Betty Tabor Woods

Betty Tabor Woods was called to Heaven, Monday, June 14, 2010 while in her sleep. Betty was born on October 17, 1920 to Walter J. Tabor Sr., and Nell V. Tabor who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband Edward English Woods, and two infant children, Edward English Woods II, and Mary Jo Woods. Betty, a life-long member of St. Agnes Parish, was educated at St. Agnes School. She was a 1938 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and a recipient of a Silver Medal and Gold Medal in Piano. She taught ballet in her parents' home, and gave recitals for her students. Attendees were treated with ice cream from Maldaner's Restaurant which was owned and operated by her father Walter J. Tabor, Sr. from the 1920s to 1971. She attended and received certification in dance from the Schuester Martin School of Art in Cincinnati, Ohio, combined with studies at the University of Cincinnati. Betty's career began with the YWCA and she became Health, Education, and Recreation Director from 1962 through 1973. In 1974, Betty began working for the City of Springfield at the Springfield Commission on International Visitors where she assumed the role of her Executive Director through her retirement in 1991. Betty engaged many volunteers to meet and welcome government-sponsored visitors. Betty was a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Springfield, a Docent and member Springfield Art Association, Sangamon County Historical Society, past President of the St. Louis D'Marillac Guild, former Membership Chairperson of the Friends of the Lincoln Library, Board Member of the Vachel Lindsay Society, Member of the Texas Jack Association, Founding Member and Co-chair for the Westside Neighborhood Association, Past President of the Springfield Community Concert Association, and a member of the Springfield Women's Club. She also entered into the 3rd Order of the Benedictine Oblates. Betty was grateful for the many people she encountered, and lasting friendships made through her work-related activities and volunteer activities. Also grateful to all of her friends in her "lunch bunch group." Betty is survived by her brother, Walter J. Tabor Jr., and (wife Mary Rose) of San Diego, CA, cousins Tom Tabor (wife Sally) of Del Ray Beach, Fl, and Natalie Beam of Springfield, IL. She also is survived by her daughters, Martha Woods Wolters (husband John), of Springfield, and Sarah Woods Pedersen (husband Nils) of Katy, Texas, and grandchildren Catrin Tabor Pedersen, and Cian Johnson Pedersen. Nieces: Nancy Woods Simmons (husband Art) of Plano, Tx and Cricket Trutter Hauff (husband Ken) of Northfield, IL, and Nephews Tyler Tabor (wife Jaime) of Seattle, WA, H. Samuel Woods of Springfield, IL, Jonathan Woods Trutter of Lake Forest, IL, and Judge David Brett Woods of Denver, Colorado. Her family would like to thank the following for her care over the past few months Charlotte, Barbara, Angie, Jackie, Jan, and Jean for her home healthcare and all from St. John's Hospice. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St, Springfield, with a prayer service to be held at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos, Springfield, with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Betty's family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. John's Hospital, Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769 or the American Cancer Society, 687 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.