It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Matilde Ann Woodbury of Kenosha, WI. Affectionately known as “Til”, she was 85 at the time of her passing on December 18, 2024.
Matilde was born on July 26, 1939 in Castel Ruggero, Salerno Italy to her parents Giusseppe and Iolanda Belmonte. In 1948, Matilde, her sister Teresa and mother made the trip to America through Ellis Island to meet her father in Kenosha where he had been working. Later, Matilde and her husband, parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren would take many trips to her beloved Italy.
Matilde graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1958 and took courses at U.W. Parkside. She married her soulmate and high school sweetheart, Thomas A. Woodbury at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church on June 9, 1962. She was employed at American Motors, Ladish Tri-Clover, and at Holleb’s Fashions for many years until retiring in December of 1996.
Matilde embodied strength, grace, and an unshakable commitment to her family. She taught us through her actions that love is not measured by words, but by the care and selflessness we give to others. As a devout Catholic she was an active and cherished member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir and served with dedication in the Ladies Society. Her faith guided her life and gave her strength, shaping the way she loved and cared for others.
Matilde is preceded in death by her parents Iolanda and Giusseppe Belmonte and sister Teresa Belmonte. She is survived by her soulmate Thomas A. Woodbury and her beloved children Thomas (Sherry) Woodbury and Pamela Smith, her brother John (Carmela) Belmonte; her grandchildren Lauren (Alex) Totts, Amy (Jacob) Marty, Megan Smith, Nicole Woodbury, and Andrew Woodbury; her nieces and nephews Joseph (Emily) Belmonte, Laura (Adam) Klamt, and her great niece Giada Belmonte.
To our Nonna, you are loved beyond words. We will carry you with us forever. Your love for us was a precious gift. Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we take comfort knowing you are our guardian angel. You were the best Nonna. Te amo molto – Lauren, Amy, Megan, Nicole, and Andrew
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 1919 54th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:00 a.m. and entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
