Jean Marie Culligan (née Woodbury), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at the age of 98. Surrounded by her loving family, she left this world with the same beauty and strength that defined her life.

Born on June 1, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, Jean was the third of five children born to Sadie and Clifford Woodbury. She attended Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois, where she was a cheerleader and an artist. During her freshman year, she was introduced by her sister to her future husband, Thomas Culligan, on the steps of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church. They quickly fell in love and maintained a long-distance courtship that lasted for four years as Tom went off to college in California and then enlisted in the Naval Air Corps. They were married in 1945.

After the war, Tom and Jean wasted no time starting their family. As it grew ever larger, they moved from California back to LaGrange and then, finally, “out to the country” in 1957 to their much-loved Acres of Erin home in Naperville. Jean was a remarkable homemaker—a gifted cook and hostess, known for making the best pies and fluffiest mashed potatoes, always creating meals that brought people together. A talented gardener, she found joy in nurturing both her plants and the people around her, ensuring that everyone who entered her home felt welcomed and loved. Later in life, Jean discovered a love for golf, sharing countless rounds with her friends. Her dedication to the sport led to remarkable achievements, including a hole-in-one and, even more impressively, golfing her age at 77. She cherished the game not only for the challenge but for the camaraderie and joy it brought.

Jean’s greatest pride and joy however was undoubtedly the family she created. She was a devoted mother to Kathleen Culligan (Jim Parker), Eileen Culligan, Dennis Culligan (Mary Sue Schmitz), Maureen Culligan (Billy Sullivan), Colleen Holloway (the late Graham), Bridget Culligan, Patrick Culligan (Barbara), Thomas Culligan (Mary Beth), Michael Culligan (Mary Lee), Matthew Culligan (Roseanne), and Meara Dunsmore (Kevan). She was a proud grandmother to Erica, Sara, Bridget, Christopher, Meaghan, Malachy, Maura, Emmett, Mollie, Cullen, MollyMae, Arthur, Gretchen, Tom, Sean, Ryan, Caitlin, Milo, Courtney, Patrick, Cailan, Libby, Clara, Riley, Madeline, Mick, Maureen, Jack, Kathleen, Emmett, Daniel, Eilidh, Temesgen, Abeagail and Matilda; a cherished great-grandmother to Aidan, Casey, Regan, Devin, Emmett, Iris, Poppy, Louis, Ginger, Caroline, Melissa, James, Emma, Lillian, Camelia, Isabel, Mauricio, Dela, Yessenia, Bo, Ellie Mae, Charlie, Hawkeye, Oliver, Graham, Aife, Niall, Amelia Jean, Jeanie, and George; and great-great-grandmother to Aariyah.

After her beloved Tom passed away in 1983, Jean found loving companionship with her adoring second husband, James Doris, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in 2009. Through their union, she expanded her family to include his children: the late Richard Doris, Steven Doris (Judith), Alison Ross (Mike), and Christopher Doris, as well as James’ grandson, Henry.

Her love for her family was immeasurable and she showed it in ways both big and small. Incredibly, Jean remembered each and every family member on their birthdays with a card, a gift, and sometimes even a solo rendition of Happy Birthday on their voicemail.

Jean was a devout Catholic who found great comfort and strength in her faith. She lived it through her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family and community. We will miss her deeply, but her spirit lives on in all who knew and loved her. We will find her in the peonies blooming each spring, in the art that graces our walls, and in the meals we create to share with our families and friends. Through her long and full life she gave us countless gifts—the greatest of which cannot be seen or touched but are felt in the values she instilled in us. She taught us the true meaning of unconditional love and perseverance, never wavering in her devotion to God and family. For the life she lived and the love she gave, we are forever grateful.

A wake will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Countryside, IL from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with rosary at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jean’s honor to The Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill .

Additional Information: 708-352-6500