Judith E. “Judi” Corsac, 79, of Worcester died Thursday, December 22nd, in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, surrounded by her loving family. A life-long resident of Worcester, she was the daughter of Edward W. and Evelyn V. (Anderson) Wooldridge. Judi was predeceased in August by Thomas G. Corsac, her beloved husband of 57 years. She leaves her daughters, Christina Corsac and her wife, Erin White, of Minneapolis, MN, Lynne (MacKay) Poirier and her husband, Harry Poirier, of Spencer, and Jennifer Corsac of Worcester; two brothers, Thomas E. Wooldridge and his wife Maureen of Webster and Paul D. Wooldridge and his wife Linda of Auburn; four grandchildren, Brendan, Erin, Grace, and June; and many nieces and nephews.
Judi was a force. Her strong will was equaled only by her abiding love of family, friends, and community. That strong will drove her, at just 14 years old, into the ocean waters off Plum Island to heed the calls of help for children and their babysitter struggling in the surf. Judi and her friend Jane swam out to help because, as she put it decades later, “It was one of those things you didn’t think about, you just did.” That strong will and love was further forged in the crucible of becoming a new mother a few weeks shy of her 23rd birthday without her husband by her side; he was on his way to fight in Vietnam, and remained there for 18 agonizing months. Judi relied heavily on family, friends, community and her faith to get her through those difficult times. Her unshakable faith continued to provide strength and let her know peace when she needed it most, throughout her life.
While Judi did not have sisters, the lifelong friendships born on Hope Avenue with Jean, Jane, June and Shelly (“the Girls”) were, to her, a sisterhood that transcended blood relations. Connecting during games of pitch, with Tom, the Girls and her brothers, brought Judi incredible joy.
After raising her three daughters, Judi went to school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse – building on an interest in caring for people that began when she was a respiratory therapist. She loved her job and reluctantly retired after 25+ years at St. Vincent’s Hospital. In retirement, she and Tom continued their professional trajectories of service by volunteering at a local hospice, as well as their deep commitment to Our Lady of the Angels parish.
Judi loved the ocean. Vacations at Hampton Beach always started with unloading the car and leaving the whole heaping mess to be unpacked later because getting into the water immediately and catching a good wave was a sacred vacation initiation rite, one which continues to be faithfully observed by her daughters.
She loved her daily walks and cycling with Tom, on Martha’s Vineyard every September, at Hampton Beach, and throughout Worcester. Riding up Dead Horse Hill was a proud and memorable part of the training she did in the years she, Tom and dear friends Gail and Rich Turner rode the (then) 180+ mile Pan Mass Challenge.
She adored her grandchildren and loved attending events and just spending time with them, and even (sort of) learned how to figure out “the FaceTime” to stay connected.
Judi’s funeral service is Wednesday, January 4th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 3rd from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Care Network, c/o Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.