Josephine M. Wood

Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend passed away Monday, November 11, 2019 just before her 93rd birthday. The daughter of the late Paul and Jennie (Fabiano) Spadafore was born on November 30, 1926 in Stockbridge, MI. She graduated from Stockbridge High School, the class of 1944. Josephine then graduated from St. Lawrence School of Nursing, becoming an RN in 1944. She worked at St. Lawrence Hospital until she married Alvin Atkins Wood, Jr. on April 12, 1950; he predeceased her on April 5, 2008. Together, Alvin and Josephine moved to Shepherd, MI where they bought a bar, "Woodys Place". The bar sold in 1959 and they moved to Merrill and bought a local grocery store in 1960. The grocery store closed in 1968 and Josephine then went on to teach practical nursing at Alma College where she set up a clinic for migrant workers in Ithaca. She worked at the clinic two days a week then traveled to migrant camps visiting clients. Josephine also taught at Swan Valley High School from 1976-1981; worked as a supervisor of the Michigan Masonic Home from 1982-1983, taught LPN for Saginaw Public Schools from 1983-1988, and was supervisor and nurse educator for Schnepps Health Care Center in St. Louis from 1988-1994. She enjoyed shopping, BINGO, going to the casino and movies. Josephine retired to enjoy and cherish time with her children, grandchildren and her best friend "Grandma" Terry Sheridan. Surviving are her children: Frank (Karla) Wood, Steve Wood, Ann Wood, Joe (Cheryl) Wood, Paul (Lisa) Wood, grandchildren: Sarah Wood, Samantha Wood, Paul Wood Jr., Kristin Felker, Kenneth Lynam, Lon (Teresa) Charbonneau, Phillip Charbonneau, Aimee (William) Slaterline, Joel (Julie) Charbonneau, great-grandchildren: Brylie and Haden Felker, Hailey Frank, Jakob and Emily Charbonneau, Austin, Andrew, Brooke, Brie and Jason Charbonneau, Chase and Matthew Slaterline, Issac, Luke, Leah Ann, and Jonah Charbonneau, her brother Frank (Normi) Spadafore, sister-in-law Connie Spadafore, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including her close friend Terry Sheridan. Besides her parents and husband, Josephine was predeceased by her son Alvin Wood III, daughter Jennie Wood, and brother Paul Spadafore. Funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2019 at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merrill. Fr. Michael Steltenkamp, S.J. assisted by Deacon Librado "Larry" Gayton with burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill on Thursday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. where a vigil for Josephine will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also visit with the family at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral liturgy. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Jonesfield/Lakefield Fire Department.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637