Eleanor Ann Wood

In loving memory of Eleanor Ann Wood (formerly of Alexandria, Virginia), a courageous, compassionate, and resilient woman who faced the challenges of life with strength, grace, and humor. Born on February 12,1937 in New York, she was an extraordinary individual who overcame adversity and left an enduring impact on those around her. Eleanor passed away on November 14, 2023, in Durham, North Carolina. She was 86 years old.

In 1968, Eleanor experienced the profound loss of her beloved husband of 13 years, Charles Wood, who died serving his country in the Vietnam War. Eleanor was widowed with three young children ages 8, 7 and 8 months old. Despite this heartbreaking tragedy, she persevered and was the sole provider and a great source of comfort to her children. She instilled in them the values of resilience, perseverance, and compassion that they carry with them today. Eleanor found love and companionship once again with her partner of many years, Stan Brown (deceased). Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved parents Ernest and Anna Beck and siblings Walter Beck (Thelma), Helen Lanzisera (Mauro) and Dorothy Healy (Billy).

Eleanor’s warm and caring nature extended to her role as a loving parent to Joe, Anna Marie (Steven) and John Wood (Laura), whom she cherished dearly. She also had the joy of being a beloved grandparent to Sarah Baya (Jonathan) and Leyton Wood and great grandparent to Heath Baya.

Eleanor embraced opportunities to share time with family and friends. She enjoyed volunteering for her church, the Knights of Columbus and galivanting on countless adventures with family and friends. In her younger days, she loved to ride horses, was an avid bowler and loved listening to music—especially Elvis! Her vibrant spirit and kindness illuminated every room she entered, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered.

Though she may no longer walk beside us, Eleanor’s strength and resilience will forever inspire us. May her spirit soar high, guiding us through life's challenges, and may her memory be forever in our hearts. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, compassion, and indomitable spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family would like to thank Eleanor’s extraordinary caregivers at the Fayetteville Street Community Living Home in Durham, North Carolina (Robin Williams, Joanne Crawley, Dana Taylor, Gia Abramson and Janice Young) who cared for her with kindness, compassion, and respect. We are forever grateful.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Eleanor’s remarkable life. Family and friends are invited to gather on March 12, 2024, at Good Shepard Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Hwy, Alexandria, Virginia 22309 to pay their respects and offer prayers for Eleanor’s eternal peace. Visitation begins at 12:30 PM, followed by a Christian Mass of Burial at 2:00 PM and a church reception thereafter. A private graveside service will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider planting a tree in memory of Eleanor. Trees symbolize life, growth, and the enduring spirit of nature. Your contribution will leave a lasting impact on our environment and honor her memory in a meaningful way. Please visit the National Arbor Foundation website, under the heading “shop” and “trees in honor for others” at https://www.arborday.org .