Gladys Iola Wood

6/2/1917-2/1/2013

Gladys (Gay) Iola Wood was born June 2,1917 in Seattle to Irene and Frederick Homewood. She was the second born of three daughters; Ethyl and Mildred preceded her in death.Gay graduated from West Seattle High School in 1935, then went on to the University of Washington where she became a first generation Husky and graduated with a degree in Sociology. She also began graduate school there, continuing to explore her interest in Sociology. Soon after, she got a job with the Red Cross helping unwed mothers.Gay married Jack Wood on May 13, 1950. They built a home on Mercer Island where they raised four children. They also spent their golden years in the same home. Mom was always interested in the Arts and throughout her lifetime she would take painting classes, pottery classes and French classes. She made beautiful pottery and paintings that she used to decorate her home. She was also an expert seamstress and made her own suits, curtains, slipcovers, and pillows. Mom loved listening to classical music. She and Dad attended the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera each season. They also took summer vacations in Ashland, Oregon to attend the Shakespeare Festival. Mom also loved tending to her container gardens and flowers throughout the yard. She greatly enjoyed entertaining during summer on her deck, overlooking the lake, surrounded by her flowers and family. Our mother passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on February 1, 2013. She is survived by her four children, Lauren Wood Betassa and husband Richard Betassa, Greg Wood, Dana Wood Skinner and husband Mike Skinner, Kevin Wood, and four grandchildren Andrea Betassa, Lindsay Skinner, Sean Skinner, and Jack Skinner. Private services were held on February 8, 2013 at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Remembrances may be shared at www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com