Carolyn E. (Couto) Wood

HOLDEN - Carolyn E. (Couto) Wood, 65, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of her family on Friday, November 25, 2016. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on December 26, 1950 and raised in West Warwick where she graduated from high school.



Carolyn knew early on that her life's mission was to make a difference in the lives of young children by being an elementary school teacher. After high school, she enrolled into the Early Childhood Program at the University of Rhode Island. While in her freshman year, she met a handsome upperclassman by the name of David Wood at the traditional "Beany Bounce," freshman indoctrination. They married on August 22, 1970, and after graduating college, moved to Coventry where they began their family. In 1982, Carolyn and Dave moved to Holden where they would live for the next 34 years while raising their three children.



In 1984, Carolyn's passion for teaching was reignited and she went to work for the Wachusett School District as a substitute teacher, and shortly thereafter, accepted a full time teaching position at Dawson Elementary School in Holden. While teaching and raising her family, she went back to school and received her Master's Degree in Education from Worcester State University. Her yearning to learn was infectious. She taught the last several years of her teaching career at Mayo Elementary School in Holden, retiring in 2014 after 28 rewarding years. They say "It takes a big heart to shape little minds," and Carolyn passionately nurtured and inspired her students by creating a safe, loving and caring environment for learning.



Carolyn's love for friends and family is unforgettable. She enjoyed sharing her favorite personal interests with others. Whether baking, knitting, reading or playing the piano, she would surprise and engage those around her. When the weather was nice, she could be found poolside enjoying the day with a glass of wine in hand. In the colder months, she would fly south and relax with her family and friends at one of Disney World's resorts. She will be remembered for her unwavering compassion and kindness, and will be missed by those who were blessed to have known her.



In her path, she leaves a loving husband of 46 years, David A. Wood; two sons, Nathan Wood and his wife, Ali of Hudson, NH and Ryan Wood and his wife, Molly of Bethlehem, PA; her daughter, Heather Dyer and her husband, John of Worcester; and four curious grandchildren, Jacob and Paige Williams, and Eamon and Neve Wood who will always remember their loving Nana; and her parents, Thomas M. Couto and Rita (Brouillard) Couto of Paxton.


Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Carolyn's family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 28 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29 at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden. Memorial donations may be made to the MGH Fund - Massachusetts General Hospital Giving, www.giving.massgeneral.org/.To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" on this page.


HOLDEN - Carolyn E. (Couto) Wood, 65, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of her family on Friday, November 25, 2016. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on December 26, 1950 and raised in West Warwick where she graduated from high school.   Carolyn knew early on that her life's mission was to make a difference in the lives of young children by being an elementary school teacher. After high school, she enrolled into the Early Childhood Program at the University of Rhode Island. While in her freshman year, she met a handsome upperclassman by the name of David Wood at the traditional "Beany Bounce," freshman indoctrination. They married on August 22, 1970, and after graduating college, moved to Coventry where they began their family. In 1982, Carolyn and Dave moved to Holden where they would live for the next 34 years while raising their three children. In 1984, Carolyn's passion for teaching was reignited and she went to work for the Wachusett School District as a substitute teacher, and shortly thereafter, accepted a full time teaching position at Dawson Elementary School in Holden. While teaching and raising her family, she went back to school and received her Master's Degree in Education from Worcester State University. Her yearning to learn was infectious. She taught the last several years of her teaching career at Mayo Elementary School in Holden, retiring in 2014 after 28 rewarding years. They say "It takes a big heart to shape little minds," and Carolyn passionately nurtured and inspired her students by creating a safe, loving and caring environment for learning. Carolyn's love for friends and family is unforgettable. She enjoyed sharing her favorite personal interests with others. Whether baking, knitting, reading or playing the piano, she would surprise and engage those around her. When the weather was nice, she could be found poolside enjoying the day with a glass of wine in hand. In the colder months, she would fly south and relax with her family and friends at one of Disney World's resorts. She will be remembered for her unwavering compassion and kindness, and will be missed by those who were blessed to have known her. In her path, she leaves a loving husband of 46 years, David A. Wood; two sons, Nathan Wood and his wife, Ali of Hudson, NH and Ryan Wood and his wife, Molly of Bethlehem, PA; her daughter, Heather Dyer and her husband, John of Worcester; and four curious grandchildren, Jacob and Paige Williams, and Eamon and Neve Wood who will always remember their loving Nana; and her parents, Thomas M. Couto and Rita (Brouillard) Couto of Paxton.