Alma P. Woodbury

A remarkable woman with unending love for family, Alma Woodbury was above all the delight of her family. And to Alma, life was about the family she loved and kept close to her heart. She was without question strong of heart, hard working and a wonderful example of a woman who firmly stood behind those she loved and cared about. Remarkable for simply being the loving and devoted woman she was, she will be deeply missed for the many things that made her truly loved and special.

Alma's story began during a time when everything from the world of fashion to the world to politics clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and The Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. It was during this time of change tucked away in the small village of Fowler, Michigan when Vincent and Emma (Schafer) Bozung welcomed the birth of their daughter, Alma, born on November 16, 1924.

Like many in their rural community, Alma's parents were hard working farmers who raised their family of seven children with devout Catholic values. Sadly, it proved to be a time of hardship when Alma's father died when she was quite young. While growing up she had her share of household chores and also helped relatives who lived nearby. In 1936 when Alma was around 12 her family moved to the Belding area for a short time before settling in Grand Rapids. Times continued to be a struggle during these days of the Depression, and the city offered much opportunity, especially for a young girl like Alma.

Alma was an outgoing young woman who made many new friend in the area she now called home. She attended the local schools and in time because of her family connections back in Fowler, she met the love of her life. She was introduced to Gerald Woodbury on a blind date to attend his junior prom and from there their hearts were never the same. The two began dating and before long Alma went on to graduate from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids.

After high school Alma worked for a local company that provided manual juke box music for area establishments. With the onset of World War II, she sadly bid Gerald farewell as he was shipped off to war. Throughout this time Alma kept busy working at a military parts plant in Lansing as a secretary while faithfully corresponding to Gerald. Following four years of service overseas, Gerald returned to the states where he spent the next year in California.

Time or distance could not dampen their deep love and after returning home to Michigan, Potter Park set the stage for a romantic marriage proposal. A few short weeks later Alma became Gerald's wife on September 6, 1947, marking the beginning of 63 wonderful years together. As a couple they settled in the St. Johns area. Gerald supported Alma and their growing family as an electrician at Sealed Power. Devoted and loving, Alma stood behind him when he later began his own electrical business.

To Alma, family was everything. She loved having family gathering at her home where everyone was welcome. With a bustling household of six kids, their house was the place to be not only for the neighborhood but for their large extended family as well. Returning to her country roots, in 1979 they moved from town. Ever devoted to her Catholic faith, Alma made sure each of her children received their early education from St. Joseph Catholic School before going on to attend the St. Johns Public Schools. As members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, they attended faithfully. Alma also served with the St. Mary’s Guild Altar Society.

Alma was a great cook and was especially known for her delicious potato salad, but her love of baking always provided her family and friends with something to satisfy their sweet tooth. Alma and Gerald continued to host gatherings and get-togethers at their home. In fact, their house was the place to be every Memorial Day and Fourth of July as they hosted huge gatherings to watch the fireworks and Indy 500. Alma simply loved surrounding herself with those she loved and cared about and had an undeniable way of making everyone feel loved and special. Even when traveling across the country in the early 90s to Wyoming, she had to stop at the home of every relative along the way.

Throughout the years Alma enjoyed working with ceramics and loved the challenge of a good card game. She and Gerald traveled often throughout the state in their motor homes, but there was nothing quite like home. There she loved tending to her big garden and over the years canned nearly everything. She always made a good home for her family, and especially loved decorating the house at Christmastime. She began collecting a Christmas village and always enjoyed putting it up for display. In her earlier years she loved playing the piano but later came to enjoy the organ.

Whether putting on a big spread for her family or working around the house, Alma set the example of a hard working woman. She instilled good, sound morals and values in her children, and was content in the fact that she raised each of them to be good and decent people. She stood firm for them and never ceased in encouraging them along life's way. She lived by her philosophy of not fretting or crying about circumstances, but to always work things out. Above all, Alma loved her family and in their presence she enjoyed much laughter. A fun loving and dedicated mother, she provided her children with great childhood memories which are dearly cherished.

At the age of 86, Alma Woodbury passed away on Monday, May 30, 2011. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Gerald C. Woodbury; daughters: Ellen (Chuck) Perry of St. Johns, Janeen (William) Linak of North Carolina, Patricia (Darrell) Beck of St. Johns, Christine (Jeff) Pioszak of Williamston; sons: Mark (Teresita) Woodbury of St. Johns, Eric (Cindy) Woodbury of North Carolina; grandchildren, Melissa Mesh, Brandon Mesh, Rachelle Smith, Rebecca Beachler, Cassandra Herrick, Marites Woodbury, Maggie Linak, Scott Linak, Drew Beck, Timothy Beck, Hannah Woodbury, Christian Woodbury, Spencer Pioszak and Connor Pioszak. Also surviving is her sister, Ambra Hadden of Lake. Along with her parents, Alma was preceded in death by her infant son, Jeffrey; sisters: Julitta Draper, Marie Hollis; brothers, Allen, Albert, James Bozung.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Alma will be celebrated Thursday, June 2, 2011, 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns with burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with The Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 6-8 PM and 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday with a Rosary at 7:00 PM Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the Eaton Community Hospice House. To learn more about Alma, view her Life Story film and to leave a favorite memory, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/70668. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Home.