Irene Elizabeth Wood, 89, Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg, formerly of 1201 17th Ave. and 2102 11th St., Altoona, died Wednesday at the manor. She was born in Juniata, Altoona to James Russell & Sarah Helen Kelly. She married Joseph Anthony Wood Dec. 23, 1942, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altoona and he died Oct. 24, 1981. Survived by three sons and a daughter: Joel A. (Sandi) Wood of Santa Maria, CA, Maureen E. Wood of Altoona, Kelly V. (JOanne) Wood of Elkton, MD, and Matthew M. (Joni) Wood of Boise, ID; grandchildren: Michael, Jeanne, Benjamin, Adrienne, Brian, Russell and Allyssa; great-grandchildren: Drew, Kelsey, Madison, Tyler, Elizabeth and Connor; and extended family. Predeceased by sister, Dolores Ramsey. She had worked as a secretary in the late 1960s and early 1970s at Talus Rock Girl Scout Council for 10 years. She previously worked for the U.S. Census Bureau, Dept. of Vital Statistics, in Washington, DC. She also was employed as a clerk by the U.S. Navy Disbursing Office in Beaufort, SC during World War II. She was a member of Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona. Mrs. Wood was a 1937 graduate of Altoona High School, where she was class historian. She attended Irving Elementary School and Keith Junior High School, where she was the recipient of the DAR History Medal, awarded to the student with the highest grade in history. After World War II, she lived in Aberdeen, MD and Baltimore and returned to Altoona in 1954, where she resided for the rest of her life. Irene was a lifelong learner. While denied the opportunity to attend college because of the Depression, she instilled in her children a passion for learning and a desire for education. A voracious reader, she had broad and eclectic interests, could hold a conversation on just about any topic and was a periodic contributor to letters to the editor of the Altoona Mirror. Among her prized possessions was a collection of almost 2,000 books. After raising her children, she developed a compelling interest in antiques, frequenting yard sales, flea markets and auctions. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at Jones Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona. Committal rites, Calvary Cemetery.

Altoona Mirror, Sat., 1/24/2009