ildred Louise Wood, peacefully passed away in Oswego, NY, with her son and granddaughter by her side, February 3, 2017. She was 90 years old.
Military Career
Mrs. Wood attended Fulton, NY schools and Smith Technical School in Syracuse for practical nursing. For many years she did private duty nursing in the Fulton, Oswego and Phoenix area. She served in the U.S.C.G. (SPARS) World War II and the United States WACS in the Korean War and the Far East. Mrs. Wood, a disabled veteran was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the Army of the Occupation of Japan, Korean Service, Army Commendation, and Good Conduct Medal.
Later Life
She was a life member of VFW Post 153, Baldwinsville, NY, a life member of DAV Chapter of Syracuse, life member of American Legion Post 113 of Baldwinsville, NY, a charter member of the Women’s Memorial, Washington, DC, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4399, Dade City, FL and AMVETS Post in Zephyrhills, FL. She was employed at St. Camillus Rehabilitation Center, Syracuse, NY, before retirement to Inverness, FL.
Family
She is survived by her son, Thomas (Susan) Wood of Baldwinsville, her granddaughter, Christina (Justin) Wallace of Palermo, and her great grandchildren Curtis and MaryJo. She was fortunate to have several step-grandchildren who called her Grandma Millie. Mrs. Wood is also survived by her sister Laura Landis of Zephyrhills, FL and William (Susan) Gannett of North Syracuse, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Military Honors
Mrs. Wood wishes were to have no calling hours but a small, graveside service will take place at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL in early spring. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or dementiasociety.org.
Family and friends are invited to share a memory and sign her guestbook below.
I was reading her two (2) DD 214’s, one for the Coast Guard as a seaman apprentice and her final DD214 from the Women’s Army Corps. I was overwhelmed with her courage in leaving home, the adventure, the danger. She left the WACS as “Sergeant Mildred Wood.” That E-5 promotion is a big one. And her Good Conduct award was only given to the top 7% of soldiers in WWll.
God bless you, Sergeant Wood. You will rest at Florida National Cemetery with your Army brothers and WAC sisters. Respect I cannot describe.
Jim Rudolph
My thoughts and prayers go out to Millie’s Family. I always enjoyed her visits to my Family home on Pinnacle Hill
Road. Thank you for your service Sgt. Wood.
Clearly my grandmother was an amazing woman. She was also a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. I would go so far as to say she was a progressive woman who gave me a lot of strength and helped shape me into the woman I am today. She was always so independent. It was heartbreaking to see her decline over the past few years. But we would talk about the awesome opportunities she had in her life, doing things that a lot of the women in her time, did not have the courage to do. I am so proud of her. I hope she knew that. The love this woman had in her heart was incredible. Her laugh was one of my favorite sounds. I know she’s now watching us from a better place and hope I will see her again.
May the fond memories of your Mom, Grandmother and Greatgrandmother give you comfort during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Thank you for your service Sergeant Wood, may you rest in eternal peace.
Godspeed.
Jerry and Debbie Parsons
Mom, Some people have mother-in-laws and some are fortunate enough to gain a mother. I was one of the fortunate ones. I thank you for sharing your son with me and for leaving many happy memories. Love, Sue
Dear Tom & Sue,
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your Mom. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy and Love,
Reed & Bernice
I have such wonderful memories of my Aunt. As a child I spent a lot of weekends with her. We would play games and put together puzzles and talk about everything. She taught me so many values and helped mold me into the woman I am today. She was a strong, smart woman, who always had a smile on her face and loved to talk about her military service. I will miss her greatly.
I have such fond memories of Aunt Millie. I used to love to sit back and listen as she and her five sisters and sometimes a brother or two, there was also six of them. would visit with each other. Those visits weren’t often, as they lived in different parts of the country. But it was an honor and privilege to hear those stories they told. They were a wonderful family and as siblings loved one another deeply. It was because of Aunt Millie that I became a nurse. As i child I remember her bringing me nurses dresses to play in. She was incredible! She will be truly missed. Until we meet again…
Millie was more like a second mother to me than a sister. So many fond memories of her, there are just not enough words to express them all. Thank you, Millie for being the wonderful person and sister you were. You will always be in my heart. Sue is thankful for the years she had the privilege of knowing you and having you as part of her life. God Bless You Millie and rest now in His arms.
Love always,
Bill and Sue
tom,christina,family we were sorry to here about millys passing. our thoughts are with you all. love Brcky& Mike.
We had the Honor of Caring for Sgt. Wood for close to 4 Years. She was fairly quiet but did talk about her time in the Service; she was Proud of her accomplishments and the life she lived. She had a wonderful Smile and Laugh when she Reminisced about her past. Her family was the Apple of her Eye. She lit up when she talked about them. We will miss her very much and are very Thankful for her Service. We only hope we served her as Honorably as she served our Great Nation. May you Rest in Peace Sgt. Wood. God Bless both you and your family.
Love the SHM Day Staff,
Lori W., Jamie S., Melissa H., Chris W., Ashley W., Laurencia C., Heather M., Chasity H., Desteney C., Elizabeth S., Amber D., Brenna O., Michelle W.