Mary Jane Woods

Middletown, RI - Mary Jane Ellard Woods, 72, of Middletown, RI, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.She was the beloved wife of Ronald S. Woods. Born in Chelsea, MA on October 11, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Nicolas Francis and Jane McHugh Ellard. Mary worked for 15 years as an administrative assistant for the U.S. Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region One, Newport, RI. She received numerous awards throughout her many years of exemplary service, including Civilian of the Year. Upon retirement, much of her time was spent volunteering at the Newport Hospital Gift Shop, and was recently recognized for her 4600 hours of service. As the oldest of ten children, she was happiest when surrounded by her extensive family reminiscing about the many colorful memories they shared. She was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, and was gifted with a wonderfully quirky sense of humor that left a lasting impression on all who met her. She will be greatly missed. Along with her husband of 54 years, she is survived by her children, Marie Belli of Selden, NY, Mark C. Woods of Newport, RI, Susan Jane Matros of Griswold, CT, and Carolyn F. Browne of Dunedin, FL, and her grandchildren, Shannon Woods-Ventura of Warwick, RI, Tia Roberts of Clarkesville, IN and Brandon Matros of Griswold, CT. She is also survived by her three sisters, Marguerite Leigh, Patricia Willhelm, and Barbara Turner, as well as her five brothers, John, Frank, Kevin, Patrick, and Robert Ellard. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, from 9-11am in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a service at 11am in the funeral home.Burial will be in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. Donations in her memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256.