We first knew Priscilla, Neil and Stefan when our families were very young in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and we formed a play group.

As the months went by, I learned how generous Priscilla was, always kind and welcoming.  She was blessed with common sense, a sense of humor and courage.  She was easy to talk to, and talk we did!-with much laughter mixed in.

It was during that time that Priscilla mentioned that she “sewed.”  That was an understatement.  She was a couturier.  She made beautiful clothing for me and for our daughters.  Now, thirty-five years later, I still have the classic dove grey ultrasuede coat with its zip-in lining – because I can't bear to send it on its way.  And on our wall is the formal portrait of our three very young daughters, each wearing a pink dress patiently hand-smocked by Priscilla.

As the years went by and our children grew up, our friendship deepened.  Our young daughters felt the kindness and generosity in the Wood's home and were just as at home there as in their own home. 

Ultimately we moved from Chevy Chase, but our deep friendship has remained.

She was my friend, my beloved friend and I'll miss her terribly.

With love and prayers - 
Fran Laughlin

It was an honor to know Priscilla, but more importantly, it was always the keenest of pleasures to talk textiles, haute couture, and design with this wonderful lady.  I shall miss her greatly at Swem Library and extend my condolences to her family.

Dear Mr. Wood, Dear Stefan, Dear Wanna,

Rebecca, Matthew and I are so very sad to learn of Priscilla's passing. I have fond memories of her and Mr. Wood in the kitchen of the beautiful house on Leland Street, discussing her work at the Smithsonian and what it was like living in New York City. I will sorely miss her. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Dear Neil and Stefan, I loved working with Priscilla and we did many great things at the National Museum of American History - most notably, collecting from Oscar de la Renta who also passed away this month. I'm sending memories for her grandson's memory album. Such sad news but tinged with joy on the news of a new baby. My beloved colleague Priscilla will be in my thoughts tomorrow as you all gather to remember and celebrate her life.

Priscilla is the aunt of my best friend, Kim, and it is through Kim that I came to know and love Priscilla.  She always welcomed me warmly at the house on Leland Street in Chevy Chase where, during the holidays, there were always the most beautifully decorated Christmas trees.  I remember the time when I had a black tie event to attend and I brought my outfit to Priscilla so she could give it her nod of approval.  It didn't get that nod.  But she sewed her magic and worked on that outfit until it fit me like a glove.  I don't think I have ever had any outfit done so beautifully as the one touched by Priscilla. That was her special way - her touch, whether it be with material, food, or kindness, will be sorely missed by so many.  We send our love and deepest condolences to her family and will keep them, and Priscilla, in our prayers.  May God shine His face upon her and hold her in the palm of His hands.

Priscilla was my second mom.. The Wood's open their house to me and they became my second family.  Priscilla was always kind and generous with me and later on with my family.  My kids refer to her as Grandma. 
I will definitely miss her.

Priscilla Wood was an invaluable asset to Swem Library lending her museum and textile expertise to processing and dating photographs and helping with exhibits. She was gracious, kind, full of good cheer and knowledgeable. We will miss her but her legacy will be the collections she processed for us and our memories of her.

Dear Stefan, My sympathy & prayers to you and your family.

Dear Stefan - my sincere condolences & peaceful prayers for you & your family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wood family.  Like Chandi Singer, I met Priscilla when she came to Swem Library's Special Collections Research Center, which I directed at that time. I was thrilled that someone with her knowledge and experience wanted to volunteer.  I soon realized that her kindness, warmth, and marvelous sense of humor were even more important.  I often would stop to chat with Priscilla, and we would laugh about politics or she would show me what she was working on.  She generously shared her vast knowledge of textiles and dated many unidentified photos for us, based on the subjects's clothing.  She pitched in with many an exhibit, helping with design and installation and nudging me to include fewer artifacts and documents (as a historian by training, I tended to take a "the more, the merrier" approach).  She proved a wonderful, nurturing mentor to interns and student workers who were interested in museum careers and encouraged all our students, regardless of their career interests.  I knew she suffered from health issues, but she always spoke of them matter-of-factly, not willing to let them dominate her life.  It was a privilege to know her. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Ms. Wood, I fondly remember during the years growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Knew her husband who designed our kitchen, and her son.  My respect and sympathies to her family during this time of sorrow.

Priscilla and I became friends soon after I started at the museum in 1997.  We had lunch together dozens (perhaps hundreds) of times and often sat together on the Metro going home.  She knew just where to stand on the Metro platform.  Being a New Yorker, she would shift her shoulders from side to side to get to the head of the pack and get through the doors before the masses, often snagging a double seat so we could sit together.  It still makes me laugh. Thank you, Priscilla, for having been in my life.  Susan Strange

Neil, I read Pricilla's death notice this morning in the Washington Post and recalled a number of interactions Pat and I had with you and Pricilla over the years.  Meals together, baby-sitting services, the beautiful house you built for us.  What I remember most is the laughter.  Your family is in my prayers.

'A very sad day in the eyes of the Wood family and to those who knew Priscilla.  Everyone hates to lose a family member, but; it's so different when you lose your mom.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Stefan and the rest of his family.

Lester Dumont
National Gallery of Art

Neal--we just noticed the single candle in your window which made us realize that your beautiful angel Priscilla has gone to heaven.  We are so sad for you--please let us know if you need anything.

Priscilla, Stefan and Neil are all part of a very warm and treasured memory I have of my early childhood in Chevy Chase, MD. Priscilla (Mrs. Wood to me back then) was always kind & welcoming, saw the humor everywhere and most importantly has provided my mom with one of her most treasured friendships in her lifetime. God bless her and her wonderful family.  

Love, Anne Martin (Laughlin)

I feel blessed to have known this lady and family.

Priscilla made my wedding dress; she copied it from a photo of one way beyond my budget and improved upon the original. She had a generous spirit and a big heart. We will miss her.  Wendy Rueda

My dear Priscilla, the day you walked into Swem Library Special Collections was auspicious for me.  Not only did you help me with all the textiles that came into the collection, but we worked on many exhibits and shelving books.  We would sit at the big tables in the stacks with the students and talk about films, fashion, and whatever was on the mind of the students. What fun we had.  Remember all the shelving of books and talking of films with Nate, Austin, and Liam? I can't remember which student had taken the film class but we had great discussions.  Your kindness showed when we would work on an exhibit and something just wasn't right and you were so gracious in how you told me “it would look better this way”.  The world has lost a fabulous woman that I am so honored to have known and could count as my friend. I am interested in seeing what traits your first grandchild will have –  your smile, sense of humor, artistic creativity. You live on and will always be in my heart.  Good bye dear friend I will miss you, Chandi Singer.

We would like everyone to write a short paragraph or two about Priscilla and your personal insights towards her as friend, family, mentor, etc.  Photos can be included as well.  These will all be compiled into a book around the end of the year as a memorial for her grandchild, who will be born in January.

OBITUARY

Priscilla Quiles Wood

15 March, 1942 – 10 October, 2014

Nelsen Williamsburg

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