Biography
Maureen Carol Woods, 62, passed away Sunday evening, January 1, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Funeral services for Maureen will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, IA. Reverend David Rex will be conducting the services. A visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Maureen's name are being designated to the Lupus Foundation of America or the donor's choice.
Maureen, the daughter of Maurice Dale Woods and Mary Hanora (Hart) Woods, was born August 18, 1949 at St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell, Iowa and she graduated from the Newton Senior High School in 1967.
She was employed by Newton Manufacturing Company for 35 years until Lupus forced her to leave the work force. When she was well enough she enjoyed working on Republican Party campaigns, helping with class reunions, participating in the American Business Women's Association, sharing her greeting card designing skills with her stamp club and playing the organ.
She lived with her parents at their home located on the family farm 6 miles SE of Newton, IA and next to her dad's automotive business (Woods Garage) so her parents could help her fight her unrelenting battle with Lupus that she had since she was just 16 years old.
She enjoyed exploring the world by going on trips with her mom and dad, cooking, experiencing new restaurants and just being a very good friend to everyone she knew.
She was preceded in death by her parents and Maureen remained on the family farm with the assistance of her brother, Marvin M. Woods, until her death.
Those left to honor her death are her brother and several cousins located in California and other parts of this country as well as Australia.
Candles
Jeanne Woods Hartman
2012-01-03 01:21:53
To a wonderful cousin who showed me the ropes of farm life.
Joe DeRoy
2012-01-03 02:48:58
Marve, To this day, Maureen and I stayed connected ever since the time she retired from Newton Mfg. Unfortunately, I was not at home when she called me New Years Eve to let me know that you were to take her to the Mayo clinic at 7 a.m.. We communicated many times with each other on a regular basis. She always remembered my birthday and sent me her 'home made' unique cards. She was a very nice person and I know she is in heaven today. Our relationship was full of love and laughter. I will miss her phone calls and emails. I am so sorry that I did not have the chance to return her call on New Years eve. She was a dear friend of mine. I always enjoyed working with her while at Newton Mfg. I will miss her very much. May she rest in peace. Amen
Jackie Kool
2012-01-03 04:01:51
I was so sorry to hear of Maureen's passing. Maureen was a good friend to my sister's Paula Paschal Meyer and Beth Paschal Current who spoke of her often.
Jackie Paschal Kool.
Maria Vandebroek
2012-01-03 12:06:36
We were penfriends for 25 years and though she lived at the other side of the ocean she was an important part of my life. Thank you, Maureen, for your friendship. I've lit 3 candles in my church and I'm glad to light one more here so having the feeling to be near your loved ones in these sad days.
Thinking of you, Marv,
Maria
Sue (Holmes) Loupee Shetler
2012-01-03 20:03:39
Maureen was such a special lady - so sweet and kind to everyone she met. Worked with Maureen at NMC.
Cheryl heng
2012-01-03 22:19:45
So sorry to hear about your loss marv. Maureen was always good for a laugh and a story or two. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Judy Cooper
2012-01-04 00:55:26
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Marvin. Maureen was a special friend. We shared many fun times together, both at Newton Mfg. and elsewhere. She will be missed.
Deana
2012-01-04 02:09:21
This is an awesome photo of Maureen. She was a real nice lady and a great cook. Condolences to Maureen's family and friends.
Janelle Darrah
2012-01-04 14:43:39
So sorry to hear. Worked with Maureen at Newton Mfg. years ago & was always nice to talk with her. Prayers to Maureen's family. God Bless.
Beth Current
2012-01-04 14:57:52
I still can't believe Maureen is gone. I wish I had been home when she called on New Year's Eve. We talked several times in the last month, and I knew she was very weak and in pain, but had no idea it was that bad. She fought a long, hard fight, and has now won the battle. She is pain-free and whole and at peace. What a wonderful friend for MANY years!! Marv, I know this is going to be very hard for you. Praying for you!!
Marvelyn Adams
2012-01-04 16:59:39
Maureen, you will be missed. I still have the watch WE won at the jewelry store....even though it doesn't work! Go Republicans!
