Dorothy Deirdre O’Connor Wood died suddenly Thursday, November 21, 2013 in Syracuse, New York. Dorothy lived for many years with her family in Fayetteville before moving to Jamesville, and then to The Nottingham, following the death of her husband, Harold David Wood, in March, 2012.
Born on December 12, 1921 in Sherburne, New York, Dorothy was the youngest daughter and last surviving child of Edward H. and Katharine A. Daniels O’Connor. Dottie and her 8 siblings enjoyed their busy house, often full to overflowing with family, friends and community members. Dorothy was a student in Toronto when she met Harold Wood, who was studying at St. Michael’s College in Toronto at the same time. Their early dating was fun and adventurous before they were married on June 29, 1943. She is survived by children Michael D. Wood, Peter O (Joan Herron) Wood, Mary W Thomas, John Wood, Thomas (Jami Fisk) Wood, Andrew (Virginia Rank) Wood, Christine (Michael) Davis, Barbara (Ray) Guerin and Ann (Will) Ratcliff. She was predeceased by her husband Woody, son Mark E Wood and daughter Dorothy (Gaylen) Schaubroeck. She is also survived by many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Dottie loved her husband Woody very much. They spent years together setting up houses and raising their children as Woody’s Naval career took them all over the country. They were stationed in Hawaii, California and Florida, among other places, where they explored each new location and enjoyed picnics, boating and adventuring with their family and Navy friends. After Woody retired from the Navy and they settled in Fayetteville they continued to travel extensively, visiting their children and grandchildren all over the United States, and their nieces and nephews in Canada. Her Irish heritage was always a source of great pride for Dottie and she and Woody thoroughly enjoyed a vacation in Ireland after Woody retired from teaching. Dottie was an astute and avid antique dealer, relishing the love of a good find and the thrill of a good sale. Most importantly, Dottie was a loving and devoted mother to her children and they will miss her smile and her caring attention.
Dottie’s family would like to express a particularly heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Nottingham. Their exemplary care and attention to Dottie while she lived there filled her last months with comfort and peace.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, November 25 from St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, East State St. Sherburne, NY. Interment followed at St. Malachy’s Perish Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St. Sherburne.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.