Lea Woodrum Obituary
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Lea B. Woodrum, who left us peacefully on May 18, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on December 14, 1928, in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, Lea embarked on her journey to the United States with her mother arriving on July 2, 1929, and settled in Chicago, IL, joining her father. During her childhood years, she embraced her love of music with learning how to play the piano. Lea attended St. Louis Academy High School, graduating in June 1946.
She met her soul mate, Lawrence E. (Larry) Woodrum Jr. at DePaul University and they were engaged on May 16, 1948. They both graduated from DePaul University with a BS in Chemistry in June 1950. On July 8, 1950, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Chicago, IL, Lea married Larry which was the beginning of a beautiful 60-year union full of love, laughter, dancing and music. After residing in Chicago, IL and Sheffield Lake, OH, ultimately, they settled in Fort Wayne, IN in 1969 for the remainder of their lives together. Lea's lifetime career was that of domestic engineer while raising 4 wonderful children.
Lea was not just a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; she was the heart of her family. She was a woman of great beauty, quiet but commanding strength, unwavering love, strong in her faith and convictions, highly accomplished natural leader and a true friend to so many people whose lives she touched. Her nurturing spirit, eagerness to share her experiences and positive outlook will be deeply missed by her daughter Lori W. Jones (Kevin) of Fayetteville, PA, son Lee A. Woodrum (Ramona) of Spartanburg, SC, son Steven E. Woodrum (Karen) of Fort Wayne, IN and daughter Julie W. Campion (William) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren, Stephanie K. Angel (Bret), and Daniel P. Jones (Alison), and cherished great-grandchildren, Laina K. and Anna L. Angel, Eloise T. and Quinn A. Jones, who will forever carry her legacy in their hearts. Lea is also survived by her dear brother, Ennio J. Raimondi and special extended family, Janine and Julia Wilson. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Lawrence E. Woodrum Jr., parents, Joseph and Ilda (DiVincenzo) Raimondi, grandson, Matthew D. Woodrum, sister -in-law, Joan Raimondi and nephews, David and Matthew Raimondi.
Besides the love of her family and friends, Lea possessed the love of various genres of music and shared her gift of song with many musical groups through singing or playing the piano, dulcimer, bowed psaltery and hammered dulcimer. Lea was part of the Founders group of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus singing harmony for 45 years. She was the Founder of the Back Porch Players, a folk music group formed with her husband; Long time Member of The Settlers, Co-Founder of the Hearthstone Ensemble; Long time Member of the P.E.O. International Sisterhood Sorority (B.Z. Chapter); Member of Northern Notes Chorus; Former Member of Saint Charles Catholic Church and current Member of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church participating in both church choirs. During her years at the Towne House, she was a member of the Tone Chimes Choir. Music lifted her spirits and filled her soul.
Along with music, Lea enjoyed both ballroom and square dancing with her husband, Larry. They often spent winters in McAllen, TX where they performed in competitive square dancing. They also learned how to create stained glass artwork which they readily shared with their family that have become cherished keepsakes. Lea even completed an aviation course in preparation to become a pilot so that she could be Larry's co-pilot when flying their airplane or navigating their lives. They were blessed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 8, 2010, surrounded by family and friends.
Lea was an extraordinary woman on Earth and Heaven has welcomed an angel to watch over us. Her song lives within our hearts forever. We love you, Mom. Thank you for leading our way in life.
A Mass service will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with a Celebration of Life following at the Towne House for Lea B. Woodrum at a later date. A service announcement and updated website will be forthcoming. Arrangements were made at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd., Huntertown, IN.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the: P.E.O. International Sisterhood Sorority (Philanthropic Organization) which Lea was a member for over 40 years Make a Gift - P.E.O. International, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 or to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Online Giving - Saint Vincent de Paul Parish - Fort Wayne, IN, saintv.org/osvhub.com. Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com
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Published by WFFT-TV 55 News on May 20, 2025.