff) Woodford and one step great nephew Michael Kellogg. One step great-great niece and one step great-great nephew. Also, many godchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-in-law, Richard Pederson and Dan Gilles.
A heartfelt thank you to CentraCare Home Care, the staff of the St. Cloud Hospital, Reverend Eberhard Schefers and Reverend Tim Baltes for their exceptional care and compassion.
Guestbook
Kathy, you will be missed! Your friendly smile while you worked at St
Francis Xavier School brightened my days! You always lifted my spirits when you’d stop in the kitchen. I loved chatting with you after mass on Sundays. You always had time for people; you always showed that you cared.
Family of Kathy ‘Cork’..We’re So Very Sorry to hear about her passing..Such a Sweetheart she was..Please Know Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With All of You💖🙏🏻🙏🏻 Theirs some Special Angels up their greeting her.. Huge hugs..Love Always, Sandy & Butch
Dear Nancy,Bonnie,Shirley and family
Our hearts are broken for you all over the loss of such a special
lady. Cork was a kind and caring friend to our family.
She is at peace with the Lord-Rest her soul
With deepest sympathy,Pat,Karen&Family
condolences to the family. Always remember “Cork” as a fun loving gal. My folks always spoke highly of her.
Kathy was my mother-in-law’s friend. They talked daily and saw each other regularly. We met Kathy visiting Jewell. We loved visiting with her and hearing her stories about her amazing life. She was incredible and she will be greatly missed. The angels will benefit from her wonderful personality and abilities❤️
Dear Shirley, Bonnie, Nancy and family may God bless you with many wonderful memories of family gathering and times you four sisters had together. Prayers and hugs to you and all the family.
Rest well Cork 💜 this has been a battle you fought hard. RIP.
Kathy served as a counselor to students at St. Aug’s (St. Aug’s/St. Mary’s) School during a time when I was the Media Specialist there. Kathy was always kind and empathic towards our students. She provided children a “toolbox” filled with ideas to help them to be happy and successful. Kathy made a difference. I send my condolences to her family.
Services
Schedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Kathryn J. “Kathy” Woodruff, age 80, of Sartell. Burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery in Backus.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, and after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, both in the St. Francis Xavier gathering space in Sartell. Parish Prayers will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.