Mary Louise "Mary Lou" Wood

Mary Louise "Mary Lou" Wood, 99, of Gainesville, New York, died on August 11, 2026. She was born on May 16, 1927, and lived in Gainesville for the majority of her life.

Mary Lou graduated from Geneseo College in 1948 and earned a master's degree in library science in 1960. She taught kindergarten in Warsaw, New York, for two years before joining Letchworth Central School, where she spent the rest of her career as a teacher and school librarian. She retired in 1987.

Mary Lou enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, playing cards, and playing the organ. She loved camping and traveling, and going to lunch and dinner with friends, including several college roommates she stayed close with throughout her life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Gainesville, where she played the organ for more than forty years.

She hosted family breakfasts and lunches every Saturday, and her family remembers her for those gatherings, along with Christmases and holidays spent together. Her grandchildren called her Mimi.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ray Howard Wood; her daughter, Martha Slusser, and son-in-laws, Dennis Slusser, and Harlen Allen.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Bob) Beyer, Rachel (Stan) Standera, Mary (Harlan) Allen, and her son, Ray Thomas (Ann) Wood.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Julie (Earl) Wolcott, Jill (Shawn) Slusser, Josh (Shauna) Beyer, Mark (Briana) Beyer, Keith (Hilary) Standera, Renee Standera, Jessica (Scott) Wahr, and Chelsie Wood. Great grandchildren, Nate Goodrich, Gabi Goodrich, Adam Stenson, Tom Standera, Liz Standera, Jordyn (Landon) Shepard, Olivia Wahr, Bella Wahr, Eli Wahr, Raylan Mantelli, and Rorie Mantelli. Great great grandchildren Finnley and Landon Shepard. Sister in law Thelma Wood and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service was held and a private burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Gainesville, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gainesville Rescue Squad.