Ann H. Wood

Ann Heywood Wood, 81, born on May 13, 1937 to Lois & Harry Heywood of Suasa Park, Port Jefferson, NY, the elder of two children.  She passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, in New Milford, CT.

Ann spent many wonderful years in Amish Country, Lancaster County, PA, close to her beloved son, David Richard Thomas Wood Jr. (“Rick”, “Woody”) and his family.  She enjoyed the precious times she spent with family, and all the beauty and cultures in Lancaster County, an area filled with wildlife and farm life she adored. She befriended an Amish family, the Kings, quite an honor, as the Amish do not normally allow an “English” into their private world, especially weddings and school performances.

Ann settled in the Detroit Metro area for many years, having moved there with her ex-husband, and children’s father David R. T. Wood. Early in her career, she worked for Birmingham Plastics and Hoyem-Basso Associates.  Before moving to PA to be closer to her son, as stated by Evangelist and Gospel Recording Artist Esther Smith: “She worked for Detroit Osteopathic Hospital Corporation, a subsidiary Ford Hospital. She was Senior Buyer at the Corporate Office in Southfield, Michigan. I was her supervisor and she was one of the fastest typist that I have ever seen. Ann was phenomenal. She was a woman of excellence, a no nonsense person who got the job done.”

While in the Detroit area, Ann enjoyed much of what Detroit had to offer, taking her children to the Detroit Museum of Art, and the special treat of “Brunch with Bach” on Sundays. She frequented the local flea markets finding the most unusual items, enjoyed the diverse cultures in the region, and the restaurant fare of those cultures.  

Prior to marriage, Ann had studied Music at Potsdam University, performing on the Piano, Clarinet, Flute and Singing.  Ann always found a way to keep her passion for music alive, playing in chamber groups, recorder groups, and taking her children to performances. In later years she shared her talent, playing piano at many venues, including the infamous Machus Red Fox, where Jimmy Hoffa was last seen.

Ann passed on her passion for Music to her daughter, Amanda Knight Wood, who loves singing, and has been a music teacher at Rogers Park Middle School; this being her 17th year.  She passed on her love of Art and conversational charm to her son, Rick, who is amazing at drawing sketches. Rick has been retired for several years, but recently began Ubering, and loves the interaction with his passengers. Both children feel blessed for all the experiences their Mom provided them with. Ann was proud of both of her children and loved them and her grandchildren dearly.

Ann made friends everywhere she went, reaching out to others without discrimination.  She always thought of others, finding the most special trinkets everywhere she went, giving with great excitement and joy!  

Ann fought for what she believed in.  When she saw a problem, she would address it.  She often wrote letters to the editor, most of which were published.  She championed the causes closest to her heart.

Family that will miss Ann’s physical presence and celebrate her life include her son, David R. T. Wood Jr. (Tara), her daughter, Amanda K. Wood, her granddaughter, Emily Souzan Wood, her grandson, Kevin Hemi Wood, her brother, Pete Heywood, her nieces Randi French (Dennis) and Lisa Zohn (Ethan), her cousins Janis Swisher, (Janis’ children, enjoying a close relationship with Paula Maas); Janne Fecht, Linda Knight, and their families, and her extended family in Brazil. Also her closest friends, Jo Faul, Wolf Chayt, Jimmy Daar, “Sis” Evangelist Dora Hatcher, Janet Darling, and John Patton. And all the “Katy” cats. She filled the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues and even the casual acquaintances with whom she would gift her special trinkets.

The family will be having a relaxed Memorial Celebration at the Pavilion at Harrybrooke Park, New Milford CT on Sunday, May 12th, 2019 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  On Monday, the family will take Ann back home, via the Bridgeport Ferry she often rode in her younger days, to Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY, and bury her ashes with her parents.

“Kiss, Hug, Cuddle”

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