Hedwig (Hedy) M. Wood

Hedwig (Hedy) M. Wood, 92, passed peacefully October 24, 2017 at UMH Hilltop Campus.  Born September 14, 1925, she was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Mary Cerar, twelve siblings, her husband Lewis and grandson Claude Wood.  Hedy’s most cherished role in life was that of mother to her four children: Marsha Buck (Claude Pessagno), Karen (Bob) Cavanaugh, Terry (Carol Musser) Wood and Cheryl (Paul) Furlong.  She was a loving and constantly encouraging grandmother to ten grandchildren:  Timothy Buck, Richard Morgart (Glen Noble), Robert Cavanaugh, Kathryn Cavanaugh, Katie (Lee) Pancoast, Jessica Wood (Nick Kermidas), Caitlyn Angell, Joseph, Setina and Stephen Furlong; great grandmother to Nathaniel Angell, Jack Pancoast and Wellesleigh Morgart-Noble. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed “Dar’s” visits over the years.  A native of the coal town of Forest City, Pa, Hedy’s family relocated to Binghamton,  where she met her future husband Lewis Wood. She was married at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Patrick’s Church. Hedy and Lou were married for 50 years before his passing in 2000.  In 1988, Hedy retired from the Binghamton Psychiatric Center after 25 years of service. She stayed active through involvement in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed following the soaps, playing cards, and could often be found working on a crossword or jigsaw puzzle. Hedy, never having learned to drive, became accustomed to walking everywhere she needed or wanted to venture. We will always remember her as a sweet, caring, loving person.  We are most grateful for the exceptional care Mom received from the staff at the Hilltop Campus SUN Unit and the JGJ Nursing Unit. You are in our hearts.  Funeral services will be held at the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, Inc., 150 Main St., Johnson City, Friday at 10am with burial in Vestal Hills Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9am until the time of service.  Donations may be made in Hedy’s memory to either, United Methodist Home- SUN Unit, or St. Patrick’s Church, Binghamton, NY. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.jfricefuneralhome.com.  

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