Josette Marie Wood

Josette was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts (a suburb of Boston), on August 5, 1938. She was the first child of Army Private Matthew F. Bishop and Esther LaForte Bishop. She moved from post to post around the United States and to Japan during her growing years. She graduated from Northeast High School in San Antonio, Texas in May of 1956 and entered nursing school in August of that year. She received a Diploma in Nursing from Boston City Hospital School of Nursing in February 1959 and entered the United States Army, Woman's Army Corps (WAC) as a 2nd Lieutenant.

While stationed at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, Josette met the love of her life, Malcolm Hoyle Wood, Jr., (Mac). On July 23, 1960, they were married. When they decided to start their family, she was honorably discharged from the Army in November of 1960.

Josette had an amazing career as a registered nurse that spanned fifty practicing years; including years as a surgical nurse, an Army flight nurse, and many years as a head nurse on hospital wards. As she moved from post to post with her career Army husband, Mac, Josette was able to gain knowledge and share her talents with thousands of grateful patients. She especially loved the teaching aspect of nursing. She trained and taught the younger generations of nurses at each step of her career. Her nursing talents were so varied that she even contributed to the writing of a textbook on radiological nursing.

Josette was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin, Florida. She had a passion for learning and teaching. She was a voracious reader. She loved the mountains of the Northwest, especially the Rocky Mountains, and often traveled to see family spread out across the country.

Josette was preceded in death by her husband, Mac, her son; Malcolm H. Wood III, her parents; Matthew and Esther Bishop, and her brother, Matthew Bishop, Jr.

She was survived by daughter Kerin Grimes and husband; Bruce of Richardsville, VA, daughter Renee Nuckles of Culpepper, VA, daughter LeighBeth Baldwin and husband; Ronald of Clearwater, FL, daughter Dawn Naranjo of Depoe Bay, OR, and son Michael Wood and wife; Noelle of Newport, OR., 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great- grandchildren. Josette was also survived by sister Marylin Lavache and husband; Pete of Conway, SC, brother Duane Bishop and wife; Vicki of Panama City, FL, and sister Kathleen Bishop and partner; Joanne of Leander, TX.

In lieu of flowers or cards to the family Josette requested that donations be made to the March of Dimes, a charity she was affiliated with for over sixty years. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at