Margarette Elizabeth Hall Wood

Born in Columbus, Georgia, to Terry Watson Hall and Inez Elizabeth Houston, Margarette contracted and survived pneumonia at just 2 months old. She grew up in San Antonio public schools, graduating with honors at age 16 from Brackenridge High School. She then graduated with honors and a degree in English from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Margarette was an active member of Iota Zeta Chi sorority for many years.

In 1947, Margarette married her Southwestern classmate Wilbur Russell “Russ” Wood, and they both began teaching at schools in McCamey, Texas. While there, their daughter, Rosalind, was born. Two years later, they moved back to San Antonio, where Margarette and Russ became founding members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She taught third grade in the Castle Hills School District until they moved to Baltimore, Maryland. They settled in the Catonsville/Arbutus area where she taught first grade and where their son, Russell, was born.

Margarette’s love of English literature and reading led her to pursue a degree in library science from the University of Maryland. Throughout her life, she created and expanded lending libraries at Catonsville United Methodist Church in Maryland, Sudbury United Methodist Church in Massachusetts and University United Methodist Church in Texas.

Margarette, fascinated by American history, visited many historical sites. In 1965, the family settled in the colonial town of Sudbury, Massachusetts, where her interest in history and antiques continued to grow as she explored early American history throughout New England and Canada. Four years later, the family relocated to the historic town of Ellicott City, where she became a substitute teacher. She was a talented artist in oil paints and other crafts, and an expert cook, baker and gardener.

Margarette’s love of history led her to pursue her own family’s genealogy in the early 1970s. She and Russ spent hours researching at the National Archives, Library of Congress and local historical societies. She documented countless genealogies, publishing three that are available in major libraries across the United States.

Margarette and Russ later retired to San Antonio to join their family and friends from childhood and college. They settled in Oakwood and made more friends as they became actively involved in University United Methodist Church.

After enjoying more than 20 years in their Oakwood home, they moved to Franklin Park Sonterra Independent Living, where they joined a book club, took Spanish classes, volunteered in the library and served on resident committees.

Margarette’s deep care and love for her family and friends helped her survive numerous health scares, including her first stroke in her late 30s and several autoimmune disorders. She was a breast cancer survivor of 26 years, meeting the challenge the way she always did with strength and dignity, and her signature fast-paced walking that helped her stay physically and mentally strong.

Margarette was predeceased by her loving husband of more than 72 years, W. Russ Wood; parents Inez and Terry Hall; sister Virginia King Hall Barlow; and niece Valerie Jean Barlow.

She is survived by her daughter Rosalind Wood Thebaud (Lawrence) and son Russell Scott Wood (Wynne Clark); grandchildren Russell Thebaud (Kristin), Sarah Thebaud (Erik Philipp), Sydney Wood; great-grandchildren Charlotte and Felix Thebaud Philipp, Ian and Clara Thebaud; nieces Melissa Barlow Severtson (Dan) and Rebecca Dorsey; great-nieces Josephine and Julia Fischer and great-nephews Devin and Scout Dorsey.

Margarette’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Jan. 25 at 10:30am at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. Interment will immediately follow at Mission Burial Park North Dominion, 20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.