We are so sad to hear of Ellen’s passing.  I attended RPDS and my mom worked there. She was an amazing teacher, amazing coworker and friend. We are praying for her kids and want them to know how sorry we are for their loss. She will be greatly missed.  

A kindred spirit. For 17 years I had the honor of being a fellow teacher at RPDS with this lovely lady. She always had an uplifting word for colleagues, students and parents. She could put everything in perspective with her wry comments, gentle commentary and spot on observations accompanied by a little tilt of her head and a twinkle in her eyes.  She loved her students each and everyone and brought out the best in them with her knowledge and gentle discipline. Not to mention her hilarious banter. She taught both of my children (and I taught hers) and they loved her and have fond memories of Mrs. Wood.

I remember Ellen from our high school days by her easy walk coupled with her intent look when I would pass her in the hall between classes.  Ellen was her own person, in the best sense of the term.  Complex, introspective, determined, conscientious, no one's fool...but Nowell was the light of her life. They were "the real deal" -- the perfect complement to each other. He could make her lighten up, and she could keep him grounded -- and vice versa.  Ellen was a woman, I believe, of deep faith from "cradle to grave" -- a Presbyterian.  She had a great heart, but didn't think she had to park her mind at the front door. I fear the "Ellens" of this world are getting fewer and farther between. But I step out in faith that all those lives -- children, friends, family, colleagues -- she impacted will carry her legacy. "From the Church militant to the Church triumphant!" Well done, good and faithful servant, Ellen!


Ellen was such an devoted  colleague and friend . She always offered an encouraging word to all her teaching colleagues and to every student whose life she touched . Her sense of humor, her ability to understand the need of every child that walk through her door and her excellence in teaching defined her as a true gift to Riverside and all the lives she touched. She was an incredible encourager and mentor to all . She will be missed, but has left her true mark of love and compassion. A life to be celebrated! 

I had the honor of teaching alongside Ellen for 2 years at RPDS.  Ellen was my daughter's 6th grade Literature teacher.  Ellen had one of the greatest senses of humor that I have ever encountered.  She would tell students things and they never knew whether she was serious or not.   She would help and love everyone around her.  She certainly supported me in my first year at RPDS teaching 5/6 grade history.  Ellen had a big heart and loved teaching.  I remember the flow of former students who would make the trek up to the 3rd floor just to see Ellen.  She was beloved by students, teachers and parents alike.  It was truly a blessing to have met Ellen and to have called her a true friend.  We will miss you, Ellen.  

I’m just so sorry for your enormous loss.  Mrs. Wood was my 5th Grade teacher and to this day, I use her trick to get rid of the  hiccups with my own kids- the stare down!  I think of her every single time.  She was so full of love and her passion for teaching was such a unique gift!  She was a teacher you couldn’t forget for the best of reasons!  When I think of teachers who truly taught foundational learning, I think of her.  She cared so much about so many and her memory truly lives on in all of you.  Blessings to you all during this time of loss.  

I have so many fond memories of Ellen, most especially as a dear friend and owner of Lily.  I first met Ellen in her role as the literary inspiration for my children at RPDS and grew to know her as a wise colleague and thoughtful friend. I had the pleasure of helping her with her (your dad’s) sweet lab, Lily on several occasions too. I truly enjoyed all our thoughtful conversations and Ellen’s deep emotional sense and wisdom and of course her sense of humor! Seems like she was awarded the brass balls award 🥇. I know we will all cherish our many fond memories of times with Ellen💕

Such a great, loving teacher. She always wanted the best for her students and gave the greatest hugs when you needed them. She made the best brownies and I always enjoyed staying in her room to play scrabble. Without a doubt one of the best teachers I've ever had that left an impact on my life. Mrs. Wood, you are dearly loved and you will be missed. 

As the headmaster of RPDS I was honored to share time with your mom.  Rest assured she had a great deal to teach us as adults, as well as to share with our students.  It is hard to imagine someone more student-centered and attuned than Ellen.  She found the gifts in her students even when those might have been difficult for others to recognize.  Throughout her career she was beloved by children and adults alike – a pretty awesome legacy it seems to me!

While this is sad news indeed, may the peace of Christ and the promise of life to come reign even in these darker transitional days.


This is a shock to me.  I am so sorry to hear this.  Ellen and I were good friends at Seabreeze HS our senior year.  I moved there in 1965 and we became fast friends.  I loved her mom and dad too and ,of course, Nowell.  Too soon, so sad.  Connie

From 1985 - 1991 I was lucky enough to attend RPDS and in those years I was grateful to have a great educator on my side 2 times. Mrs Wood was one of those that made an impact and continued to make an impact over the years. She is the reason my kids are there today. She will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Mrs Wood you will not be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Ellen Woolley Wood

February 1, 1948 – November 24, 2018

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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