Lillian E. Wood

Lillian Elnora Wood (Lil) a retired Marine Corps civilian of 51 years and fifty-year resident of Annandale, VA passed away at the age of 87 on August 27, 2021 of congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, at Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Lil was born Lillian Elnora Whiting November 17, 1933 in East Millsboro, PA to Elizabeth Whiting and Forrest Whiting. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, brothers Richard and Willard, sister Evelyn and husband Eldridge Bruce Wood (1986).

As a child she was full of enthusiasm and creativity. After graduating from high school, being the adventurous one everyone knew, she pursued employment opportunities in northern Virginia, and was employed by the Marine Corps HQ at the Navy Annex in Arlington, VA. She served loyally there for ‘her’ entire career until she retired. She often voiced that she was honored and grateful to be able to serve her Marines. She had no regrets and never looked back. As a Saturday side job, she became a model for a local furrier and the old Jelleff’s department stores. She continued modelling until 5 years ago as an avocation/hobby with ‘Draper’s and Damon’s’ in the City of Fairfax, allowing her to fulfill her love for "dressing for success". Lil persevered through many life-changing events, including the loss of her husband Bruce to cancer at a young age thirty-five years ago, the tragedy of September 11th at the Pentagon (she was on-duty when the Plane barely missed the Annex), and the COVID-19 pandemic. She professionally carried through 51 years of service with the Marine Corps, upholding the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, Commitment, and of course Semper Fi, and retired in 2003. Her pride, poise and work ethics were well received by the senior-most Marines, dignitaries and various national politicians throughout her career and into retirement. After exiting her tenure with the federal government she enjoyed bowling in various leagues/tournaments, and national tournaments, traveling the globe, and spending time with family & friends. She was heavily involved in the Fairfax County police department as an auxiliary member for many years. Lil was recognized for her dedication and support. Her interest to "stay involved" and give back to the community continued throughout her life.

Lil was a devoted friend and an exemplary mother figure to Leslie Osborne-Camacho (Jose) and Jennifer Osborne-Olson (Dave) and grandmother figure to Maria & Monica Olson. Over the course of the last 8 years they successfully blended into a close-knit family. As she taught, led and exhibited self-pride while mentoring many individuals over the years, she gracefully obtained the role as a grandparent bestowing an abundance of love and affection, and received the same.

Although her contagious laugh brought joy to any room she entered, she always meant business. She enjoyed sharing her interest in apparel, jewelry, cars, horses (especially horses) and giraffes with her family & friends while passionately focusing on her health and well-being. Her motto was "lesson learned". She lived life to its fullest over the last 7 years spending time traveling the United States with her companion (and family friend of 24 years) Anthony (Tony) Osborne. Many hours of research were spent mapping out National parks, relatives-to-visit along the way, attractions, golf courses and casinos throughout their travels resulting in Lil's notorious "ear to ear" grin when a slot machine was in sight.

Proudly from an era that a handshake or her word was a bond, her friendship was everlasting. Her legacy will live on through the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with.

Family and Friends are invited to pay tribute to Lillian "Lil" Wood at Demaine Funeral home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, VA, Viewing Friday September 17th at 6:00pm

Funeral service will take place Saturday, September 18th at 12:00pm at Demaine Funeral home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, VA with interment service to follow at 2:00pm Stonewall Memory Gardens, 12004 Lee Hwy, Manassas, VA 20109, one mile south of the Bull Run battlefield on US 29.