RUMFORD — On Wednesday, June 20, Elizabeth Rose “Betty” Wood, daughter of Albert Wood and Margaret Roche Wood, passed away at the Rumford Hospital, in the company of her beloved family. She was 67.

For the past seven months, she resided in the affectionate and attentive environment of Rumford Community Home. Before that, she lived her entire life with her adoring family.

Betty’s was a rich and productive life, and it was her good fortune to spend 43 years of work and recreation at Hope Association, where she thrived among friends, devoted staff and creative programs. The Meals on Wheels volunteerism appealed to her because, “No one should ever be hungry.”

She enjoyed participating in the Hosmer Field games, especially the laps and the ring toss. In one pivotal event, under the guidance of Dee Grenier, her original charcoal drawing was selected for display in a juried exhibition at the Portland Museum of Art. Thank you, Hope Association.

Outside Hope Association, Betty pursued an active life in which she was well-known in the community and beyond. She spoke of her family with great pride and she loved family visits in and out of town, at one time flying to Ohio.

Betty’s happy spirit and sense of humor energized those around her, and her many friends from all walks of life continued to maintain a precious bond. She never forgot a friend or a kindness, and everyone she ever met was “so sweet.” Briefly, she became a public figure when she was featured in essays in Oprah, Yankee and Reader’s Digest magazines, and also as a guest on the Channel 13 news. Her outlook on life was mesmerizing and irresistible; she was a human sunbeam.

In Betty’s final, declining days, she continued to make new friends at Rumford Community Home, where staff recognized her sociable nature and tended to her needs with infinite compassion and professionalism. The family thanks Rumford Community Home and Dr. Ledesma for his many years of dedicated care.

Survivors include siblings Barry Wood and his wife, Leanne, of Jay; Anne Wood and husband, Joe Sirois, of Rumford: Monica Wood and husband, Dan Abbott, of Portland; and Catherine WoodBrooks and husband, Mark Brooks, of Worcester, Mass.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; loving aunt, Rose Roche; beloved uncle, the Rev. Robert Roche; and many treasured friends.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.

Elizabeth “Betty” Wood

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