Maureen Woods

Maureen Mockler Age 62 of Roanoke, VA died July 15, 2005 at MCV Hospital in Richmond after a long struggle with PSC, an autoimmune disease affecting liver function. The daughter of Francis J. Mockler (1910-1992) and Patricia Finnell Mockler (1915-2005), Moe was born and raised in Elmira and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School (1960) and Nazareth College (1964) where she earned her undergraduate degree in nursing. She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, J. Thomas Woods of Roanoke; her children, Thomas Francis and Christine Woods of Roanoke, VA, Michael Patrick and Carolyn Woods of Burke, VA, Jennifer and Sean Newborn of Manassas, VA, Katherine M. Woods of Christiansburg, VA, and Christopher J. Woods of Roanoke, VA; her grandchildren, Victoria Patricia and Annabelle Thomas Woods, Thomas Gordon Woods and Cameron James Newborn; her brother James Finnell and Kathy Mockler of Saratoga, CA; cousin Edward and Meg Mockler of Long Island; Elmira area relatives, uncle John J. Finnell, brother-in-law Robert M. Woods; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Before raising her family, Moe worked as a nurse at the Monroe County Public Health Department in Rochester and St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira. While in Rochester she was recognized for her community service with the Friends In Service Here award. After moving to Roanoke in 1983, Moe became a hard working advocate for the educational rights of the handicapped, providing leadership and assistance to those who had difficulty representing themselves. She continued her work for those in need by helping sponsor a Laotian family to immigrate to the United States, opening her home for the disadvantaged during the holiday seasons, and becoming a second mother to several individuals. Moe was also a founding member of the Jolly Roger Farm Fun and Health Club. In the finest of Irish traditions, Moe was an enthusiastic storyteller, never letting accuracy interfere too much with a really good story. She loved garage sales, cooked delicious meals, never lost her love for playing the drums and could sew an outfit from scratch. She particularly enjoyed reading stories to her grandchildren, to whom she was especially devoted. Moe remained active in her giving and positive to the end despite her progressive illness. Her heart knew no bounds. Friends are invited to St. Patrick's Church, corner of North Main and Clinton Sts., on Friday, July 29, 2005, visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. After the graveside service friends are invited to a meal of remembrance and celebration at the Mocker family home, 412 Grove Street, Elmira. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen's memory may be made to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira, New York 14904. Arrangements by McInerny Funeral Home.