Lou Ellen Woods

Lou Ellen (Bamford) Woods, age 90, a 60 year resident of the Christian Hill section of Lowell, died unexpectedly Friday, May 30, 2025 at D’Youville Senior Care. She was the beloved wife of the late John F. Woods, Jr., until his passing in 1983.

She was born in Lowell on April 14, 1935 and was the daughter of the late E. Louise (Lambert) (Bamford) Szelest and John Bamford. She was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1952.

Family was everything to Lou Ellen and each moment with them was a treasure, filling her heart with immense happiness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lou Ellen is survived by her four children, John F. “Jack” Woods and his wife, Mary of Nashua, NH, Ellen Jarek and her husband, Roger of Dracut, Karen Samaras of NC and Gretchen Krygowski and her husband Leo of Lowell; her six grandchildren, Thomas Woods and Lauren Cappi, Katherine Chaput and her husband, Nate, Haley Jarek, Alexia Samaras and Christopher Fox, Leah Samaras and Ryan Hopkins and Cody Krygowski and Meghan Richards; her four great-grandchildren, Carter, Brinley, Brooklyn, Wesley and one to be added this fall; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her brother, John Bamford and her son-in-law, Charles Samaras.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at d’Youville Senior Care for their compassionate care and support during Lou Ellen’s time there. A special thank you to Erin, Beth and Jen for their unwavering support and comforting presence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Lou Ellen’s Life Celebration on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 9 until 11 AM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell followed by her funeral service at 11 AM in the funeral home. Burial to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lou Ellen’s memory to a charity of your choice.