Judythe Fina Woods
May 2, 1933-Sept. 8, 2018
Menlo Park, California

Judythe Fina Woods, 85, passed away peacefully in her home on September 8, 2018. Judy, as she was called, lived in the Bay Area since the 1960’s, most recently in Menlo Park, and earlier, in Palo Alto where she raised her family. She was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1933, daughter of the late Lucille Gastaldi Fina and Donald Fina. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Lucienne Muriel Lastovic and Joseph James Lastovic, who died in 1977. Her daughter, Lucienne Vian Woods, predeceased her on June 29, 2018.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Judy studied fine arts and teaching. She worked with disabled children prior to having children. Judy was a talented pianist who loved classical music. She recalled fond memories of daily piano practice as a young girl, rehearsing her favorite pieces. She inherited her love of piano from her father, who was an accomplished concert pianist and songwriter. One of her favorite memories was hearing him perform, "My Little Blue Eyes", composed especially for her. Judy was also a visual artist, having acquired artistic gifts from her mother, a talented painter. She was particularly adept at anatomical drawings.

A homemaker for most of her adult life, Judy raised two children, both of whom became physicians. Her children, niece and nephew have fond childhood memories of “trading summers” between their homes. Judy took the children on day trips to exciting places, such as San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden, the Steinhart Aquarium, and a variety of museums. Judy also volunteered to teach art in their elementary schools. Holidays inspired Judy’s abundant creativity to decorate lavishly: whether carving and decorating pumpkins with the children at Halloween, adorning the home with magnificent decorations at Christmas or creating colorful Easter baskets, she used her talents to delight the children.

Judy was devoted to her Catholic faith and was an active member of the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. Her family and friends appreciated her for her sharp mind and good sense of humor. She was also very proud of her Italian heritage.

Judy is survived by her son, Bryan Eugene Woods, his wife Jeanette Andonian, and their sons Jacob Robert Woods and William Zachary Queen of Portland Maine. She is also survived by her niece, Lucienne Michelle Lastovic and her son James Lastovic of Carlsbad, California, and her nephew, Michael Lastovic, his wife Karen Lastovic and their children Joseph and Lucy Lastovic of Huntsville, Alabama. She leaves behind many adoring friends and members of the church community who kept vigil by her side until her death. Also, Judy’s wonderful caregivers provided the utmost kind and attentive care until she passed away.

Judy’s funeral service will be held at the Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Avenue in Menlo Park on September 28, 2018 at 10:30. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s honor can be made to the National Kidney Foundation: https://team.kidney.org/campaign/Judythe-Fina-Woods-Memorial- , or to the International Children’s Art Foundation at www.icaf.org.