Jean Anne Woodruff (McLaughlin) Obituary (1938 - 2020)

Lubec & Machias – Jean Anne (McLaughlin) Woodruff, 82, passed away at home surrounded by family on October 23, 2020 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jean was born in Lubec on March 17, 1938, daughter of James and Georgie (Thompson) McLaughlin. After graduating from Lubec High School, Class of 1956, Jean attended University of Maine in Farmington to study education until she married James “Jimmy” McPherson in 1958. They had three children, Michele, Scott, and Steven. With Jimmy being in the U.S. Coast Guard, they raised their three children in various states, including New Orleans, LA, Charleston, SC, St. Petersburg, FL, and New Jersey until they came home to Lubec in 1977. In 1969, Jean graduated from Rice Business College in Charleston, SC and later worked at the St. Petersburg Times in Florida. Jean and Jimmy parted ways, and she eventually married Gerald “Woody” Woodruff. Jean and Woody enjoyed traveling and spending time together. She was a Communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Lubec where she was a former Sunday School teacher. Jean was an avid reader, and enjoyed cooking, bingo, and spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband Gerald “Woody” Woodruff; her brother, Lee McLaughlin; and son-in-law Michael A. Riggs. Surviving are her three children, Michele Riggs of Whiting, Scott McPherson of Whiting, and Steven McPherson and wife Denise of Pembroke; seven grandchildren, Tabitha Parsons and husband Chad of Whiting, Michael Riggs and wife Kate of Naples, Breanne Holloway and husband Terrence of Glenburn, Savannah McPherson of Lubec, Shayn McPherson and wife Jamie of Cutler, Jonathan McPherson and wife Sarah of Brunswick, and Megan Drost and husband Corey of Dedham; seven great-grandchildren; her two sisters whom Jean was very close to, Ruth Kennedy of Bangor, and Alta Greenslade of Ardmore, OK; her daughter-in-law, Shelly McPherson; the father of her children, James McPherson of Gallipolis Ferry, WV; and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family, especially during the holidays, Jean’s time of year. Jean was exceedingly kind and caring, always ready to help a friend or family member. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. “We’ll always love you mom.” In keeping with Jean’s wishes, a private burial will take place in the Corey Cemetery in Lubec. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport. God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, Your hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.