Ruth Wood

EAST BALDWIN — Ruth Marie “Sukey” Wood, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at Bridgton Hospital, after a brief illness.

She was born on Sept. 17, 1919, in Sebago, the daughter of David and Mary Dube Burnell.

Ruth graduated from Potter Academy in 1936, as valedictorian.

Ruth married Leroy Wood on Nov. 29, 1941. They made their home in East Baldwin, where they resided for 67 years.

Ruth started working at a young age as a nanny and housekeeper. Later, she was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in East Baldwin for nearly 30 years, where she became the first woman postmaster in East Baldwin.

She traveled extensively with her husband, family and friends throughout Western Europe, South America, the Panama Canal, Iceland, and the British Isles. Their preferred method was their motor home, which they drove through all the Canadian provinces and all 50 states; they had to fly to Hawaii, though. They especially enjoyed Alaska, where they visited five times.

As well as traveling the world, they loved being close to home. Fishing and snowmobiling were among her favorite things while visiting their camp in Greenville. Ruth “Wife” and Leroy “Woody” loved each other deeply, even though things could get heated when the snowmobile broke down or truck got stuck. In her own words though, she never had an unreasonable day in her life.

Ruth belonged to many clubs and was an active member of numerous organizations, including the classic car club, Christmas Club, Couples Club, and the Extension. She was committed to her community and heritage, spending many hours researching and visiting old cemeteries and studying family genealogy. Ruth also helped support the Brown Memorial Library renovation project, always giving back. She spent many hours enjoying hobbies like painting, reading, and never missing a day of writing in her journal.

Ruth is survived by three sons, Steve, David and Dean; daughter, Connie; her five grandchildren along with a great-granddaughter; and numerous friends.

She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Leroy; two brothers, Maurice and Franklin Burnell; and a sister, Doris Sanborn.

Ruth was the matriarch of the Wood family, the last of her generation, and the holder of the Boston Post cane. Her feisty, powerful spirit and unyielding dedication to her family were instilled in all of her children, and her legacy lives on in all of them. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours were on Sunday, March 5, immediately followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. at the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street, Cornish. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.wnyfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Brown Memorial Library, P.O. Box 24, East Baldwin, ME 04024-0024.