Irene Lynn Woodruff

Irene L. Woodruff, age 50, of Grand Marais, MI and formerly of White Pigeon, MI, died Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at her home under the loving care of her family and North Woods Home Hospice following a courageous three year battle with brain cancer.  She was born on November 25, 1973 in Elkhart, IN to Frank and Jenene (Comer) Elkins.  Irene grew up in White Pigeon and graduated from White Pigeon High School in 1992 with her best friend Tena (Burkey) Tubbs.  She worked at Grumman Olson factory in Sturgis, MI and worked in finishing and quality control on their truck line.  It was at work that she met Christopher Woodruff.  Irene and Chris were married on June 15, 1995 in Mishawaka, IN and together they raised their two sons.  In 2010, their family moved to the U.P. and made Grand Marais their home.  Irene started working at the Dunes Saloon and also the Woodland Park Campground where she cleaned and worked in maintenance.  Irene was a talented poet and artist.  She enjoyed reading romance novels and writing poetry, some of which had been shared with the community recently through the Grand Marais Pilot.  She had an eye to see the beauty in nature and turn it into a special piece of art.  Irene had a gift in making jewelry, wood burnings, dream catchers, and countless other arts and crafts.  She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and recently started quilting.  Irene loved visiting around the campfire, listening to music, looking at the stars, and searching for agates and driftwood.  Irene was a devoted and loving wife and mother.  She did everything she could to support her family and share her love and joy.  Even in these past few years of her cancer diagnosis and numerous treatments, she stayed positive and shared her beautiful smile and positivity with everyone she saw.  

She is survived by her husband Chris Woodruff of Grand Marais, Michigan; sons -  Nathan Christopher and Tyler James both of Grand Marais, Michigan; mother -  Jenene Elkins of Eustis, Florida; brothers -  Scott Stewart of Elkhart, Indiana and Frankie (Lisa) Elkins of Eustis, Florida; best friend & " sister" - Tena Tubs of White Pigeon, Michigan; and mother-in-law – Lorna Woodruff of Manistique, Michigan.  Irene was preceded in death by her father Frank Elkins, grandparents, Frank & Leona Elkins of Sturgis, Michigan and Mervin and Pearl Comer of Jones, Michigan and her aunt Kay of Elkhart, Indiana.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date in Grand Marais and will be announced when the date and time is confirmed.