Christine Alder
2012-01-05 00:18:30
From across the seas of Australia I send this message to a wonderful cousin Marvin and a unique brother to Maureen.My thoughts are with you. God Bless Maureen.
From Christine,Pamella & Family.
Kathy
2012-01-05 00:46:42
I meet her as I was working at hy-vee-she was always so nice and had to stop and visit- she will be missed.
Polly
2012-01-05 01:36:04
I first met Maureen and her family at a bank in Newton, and so enjoyed seeing her come in. I later worked with her at Newton Mfg. She ALWAYS had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be greatly missed! GOD bless you Maureen.
Tim & Patty Dykstra
2012-01-05 02:12:39
Tim and Maureen met when they were at the Mayo clinic/hospital years ago. She was a good person and had a big smile for everyone! Marvin your in our thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Clarke
2012-01-05 06:40:01
I knew Maureen from school and we graduated together in 1967. I would run into her around town when I would periodically return to Newton. She was alweays upbeat and cheerful and I especially remember her smile. My sympathy to all who called her friend. From Melbourne, Australia
roslyn hancock
2012-01-05 07:10:32
Fond memories of Maureen's wonderful informative emails, Christmas cards etc. as she followed the tradition of keeping in touch, set by both our parents. They were great friends , thoughts and prayers for you Marvin from Sydney , Australia.
Sue
2012-01-05 15:01:00
Marv - Sorry we were out of state when you called on Saturday. She was one of my dearest friends. We had many fun times together. I enjoyed our trip to Minnesota where she loved to go earlier with her parents. She was accomplished in many ways, her cooking and competing at the State Fair, her organ lessons, and fighting the Lupus to enjoy a life full of adventure and laughter. My sincere sympathies to you and yours. No one can replace such a beautiful person. RIP Maureen.
Sue
2012-01-05 15:02:57
Marv - Sorry we were out of state when you called on Saturday. She was one of my dearest friends. We had many fun times together. I enjoyed our trip to Minnesota where she loved to go earlier with her parents. She was accomplished in many ways, her cooking and competing at the State Fair, her organ lessons, and fighting the Lupus to enjoy a life full of adventure and laughter. My sincere sympathies to you and yours. No one can replace such a beautiful person. RIP Maureen.
Luella Bebout
2012-01-05 16:48:31
I was Maureen's teacher in 6th grade at Aurora Heights in the early 60's. She got back in touch with me a few years ago and has been my faithful friend and email correspondent since then. She brightened my life with emails, phone calls, and visits to me in Chariton. She phoned me several times even during her last illness. I will miss her every time I sit down at the computer and open my emails as well as missing her phone calls. My sincere sympathies to Marvin, who has been a wonderful brother in all ways of her daily life.
Kathi McKinney
2012-01-05 23:17:20
So sad to hear this news. What a lovely lady who fought a tough battle. She will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies~
Linda Chrismore
2012-01-06 03:31:47
Sorry to hear about Maureen.
I am sending condolences from my mother, Hisako, who recalls lively conversation and visits from Mary, who was often accompanied by Maureen. After her mother passed, Maureen stayed in touch. My mother has fond memories of Maureen taking her to lunch, and is sad that she didn't get a chance to do the same.
Rhona Renz
2012-01-06 04:35:23
Maureen...you were the best friend I ever had. Your generosity of spirit, compassion and constant communication meant all the world to me. You taught me much. You will always remain in our hearts and thoughts. Rhona and Beth(my mom) South Africa
Greg Schmelzer
2012-01-06 11:32:27
Such a gentle voice and sharp wit, you carried your crosses for many years - - may the angels greet you with smiles
Marvin Woods
2012-01-06 19:07:54
I just want to thank everyone for taking the time to express their condolences and their concern for me too. Maureen would be pleased to know everyone is looking out for her little brother. Thank you.
Jayne Goos
2012-01-09 20:54:37
Just a note to express my sympathy to you, Marvin. Maureen and I met as patient and therapist but were soon friends. I will miss her smile and stories. She always brightened my day....
Jenny John
2012-01-26 12:44:06
Maureen and I never met face to face but we were penfriends for over 20 years. She was a special part of my life. Maureen, you will be remembered for a long time in this small corner of Wales.