Dawn Lynn Wood

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we write to share the news of Dawn Lynn Wood’s passing. She left us peacefully in the early morning hours of February 23, 2026 at the young age of 70, after a life that touched so many in ways we’ll carry forever.

Dawn was born in Miami, Florida and held fond memories of her childhood living at her home on 22nd Avenue. It was in Miami where she met her husband of almost 55 years, Richard Wood Sr. They were only teenagers when they met. She and Richard began a 47 year tradition of gathering family and friends at Ginnie Springs each Thanksgiving. What started as a simple celebration became the heartbeat of their family—an annual reunion filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Those weekends meant everything to them, and having everyone together year after year was one of their greatest joys. This annual gathering became a lasting legacy—one her family will continue for generations to come.

She is survived by her loving family: her husband, Richard Wood Sr.; her children, Charlene Wood Delaney (son-in-law John Delaney), Richard Wood Jr. (daughter-in-law Julie Wood and grandchildren Kathryn Wood, Emily Wood, and Trey Wood III), Daisy Wood Phelps (son-in-law Matthew Phelps and grandchildren Zoe Phelps and Zane Phelps), and Summer Wood Moore (grandchildren Mason Moore and Mia Moore); and her siblings, sister Margaret Ogden (brother-in-law Palmer Ogden Jr.) and brother Bobby Glidden.

She is predeceased by her father and mother, Walter Goss Glidden and Priscilla Margaret Glidden; and Auntie Mary Lynn Wheaton and Uncle John McCormack.

Anyone who knew her loved her truly and deeply. She had a quiet warmth that drew people in, and once you were in her circle, you stayed there because she made you feel like family. She was a profound secret keeper, holding confidences with grace, loyalty, and compassion, never judging and always offering understanding. In a world that often shares too freely, her discretion was a rare and precious gift.

Above all, Dawn was a giver to a fault. Her heart simply didn’t know how to hold back. While we are grieving deeply, we are also immensely grateful for the privilege of having her as our mama and grammie. Her love shaped us and the memories we share will keep her close.

A celebration of life will be held in Palm Bay, FL in May; the date will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dawn’s memory to Hound Haven (Please send an email to [email protected] Attn: Linda Coletta and Linda will contact you directly) or to the American Diabetes Association (https://diy-diabetes.donordrive.com/campaigns/Dawn-Wood). Dawn lived with diabetes for over 30 years, a challenging disease that affected her deeply over time.

Thank you to everyone who loved her. And just like she would end all of her calls, grammie sends her love and kisses.