Janie Patricia Newton Wood

Janie Wood passed away November 12th at her home in Ukiah CA. She was born in Concord, North Carolina in September of 1937 to Hazel and Lena Newton. Janie was the fourth child preceded by Hazelene, Hazel (Bud), and Larry. At only 8 years old Janie lost her father to appendicitis. Janie and her siblings were at risk of having to be adopted out but only days before, their father had purchased a home easing the financial burdens on her mother. It was in this neighborhood where Janie met her life long best friend Kay Hope Love in 1942.  Years later Janie would move to Maryland with her mother and step father Edward Wilkinson only to return to North Carolina.

At 18 Janie went to a military dance in Georgia with her cousin. This is where she met Wallace Eugen Wood. They danced, fell in love, and were married within a few months in Concord, North Carolina. Then, Janie was on her way to California. Janie and Wallace lived in Berkley while he finished his degree. They had their first son, Melvin Wood, during this time. Janie was 19 years old. They moved to Santa Rosa when Wallace graduated and had a second son, William Wood. Shortly after they moved to Lake County and had a third son, David Wood. They settled in Ukiah and then had their only girl, Diana Wood. It was here where they would stay and raise their family. Their children gave them 12 grandchildren, Vikki and Melvin Wood; Brandy and Elizabeth Wood; James, Brian, David, and Justin Wood; David, Robbie, and Jason Cristiani; and Darrel Andres. Janie would often boast of her grandchildren and her 21 great grandchildren.

Janie became very involved in the betterment of education for children with mental health disorders and intellectual disabilities. She was honored with the role of president of the Mendocino County Chapter of the California Association for Neurologically Handicapped Children (CANHC). She strived to integrate new teaching practices by educating teachers, obtaining financial aid to support these programs, and informing the public and families of children with special needs. Her efforts made changes on a statewide level.

Hundreds of children had their education kickstarted in Janie's home run preschool. She took pride in working with all children and serving their individual educational needs. Janie was constantly working to involve her classes in community events and outreach. She could list the names of nearly every child she ever cared for.

The Boy Scouts were another passion project of Janie. Numerous times she was honored for her dedication and endless efforts. She was proud to be part of the first troop to integrate martial arts. Combining her two passions, she organized Boy Scout led fundraisers for the CANHC. Her endless efforts on behalf of the children of her community were rewarded with a lifetime PTA membership. Janie lived a full life characterized by friends, family, and love. She was an active member of the Elks lodge and the Wapitis. Wallace and Janie would caravan with friends all over California. Her favorite places to travel to were Mexico, Hawaii, and Lake Tahoe. They spent quiet nights having dinner and playing cards with friends and very loud holidays squeezing their rather large family into their humble home for festive meals accompanied by uproarious laughter and cheerful memories.

A celebration of life will be held for Janie in December. An announcement will follow with more information.