Helene Wood
March 4, 1946 – February 11, 2022
Helene Wood, 75, of Chandler, Arizona passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family.
For decades before moving to Arizona to be closer to her children and grandchildren, Helene and her beloved husband Ray lived in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. It was there that Helene began a more than 40 year career in nursing and became the “go to” source for medical questions for family and friends. She loved flowers, all kinds, and became a constant gardener, tending to the many flowers on Sand Hill. Helene also loved fishing the many beautiful lakes and ponds of the Northeast with Ray and would jump at the chance to have anyone and everyone join her.
For her 18 years in Arizona with the warm, sunny weather she loved, she then tended to her roses and grapefruit tree, found new waters for fishing, and relished time with family. Helene loved being at home; loved being a home body. She also loved animals, all animals. Animal Planet or the National Geographic channels were favorites to watch, often with her rescue kitty, Sunny, nearby. Neighbors and friends could often find Helene on her patio for Happy Hour. If there was beer, there was also salt for her beer. But on Sundays, she loved when the family gathered. After cooking or grilling with Pam and Rae-Ann, three generations sat around the table for dinners at home.
Helene was a regular Sunshine Committee volunteer in her 55+ community, providing food and clean-up for life events and also helped in the Lending Closet where she coordinated medical equipment to those in need of assistance.
If ever you needed a helping hand, a listening ear over a cold beer, someone to laugh at a joke, a recipe for molasses or old fashion raspberry filled cookies, that would be Helene.
For every life she touched, she will be remembered for the warm beam of sunshine she brought them.
Helene is survived by her children Rae-Ann Wood (Sarah Toig), Pamela Williams; her Grandchildren Foster Cooley, and Gavin Cooley; her sisters Lorraine (Sandy, deceased) Black, Diane (Tom) Brennan, Carmen (Marvin) Littel; Ray’s siblings: Linda (Mitch, deceased) Tenney, Sue (Shorty) Lowrey, Maggie (Jay) Austin, Kathy (Gordy) Farnsworth, Patty (Brian) Wheeler, Sylvia (Richard) Cote, Michael Wood, Julietta (Gerry, deceased) Wood, Jacqueline (Dennis, deceased) Wood, several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Helene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Raymond Wood; her parents Gerard and Anne Marie Francoeur; her siblings: Doris Francoeur, Lise (Andy, also deceased) Forest, Jeanne (Jerry, also deceased) Powell; her Godchild and Niece Katie Littel and her grandson Noah Wood Toig.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to:
MISS Foundation/Selah Carefarm Support
Or
Infinity Hospice Care/Infinity Hospice Foundation
So many memories in St. Johnsbury, our neighbors down the hill…now “Neighbors” in AZ…the love your parents shared is rare but seems familiar to us small twon folks. Sending love and condolences while your mom is celebrated.
Sending love and hugs!! So sorry to lose your Mom. She was a special friend. Love you.
Pam and Rae-Ann… love you both so much!! Thinking of you!!❤️
We will all miss her so much she was an amazing lady hugs to the family
So many memories with you all on Sand Hill, beginning with our move back to St. Johnsbury in 1973. What a summer that was. The many conversations with you all in that house❤️ The many Christmas celebrations with our large family. Missing both your parents and ours. They are celebrating together in heaven now. Love you all and sending love and hugs your way❤️
Love and hugs to both of you, Rae Ann and Pam. Your mom was such an amazing lady. I loved to read about her years out in AZ. ❤
Denny and I send our most sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom.