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Paula Wood Obituary
Paula Christine Wood, Ph.D., the longtime former Dean, College of Education of Wayne State University, passed away on May 18, 2020 from complications associated with the coronavirus. Born in Kansas, the 71-year-old most recently resided in Birmingham, Michigan. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education from Michigan State University in 1976.
Paula is preceded in death by her loving parents, Lawrence J and Barbara E Fink. She is survived by her two sisters, Roberta Boyle of Milwaukee, and Linda Stone of Memphis as well as two brothers, Timothy Fink of coastal Mississippi and Dennis Fink of Atlanta. Aunt Paula treasured her six nieces; Anne, Katie, Bridget, Peggy, Trin and Natalie as well as her two nephews; Mike and Drew. She also adored her eighteen grand and great nieces and nephews. The family and friends are also most grateful for Paula's devoted friend and caregiver Anita Dudley.
Paula was thought of as a dynamo who lifted everyone around her with a capacity to "bring-out the best" in people. The generations of Paula's many nieces and nephews were thrilled by her thoughtful attention and visits which included legendary "You can have absolutely any concession items you want" no parents allowed adventures to the movies. When safer conditions prevail a private graveside service will be held for family members at Pinecrest Cemetery in Mobile, AL where her parents are both laid to rest. Arrangements by The Ira Kaufman Chapel. 248-569-0020. www.irakaufman.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Paula Wood
5 Entries
Suzie & Duane Kiddoo
May 26, 2020
We had the pleasure of meeting Paula through friends and enjoyed a visit to our home when she was attending a conference at ASU. She was so full of great stories and had us laughing all the time.
We remember she turned on a stove burner and melted one of our girl's lunch boxes! It was a blessing that we got to know her but are so sorry she had many health problems in later life. Still to young to go! Duane and Suzie Kiddoo, Tempe, AZ
Jeremy Wood
May 25, 2020
Paula was my godmother and aunt for most of my young life. She had an uncanny knack for making teenage me put serious thought into my future without adding pressure to know all of the answers. I remember well her trips to the movies, especially after Thanksgiving dinner. She had a way of being able to laugh at potty humor along with the kids while carrying on mature conversations with the grown ups. Ive missed her greatly since we last spoke. My prayers and condolences go out to those who were close to her.
Jeremy Wood
May 25, 2020
Paula was my godmother and aunt for most of my young life. She had an uncanny knack for making teenage me put serious thought into my future without adding pressure to know all of the answers. I remember well her trips to the movies, especially after Thanksgiving dinner. She had a way of being able to laugh at potty humor along with the kids while carrying on mature conversations with the grown ups. Ive missed her greatly since we last spoke. My prayers and condolences go out to those who were close to her.
Ron Wolthuis
May 24, 2020
I was one of several faculty members who had the opportunity to know and work with Paula during the time of her graduate studies at MSU. I have also been able to follow her career since graduation.
It is very evident that Paula was not only a very competent and perceptive woman, but she also had the capability to work with and deal with a wide variety of people. Those of us who knew her during her graduate years are very proud of her long and illustrious career. We all considered her to be our friend as well as our colleague.
Obviously Paula left us far too soon, and we are very sorry she did not get the opportunity to move closer to family and spend time with them, in particular those nephews and nieces whom she enjoyed so much. We all lost someone very special.
Ron Wolthuis
Gayle & Ken Boyd
May 23, 2020
Paula was an amazing & caring friend, and Aunt Paula to our children, Brian & Kristin. We were blessed to have her in our lives! We will miss her! Our sympathy to her family.
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