Barbara M. Wood passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2021, in Essex, Vermont. Those who knew Barbara as family, friend, or neighbor were shocked and saddened by her sudden, unexpected passing due to a stroke.
An ever-optimistic soul and stalwart friend, Barbara embodied gratitude, compassion, and lightness, and we wish we could have just one more hug – and one more Happy Hour – in the presence of her beauty, warmth, and good cheer. Born in Seattle, Washington, Barbara attended Queen Anne High School and earned a BA in Sociology at the University of Washington. By chance, she met the true love of her life, Bruce, while filling in for a sorority sister on a blind date. They graduated, married, and commenced an adventorous life which included moves to and from Oregon, Georgia, California, Virginia, Washington, and the Phillipines. Barbara was a genuinely wonderful and caring mother to three boys, Eric, Brian, and Neil. She was a devoted and intensely proud Navy wife, as well as the shy, understated backbone of the Wood family. Barbara’s love was unshakeable, even in the times of extreme heartache she would feel later in life.
Following nearly three decades in the Navy, Bruce and Barbara retired to their dream home in Oak Harbor, Washington, to be among lifelong friends and bask in a glorious view of Mt. Baker and the Puget Sound. Their greatest joy was to spend weeks boating together amongst the Inside Passage islands and discovering Mother Nature’s secrets. More recently, Barbara made the big decision to leave her Oak Harbor comfort zone and move across the country to start a brave new chapter of her life near family in Vermont. She was thrilled with her new pals and community.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband Bruce and eldest son, Eric. She is survived by her sons, Brian Wood and his wife Marnie Tracey of San Marcos, CA, and Neil Wood and his wife Corey, of Essex Junction, VT. She also leaves three beloved grandchildren, Sydney, Liam, and Elliot. Per Barbara’s wishes, at a future date, her family will raise a glass of boxed wine, tell a few corny jokes, and spread her ashes across the beautiful waters of Puget Sound that she loved so much. If you’d like to do something in her memory, contributions may be sent to the nonprofit Gifts from the Heart Food Bank, PO Box 155, Coupeville, WA 98239, where Barbara volunteered for many years.
