Maureen Mary Wood

~ Maureen Mary Wood (née Newcombe) ~

On Wednesday 10th February 2021, after a 20 year fight against Parkinson’s disease, Maureen Wood finally succumbed while residing at Mary Health of the Sick nursing home in Newbury Park, California.

Maureen was born in Beeston, Nottingham, England in 1944. In 1965 she married Leslie Wood also of Beeston. In 1966 his career led them to the USA. In 1973 they moved to Andover, Massachusetts where they lived for 30 years and raised their two daughters, Helen and Susan. In 2004 they moved to North Andover and, in 2014, to Southern California to be near their younger daughter Helen.

Maureen’s greatest pleasure in life was taking care of others. While family always came first, she touched many people’s lives over the years and was lovingly known by many as “Mum”. 

She was a very active volunteer to the Andover School system. In 1978 she founded Sanborn School’s annual Harvest Festival where, every Thanksgiving, through the distribution of hundreds of care packages to senior citizens in Andover, students get to learn the true value of giving back. She received an award from the town and is still remembered annually at the festival.

She also had a love for musical theater and teaching. She was an elocution coach for the Andover High School and Merrimack Valley theaters where she taught students to adopt British accents for their roles in various productions including Oliver and My Fair Lady.

She was active with the Andover Senior Center and served as Chairperson of the Council on Aging. This also allowed her to demonstrate the love and energy she had for her community. Maureen was instrumental in creating a program to provide transportation for seniors so they were able to maintain their independence.

Maureen is survived, remembered and loved by her husband Leslie, daughters Susan and Helen and grandchildren Alistair, Logan, Savannah and Delaney. She is also remembered by and lives in the hearts of all those she touched during her time with us.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Mary Health of the Sick skilled nursing facility at maryhealth.com/donate. Thank you!