Ann Marie (Thibodeau) Wolford, the vibrant and beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, at the age of 93. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take immense comfort in knowing she is now joyfully reunited with her soulmate and husband of nearly 70 years, James "Jim" Leo Wolford, who preceded her in death on March 26, 2024.
Born on January 4, 1933, to Conrad and Agnes Thibodeau, Ann lived a life defined by warmth, love, and a radiant smile that could light up any room. On November 20, 1954, she married the love of her life, Jim. Together, they built a legacy centered on family.
Ann possessed a natural heart for caregiving. In her early years, she worked at Mary Free Bed caring for children in iron lungs and later served her community through Rockford Public Schools. Yet her greatest and proudest life’s work was raising her eight children—a devoted mothering spirit that extended to the many other children she lovingly cared for over the years.
A woman of immense creativity and simple pleasures, Ann loved sewing, quilting, and watching the birds gather around her feeders. Some of her fondest memories were made at Sandy Pines, where she and Jim were charter members and built a haven of fun for generations of their family. Ann was always up for an adventure with her grandchildren, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and joy.
In addition to her beloved husband, Jim, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul Thibodeau and Robert "Bob" Thibodeau; her sisters, Rita Brown and Yvonne Marks; her granddaughter, Sarah Wolford; and her son-in-law, Howard Freedland.
Her enduring spirit lives on through her eight children: Craig Wolford, Bob (Shelly) Wolford, Paul Wolford, Linda Smith, Lori (Mike) Simmons, Doug (Susie) Wolford, Jim (Vicki) Wolford, and Dave (Colleen) Wolford. She also leaves behind a proud legacy of 23 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy.
Ann was the heart of the Wolford family. Her love, laughter, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Monday, November 9, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Avenue NE, Belmont, with Rev. Chuck Schwartz officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, November 8 from 2-4 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, and at 10 am, Monday one hour prior to Mass. Burial will be held at Assumption’s St. Mary’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Ann's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com