Irene Ginda Wood

Irene was born August 9, 1932 in the small farming community of Steen, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Ed and Evelyn Ginda. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Mr. Curt N. Wood.

After the birth of Irene’s younger sister, Gloria, the family moved to Waymart, Pennsylvania. It is here, in Waymart, that Irene met her high school sweetheart and future husband Curt. The young couple eventually settled in Rome, Georgia where Mr. Wood worked in the garment industry and Irene raised their two children.

In addition to raising her children at this time, Irene developed her long standing interest in botany, organic sustainable gardening, nutritional cooking and social justice, eventually earning her bachelors’ degree in social work-and a spot on the Dean’s list-from Floyd Community College in 1982. Irene’s interest began early in life and she remained a dedicated student pursuing and advancing her many expertise. Her love of gardening and botany became a commercial enterprise for which she earned many awards. Having embraced organic farming methods as early as 1960, Irene proved to be ahead of her time. This progressive, enlightened approach touched all areas of Irene’s life, as well as everyone who came in contact with her. In parenting, both Mr. and Mrs. Wood were exceptionally loving and fair-minded, cultivating in their children respect for all as well as a healthy confidence in themselves. Mrs. Irene was, at heart, a truth seeker. She explored spiritually and religious faith with a purity of heart and self-honesty rarely seen. This journey of faith was complicated by a dedication to right action. In addition to her social work, Irene worked with Native Americans, the elderly and donated regularly to the Carter Center, the Poverty Law Center and Disabled American Veterans. Irene Ginda Wood: Humanitarian, Woman, Mother, Wife, Sister, and Daughter. She was a beacon of kindness and comfort, a brilliant, thoughtful woman with an unyielding passion for love, family, peace and justice. She was a master gardner, an excellent cook, seamstress, student, mother, friend… and one hell of a dancer. But most remarkable of all of Irene’s traits-and an example for us all- is that she judged people not on external terms, but simply upon their souls and kindness. The simple compassion and empathy of Irene Ginda Wood was and continues to be a life-giving force bringing light where there seems to be only darkness as well as hope to the hopeless. This legacy of love endures time and space. Irene truly made this world a better place, and that love, that unfettered acceptance resounds throughout her family, friends and community. As we all grow and travel throughout this life, Irene’s impact, her wise and gentle voice, will guide us to make the world a better place as she did.

Irene is survived two children; Kurt W. Wood of Athens, Georgia and Pat Wood Poole of Rome, Georgia as well as her dear, beloved son-in-law, Buddy Poole, and her sister; Gloria Hattler, brother-in-law; Bob Hattler, and their two children Karla and Kris.

Services for Irene Wood were held Saturday August 2, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Daniel’s Funeral Home with Rev. Lee Smollar officiating. Interment followed at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens. The family received friends Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. Flowers were accepted or memorial contributions may be made to; Habitat for Humanity Rome and Floyd County 10 Central Plaza Rome, GA. 30161.