Judith Wang

Judith (Judi) Ann Wang (formerly Hoff, Kane) age 60, died on February 4, 2008 at her home in Winger, Minn. following a brave and dignified year-long struggle with pancreatic cancer.In her final days, as during her life, she was surrounded and comforted by the love of family and friends. Judi was born on April 12, 1947 in Crookston, Minn., the first of five children born to Hilmer "Red" and Louise (Axelson) Hoff. During her youth, the family lived in Crookston and Grand Forks, ND before settling in Fargo. As the eldest child in a family with two working parents, Judi's loving care and support for her younger siblings helped prepare her for the defining role and purpose in her life. Judi graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1963. In 1965, she met airman George Kane while attending vocational school in Rapid City, SD. In 1966, the couple married and Judi gave birth to son Brian. In the early years, the family resided in Fargo, where daughter Mary was born in 1970. The family lived in Grand Blanc, Mich. and Milwaukee, Wis. before re-settling in Fargo in 1976. Judi and George parted ways as their children entered adulthood, but made a meaningful reconnection late in Judi's life. In 1995, Judi married Truman Wang, the loving companion with whom she spent her remaining years in Winger. Judi's family is grateful for the peace of mind and comfort that she found with Truman, and as part of a small, caring community that immediately embraced her as one of their own. Judi and Truman enjoyed the simple life in Winger, and cherished seeing the country together during their annual winter car trips to Arizona or Texas. Truman faithfully supported Judi as she beat breast cancer in 2003, and he brought the same calming presence to her life during her final struggle. Judi's passions in life included tending to her vegetable garden, enjoying the company of her pets and spending summer weekends at the lake with her kids. Her children are especially thankful for her passion for cooking, and her endless talent for creating wonderful meals from the simplest of ingredients. At Christmas time, Judi delivered holiday joy from the kitchen, as she tirelessly produced an incredible array of cookies and candies for her family and friends. Judi also did her part to keep the Mason jar people in business, as her family and neighbors eagerly awaited her annual gifts of canned pickles, jams, tomatoes and other delights. During her life, Judi served in a variety of clerical and service positions, but she truly thrived as a provider of care to people in need. She found her most fulfilling job later in life as a home health aid with First Care Medical Services of Fosston, Minn. Come rain, shine or freezing Minnesota winters, Judi reliably criss-crossed the northwestern part of the state to bring essential services and comfort to her patients. Judi's greatest sources of pride were her two loving children and her granddaughter, Megan. For the last eleven years, Megan was the brightest light and biggest joy of Judi's life. They shared a very special bond, and Megan will carry her grandmother's love forever. Judi was preceded in death by her beloved father, Hilmer Hoff, and youngest brother, Kenneth Hoff. She is survived and loved forever by husband Truman Wang of Winger; mother Louise Hoff of Fargo; daughter Mary Wohlman, son-in-law Scott and granddaughter Megan of Fargo; son Brian Kane and Cori Van Brunt of Minneapolis; siblings Robert Hoff of Fargo, Bill (Cathy) Hoff of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Janice (Joe Charlibois) Hoff of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by Truman's children: Jeff (Brenda) Wang of Mentor, Minn.; Chris Wang of Gillette, Wyo.; and Debi (Wayne) Benbo of Winger. Judi also is remembered fondly by her seven nieces and nephews, and special cousins. She is dearly missed by her adoring canine companion, Mitzi. Judi's family extends sincere gratitude to the many medical experts and caregivers who helped her understand and cope with her disease. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Howard Russell and the staff at MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, who gently and patiently helped Judi and her family cope with a difficult diagnosis and treatment process. The family also extends gratitude to Diane Faldet and her hospice caregivers at First Care, who delivered essential assistance and moral support that helped ease her pain and distress during her final weeks. Judi's spirit will live on in the hearts and warm memories of her family and friends, in the light she brought to the lives of people in need, and in the sweetness and joy of her Christmas cookies. Memorials suggested to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org

Judith Wang

April 12, 1947 - February 4, 2008