Helen Woodruff, 92, died at her home in Forest Park on Dec. 12. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she and Edward “Ted” Woodruff met when Ted decided to take dance lessons at an Arthur Murray dance studio where she was one of the teachers. They partnered so beautifully that they became partners in life, and were married for 39 years until Ted’s death in 1997.
They raised two children in River Forest, where she was known as a wonderful neighbor, cook, and friend. Right up until the end, two of the greatest joys of her life were dancing and gardening. She spent many happy hours at Ballroom City in Villa Park, where she celebrated her 80th and 90th birthdays. This past summer, at 91, she still had a hand in the plantings at her condo.
Helen is survived by her son, Bruce Woodruff (Nancy Luikaart) and her daughter, Leann Runyanwood (Mark Runyan). She is also survived by her brother, Ray Lamboley (Ethel Esser), and nieces and nephews in Wisconsin.
Her love of gardening and walks in the woods inspired her memorial location of Morton Arboretum, on Saturday, May 7. It will be an open house from 10 till 2. Tell the front gate you are there for Helen Woodruff’s Memorial and there will be no charge. The arboretum should be full of flowers at that time of year — she would like that.
If you’d care to send an arrangement to the memorial in May, address it to Morton Arboretum; Thornhill Center, Helen Woodruff; 4100 Illinois Route 53; Lisle, Illinois 60532.
