March 4, 2013 at Chandler House in Yakima, WA at the age of 97. She was a steadfast
and faithful servant of the Lord.
She was born on January 15, 1916 in Ellensburg to Harry Suver and Eileen Suver nee
Kelly. She was happy growing up on their farm on the Dolor Way, surrounded by her
family including brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles. She graduated from Lourdes
Academy, Ellensburg High School, and Ellensburg Normal School (now CWU).
After earning her teaching certificate at the age of 20, she began her new life, away from
all she knew in Eastern Washington, at a small school on Puget Island near the mouth of
the Columbia River. She taught there for two years but returned to Ellensburg for the
summer months. Fearful of becoming an "old maid school teacher", on an island
populated mostly by Norwegian fishermen, she left to continue studies toward her degree
and fifth year. She spent this time at the University of Washington and lived at Newman
House. Her next teaching job lead her to Hoodsport on the Hood Canal. While there, her
principal introduced her to his hunting and fishing buddy Claude Wood. They married in
Ellensburg on August 1, 1940. She was no longer an old maid school teacher! After a
time, they moved to Centralia where they raised their three children. She mostly devoted
herself to being a fine wife and mother but did spend some years substitute teaching in
the public schools and also at St. Mary's Grade School and St. Joseph's Grade School.
Her husband Claude died unexpectedly in 1969. After that, she completed her fifth year
certificate at St. Martin's College and began teaching at Jefferson Lincoln Elementary.
She retired in 1978.
During retirement, she traveled several times to Europe, and to China, Australia, South
America and the Middle East. She also explored our own America. She gardened,
sewed, played bridge and enjoyed her growing family and circle of friends. Besides
serving her parish of St. Mary's, she tutored adults in ESL.
Gone before her marked with the sign of faith, besides her parents and husband, are her
brother, John Suver, son, John Wood, and great granddaughters, Chloe and Clara Wood.
She is survived by her brother Chet Suver, and sister-in-law, Betty. She is also survived
by her daughter, Claudia, and son-in-law Glenn Wade and their children, Christina
(Martin) Stanborough and Brian (Teri) Wade. She is also survived by her daughter, Mary,
and son-in-law, Bryan Evenson, and their daughter Emily (Nathan) Fulfs. She is
survived by daughter-in-law, Ellen Wood, and children Margaret (Shane) Campbell and
Joel (Addie) Wood. In addition to five great grandchildren, she is also survived by
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Vigil Service will be Sunday March 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
Viewing will be on Sunday from noon to 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Monday,
March 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral Chapel with burial service at 3:00 p.m. at
Holy Cross Cemetery in Ellensburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Sisters of Saint Dominic of Tacoma, 935 Fawcett Ave. S. Tacoma, WA 98402.
The family would like to thank: all the nurses and caregivers at Chandler House, but
especially Irene, Lila, and Maria for their compassionate, cheerful, and willing care of
our Mom. Your kindness has been a great solace to us.
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