Elsie M. Wood
February 18, 1930 – January 23, 2021
In accordance with her wish cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time. Donations in Elsie’s memory can be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund, Park Village Pines, 2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49009.
Obituary
Elsie Marion Wood, 90, of Park Village Pines Senior Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan died peacefully on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from Covid-19 complications with her loving husband, Dan, and two daughters, Nicki and Mindi, at her side. Her life was well-lived and was marked by her remarkable sense of humor and her sassy but caring disposition. She found enormous joy with her sisters and many friends and was known for quilting and sewing and decorating her homes which were always loving, warm and cozy. She loved holidays and filling her home with her children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Laughter filled her life. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Elsie was born in Jamestown, New York on February 18, 1930 and was raised by her mother, along with her two sisters, as her father passed away at a young age. Upon graduating from high school, she worked as a model in New York City and later in life worked in retail services. Elsie was married to Daniel Dearing Wood from Mayville for 69 years and they lived together in Mayville, New York for most of their married life. In 2012, they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where they lived with their daughter Nicki and her husband Dennis for several years before settling near them at Park Village Pines Senior Living. In her final days, Elsie had both her daughters with her and the three women had wonderful close moments before she passed. Elsie was blessed to have many communications with her six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren throughout her illness. She passed in the warmth of her family. She is survived by her husband Daniel, her daughter Nicki and husband Dennis, their three children, partners, and grandchildren, Megan Webb (Dan, George and Florence Webb), Noah Wood-Schrantz, and Kali Rose Wood-Schrantz (Justin Hutchison); her daughter Mindi Wappat, and her three children, their partners and children, Thomas Wappat (Megan Galbraith and Una Wappat Galbraith); Timothy Wappat (Chelsea Nattrass, Marisol and Mae Wappat), and Carri Wappat Burns (Nate, Piper, Cole, and Oscar Burns). Besides her parents, Elsie was preceded in death by her two sisters, Inga Moseler of Mayville, New York and Betty Lundgren of Chicago, Illinois; her grandson Aaron Wood-Schrantz of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and her son-in-law, Bradley Wappat, of Oneonta, New York. Donations in Elsie’s memory can be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund, Park Village Pines, 2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49009.
Dan, Nicki, Dennis & family and Mindi and family – our hearts are heavy with the news of Elsie’s passing. She was the last remaining “other Mother” of mine…I have so many wonderful memories of always being welcomed and spending time at the different Wood homes growing up. Sending love and hugs to all of you and keeping you all in our prayers. Sue & Doug
I’m so sorry, Nicki, Mindy, Dan, and all. Elsie was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was the quintessential mother, in my eyes. I remember meeting her for the first time because she was a combination of so many things I didn’t know a mother could be. I think it was the long, single braid down her back, while she stood washing dishes in the kitchen, her hands in soapy water. She turned to us little group of tweeners and smiled, open and soft and kind. You never know what to expect when you are a kid and you meet someone’s mother for the first time. Mothers came in all different packages and flavors. Elsie, you beautiful girl, you captured my heart that day and I have held you there ever since.
Rest in peace beautiful Elsie. I’m happy I got to connect with you a little in our latter years and will never forget our fun and happy times in childhood when your Mom and my parents got together. You were always my idol growing up and I will keep you and our memories in my heart. Our parents had so much history together and we had so much fun together. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dan and your beloved daughters and their families and all who loved you so much! I will never forget you my dear friend. Flo
Dear Nikki and family. Our hearts go out to you at this time as you mourn the loss of your sweet mother and celebrate her beautiful life. “ Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. “May you experience the comfort that God gives. Love, steve and Jerie
We are so sorry to hear about Elsie’s passing. How wonderful you could all be with her. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Elsie Wood Family: I am so sorry for your loss. The Lord has a special angel by his side. Dan: You and Elsie bestowed a quality of kindness in your daughters that is unmeasureable. In the fall of 1963 I was recovering from having a cast on my leg for five months. My legs were weak and i tried to do to much. I would be walking with Nicki and a friend or two when my legs would calapse. Nicki would pick me up and carry me. It was not so much the physical help she gave me but the mental help which was so much harder to overcome. In October of 1967 I found myself back in Childrens Hospital for another operation. I was sick and depressed but when the mail would come there was a letter from Mindi. I still have 4 letters that my mom saved and somehow new what would be important to me later in life. I can\’t even begin to explain how those letters lifted my spirits. In closure I will say what my mom always said to me. STOP and SMELL the ROSES! Jim
We are sorry to learn of Elsie’s passing and send you all our sincere sympathy. We were privileged to have both Elsie and Dan as our generous-hearted and welcoming neighbors. May she rest in peace and may God bring comfort to all of you.