Former Longtime Sun City Resident Mary Wood Dies at 97

Former Sun City resident Mary H. Wood, 97, died of old age on Nov. 12 at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont.

Born in Everett, Mass., Dec. 22, 1914, she was the daughter of Earl and Helen Ham. She grew up in Newton, Mass., attended Bates College in Maine, and returned to Newton, where she lived with her husband Frederick and their three sons: David, Daniel, and Christopher.

Upon retirement, she lived for 32 years in Sun City, Calif. with Fred and her mother Helen, whom she cared for until Helen's death in 1975. Fred, her husband of 57 years, died in 1993 and son David died in 1998.

In 2006, Mary moved to the Joslyn House in Randolph, Vermont to be near son Chris and daughter-in-law Sylvie Desautels, as well as granddaughter Jen Oldham, husband Phil and great grandchildren Fiona and Jess. In the years that followed, she acquired many new and dear friends in the Randolph area.

Earlier in life, Mary was very active in community affairs. She rose to the position of President of the Massachusetts Federation of Women’s Clubs in the 1950s and 60s and later served as the Director of the home office of U.S. Representative Margaret Heckler. As a strong advocate for social issues and women’s rights, she met many political leaders, including three U.S. Presidents.

Her pastimes included gardening and summer weekends at the beach in Old Orchard, Maine and
Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, but her big passion was playing bridge with friends and Scrabble with her family.

At Mary’s request, there will be no funeral. However, a celebration of her life is planned for Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. at Chandler Cultural Center, Randolph, Vermont. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Joslyn House/RACDC, P.O. Box 409, Randolph, VT 05060.