Brian Michael Woulfe, 58, of Oak Park, died peacefully in his sleep on April 12, 2017 after a 16-year battle with cancer and the various complications that arose from it. Born on May 3, 1958 in Newport Beach, California, his family moved to the Chicago area, and he attended St. Ignatius College Prep and the University of Notre Dame, where he was proud to have been a band manager and, “The only non-musician ever in the Notre Dame Marching Band.” His passions included sailing and helping people buy their first home.
A lover of jokes and puns as well as sailing, his boat was christened “Dawn With the Wind.” As a loan officer for many companies over the years, he specialized in easing the mortgage process for first-time home buyers. He met Nancy Ziemak at Old St. Patrick’s Church, and they married there on April 26, 1987. The couple settled in Oak Park, had three sons, and his greatest passion was loving them. He showed it by getting involved with coaching youth soccer, leading a Cub Scouts Den, and videotaping any and all memories he could.
In 2001, Brian was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, and he fought it, and the medical complications from it, for the rest of his life. His family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and CNAs throughout the years who cared for him, including the National Institute of Health, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, University of Chicago Hospitals, Loyola University Stroke Rehab Unit, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Presence Saint Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation, Belmont Village Assisted Living in Oak Park, and Journeycare Hospice. Without their efforts, the family would not have had as many wonderful years with him.
Brian is survived by his sons, Patrick, David and Michael; his parents, John and Nancy Woulfe; his siblings, Molly (Ed), Martin (Angela), Colleen (Chris), John, Neil, Katie (Mark) and Daniel; and his many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at Old St. Patrick’s Church, Adams and Des Plaines in Chicago, on Wednesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. with a family visitation in the church from 4:30 to 6 p.m. beforehand, followed by a Celebration of Brian’s Life at Healy’s Westside, 7321 Madison St. in Forest Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, www.loyolamedicine.org.
