Elizabeth Woods

ELIZABETH ANN “BETTY” WOODS (nee Byrne), who lived for nearly 86 years, passed away on September 24, 2015.

She was born Sept. 25, 1929, in Rockford, Ill., to James and Edna Byrne, and grew up on the South Side of Chicago. She was a brilliant student who graduated at the top of her class from Longwood Academy. She earned a full academic scholarship to Mundelein College (now part of Loyola University) in Chicago. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in chemistry in 1951.

On May 24, 1952, she married Frank P. Woods and they had an amazing run of more than 59 years together until his death on Feb. 6, 2012. Their rock solid love for each other and their firm faith created a wonderful home. Mom was always there for her five children which includes: Daughter, Patricia (Brian) Samuels of Fremont, Calif. and Four Sons, James (Maureen) of Kettering, Ohio, Michael (Elizabeth) of South Euclid, Thomas (Katie) of Bozeman, Montana and John (Maria Surprise) of Atlanta. There are 11 grandchildren and a great grandson. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Thomas Byrne of Calistoga, Calif.

Elizabeth, known by her friends as Betty, was generous with her time outside the home. She was a member of St. Margaret Mary Church in South Euclid for more than 50 years. She was a Eucharistic minister and served on a number of parish councils. She also served on the Diocesan Pastoral Council under Cleveland Bishop Anthony Pilla. She was involved with the Hillcrest Neighbors, which worked towards the peaceful racial integration of the East Side suburbs during the 1980s. She also was an active volunteer with the Cleveland Food Bank. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-4924.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, September 26, 2015 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at 11 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Betty at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) SATURDAY MORNING 9-10 AM.