Jeannine M. Woods

Jeannine (Romano) Woods, age 84, of The Woodlands, Texas, and formerly a lifelong resident of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, July 3, 2026, after living courageously with Parkinson's disease for 22 years.

Jeannine was born on September 16, 1941, to Sam and Nellie Romano. She grew up alongside her brothers, Butch and Joe, and shared a special bond with her beloved Aunt Jennie Missurelli, whose influence remained with her throughout her life. She was shaped by the values of her Catholic faith through Sacred Heart Church and School and St. Catherine's High School and was nurtured by the close-knit Italian American neighborhood and community in which she was raised. She treasured the many wonderful families and cousins who filled Woodrow, Blake and Carlisle Avenues, as well as Prospect and Marquette Streets, with lifelong memories.

During high school and her early adult years, Jeannine worked at Lincoln Florist and Gift Shop for her Uncle Sammy and Aunt Gloria, where she became a talented florist and flower arranger. It was there that she met a young wedding photographer named Ron Woods. Ron and Jeannine began dating and were married in September 1965, beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 52 years until Ron's passing on July 5, 2017.

Jeannine and Ron experienced one of life's greatest joys with the arrival of their daughter, Angela. They enthusiastically supported Angela throughout her athletic pursuits, celebrated her years playing the organ at Sacred Heart Church, and later took great pride in her entrepreneurial spirit as she built successful businesses in Illinois and Texas.

Of all the roles Jeannine held throughout her life, the one she treasured most was being Nani. She welcomed Mick Roberts into the family and adored her beloved grandchildren, Austin and Rachael Roberts. She rarely missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments, whether in academics, athletics or life. She was incredibly proud of the remarkable young adults they became and cherished every visit, phone call and family gathering. Even as Parkinson's gradually limited her abilities, her love for Austin and Rachael never wavered, and they remained one of her greatest sources of happiness.

Jeannine was endlessly generous with her time and love. She was devoted to her cousins, nieces and nephews and became a tireless advocate for her parents, Sam and Nellie, as well as her beloved Aunt Jennie, during their later years. The doctors all knew Jeannine and always took her calls. She worried about everyone in the family and was always looking for ways to help. One of her greatest joys was carrying on the cherished family tradition of bringing everyone together at Savoy Circle and South Brook Road, where holidays, birthdays and Sunday gatherings created memories that will be treasured for generations.

Jeannine held herself to high standards and brought dedication and excellence to every position she held. Whether working at a furniture store in Rapid City, South Dakota, while Ron served in the Air Force, Getty Manufacturing in Racine, or the City of Racine, she consistently earned increasing responsibility through her strong work ethic, leadership and commitment to excellence.

Her professional career culminated at Twin Disc, where she devoted 24 years of service before retiring on June 30, 2008, as Director of Human Resources – Domestic Operations. Rising through the ranks over more than two decades, she earned the respect of colleagues through her leadership, integrity and dedication to both the company and its employees. She also directed the company's annual United Way campaign, reflecting her passion for helping others and strengthening the community. Never one to stop learning, Jeannine earned her college degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 1995 at the age of 54, a milestone that reflected her determination and lifelong commitment to personal growth.

Jeannine had a strong personality. She was determined, independent and never afraid to speak her mind. She held high expectations for herself and for those she loved, but beneath that strength was a deeply devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt and friend. She showed her love by taking care of others, advocating for those who needed her and making sure everyone knew they had someone in their corner. She also loved being surrounded by family, especially over a great Italian meal, and treasured the traditions and gatherings that kept everyone connected. Even as Parkinson's changed what she was physically able to do, it never diminished her determination or her love for the people around her. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she has touched, including family, friends, her special circle of close girlfriends, and her dear cousins Angie, Barb and Mark.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron Woods; her parents, Sam and Nellie Romano; her dear Aunt Jennie Missurelli; and her sister-in-law, Susie Romano.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela (Mick) Roberts of The Woodlands, Texas; her cherished grandchildren, Austin Roberts and Rachael Roberts; her brothers, Butch Romano and Joe (Anne) Romano; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to our dear friend Christy, who became family while serving as Jeannine's devoted caregiver during her final years in Racine. We are also deeply grateful to April, whose compassionate care and friendship brought comfort and joy to Jeannine during her last several years in Texas.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to Lidia and her staff at Grace Residential in The Woodlands for the kindness, compassion and loving care they provided during the final several months of Jeannine's life. Finally, we offer our deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Amen Hospice for their presence, compassion and exceptional care over the past year and a half, with special thanks to Amy, whose kindness, compassion and unwavering support meant so much to both Jeannine and our family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin. Private entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Highway 32.

A Mass of Christian Burial will also be celebrated at 10:00a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Drive, The Woodlands, Texas, with Father Josh officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Health Care Network, 500 Wisconsin Ave STE 102, Racine, Wisconsin 53403, or online at https://healthcarenetwork.org, an organization dedicated to providing healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured members of the community—a cause that was especially meaningful to Jeannine. The family is grateful for your prayers, love and support as we celebrate Jeannine's life and legacy.