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CLARK BAILEY NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER Pat J. O''Neill, Director 113 Maple Street E-mail: clarkbaileynewhouse@charter.net Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783 FAX: 906/632-7521 Ph: 906/632-8221 OBITUARY Mary P. Wood, 78, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away at Henry Ford Hospital May 21 following a brief illness. She resided at 1401 Kimball St. for many years, and more recently at the Avery Center. Mary, daughter of the late Ely and Marina Andary, was born August 21, 1930 in Sault Ste. Marie. She attended St. Mary''s and Loretto Catholic Schools, and received her degree in Music at Marygrove College in Detroit. Mary and Richard Wood were married on October 12, 1953. She began her teaching career in the 1950''s, using her talents as a director, choreographer, arranger, and producer, writing musicals for her students. She shared her love of music as choir director at St. Mary, St. Joseph, and Nativity Catholic Parishes, as well as providing music for weddings and funerals in these churches and various other churches throughout the county. As the founder of the Mary Wood Chorus, she brought enjoyment of music to the Sault for 26 years with annual concerts. Local young musicians were often invited to share the stage. Other musical celebrations included collaboration with joint choruses from across the U.P. to perform with the Detroit Symphony, and musical productions for the Soo Locks Celebrations. Mary also worked in the music department at LSSU and gave private voice and piano lessons. Mary was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, LSSU Elders, a Hospice Volunteer, and an active supporter of the Soo Theater Project. As a member of the Sault Area Arts Council, she worked tirelessly to bring an awareness of the arts to the community. She received recognition as a recipient of the UP Choral Leadership Award, Sault Ste. Marie Woman of the Year, and the Michigan Minuteman Award, presented by the governor. Mary enjoyed Red Wings Hockey and the Detroit Tigers, along with weekly cribbage and euchre games at Avery Center. She loved to cook Lebanese dishes for a houseful, including extended family and friends. Over the years Mary and Richard cherished their friendships with members of "The Married Peoples Group," their dearest friends. Mary was dedicated to her family, her parish family and community as a whole, inspiring them spiritually and musically. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, brothers Tony and Paul, and sisters Genevieve and Martha. She will forever be remembered by her children Marina (Jim) Lounds, Negaunee, MI; Howard (Theresa),Gaylord, MI; Ann (Steve) Scharrer, Sheboygan, WI; Jane (Jeff) Freeborn, Curtis, MI; Mike, Marquette, MI; Jim (Julie), Hortonville, WI; Cathy (John) Fisher, Tracy, CA, sisters Adele Goupille, Negaunee, MI; Sadie (Frank) Atkinson, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be held at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home, Wednesday, May 27, 4:00-9:00 p.m. and again Thursday May 28 at 10:00 a.m at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.Thursday May 28 at St. Joseph''s Catholic Church with Fr. Pawel Mecwel as Celebrant Memorial contributions may be directed to local Catholic Churches.

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Mary P. Wood

August 21, 1930 - May 21, 2009