Vivian L. Wood
February 24, 1944 – December 22, 2025
A memorial service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Animal’s Best Friend, or SPCA of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Vivian Lynn Wood, age 81, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 22, 2025. She was born in Bloomington, IL, on February 24, 1944, the daughter of the late Ralph and Alma (Fors) Johnson. She grew up in Normal, IL, graduated from Normal Community High School, and attended Illinois State University for a year. On November 29, 1963, she married the love of her life, Eugene D. Wood. In 1964, they moved to Parchment where together they made their home and started a family. She received her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and her nursing degrees from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Southwestern Michigan College. Vivian’s life was devoted to helping people. She was a Registered Nurse in the Mother/Baby unit at Bronson Hospital for many years, and then as a paraprofessional in Special Education at Parchment High School. She enjoyed caring for her family and her cats and dogs. She was a passionate volunteer with several local animal rescue groups. A life-long Lutheran, she took great joy in being an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a lover of coffee, nature, old things, and Swedish things, and the importance of being nice. She will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband Eugene; seven cats, one dog, and one very old Box Turtle; children, Jeffrey (Susan) Wood, Jennifer Wood, Michael Wood; grandchildren, Emily Wood, Elizabeth Henry, Caleb Henry, Samuel Wood; brother, David (Carol) Johnson; in laws, Larry McGhiey and Douglas Wood; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in passing by a sister, Sandra Miller; daughter-in-law, Jody Wood; in-laws, Jack Miller and Norene McGhiey.
I have known Vivian & Gene for many years through animal rescue organizations. They were always so helpful & wonderful represatives of the groups they served. I’m especially grateful I had the chance to sit with them a year ago at the Humane Society dinner. I hadn’t seen them in a while and it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up. We will miss her so much.
So sorry to hear of Vivian’s passing. She and Gene were close friends of our family as Gene and my mother taught together at Parchment High School. I had the pleasure of babysitting their children, when I was a teenager. We have many fond memories of this family and are sending prayers for the whole family and asking God to hold you all close and give you comfort at this time.