Della Mae Wood passed away on October 26, 2023, at the age of ninety-six. She was born in the small farming community of Annabella, Utah, during the Great Depression. Though times were hard she was raised by the love of an extended family and community. As she said, “we were poor, but we never felt poor.”
The world of books opened her young mind. Subsequent education and a literal world of travel broadened and honed it. Following university, she began a 25-year career teaching children. She loved them and they loved her.
The love of people was a hallmark of her character. She had a sunny, cheerful disposition, a ready smile, an easy laugh and a shoelace as a hairband. She brightened a room, a conversation and was always there to lift those that needed help.
Those that she especially loved, and who will miss her greatly, are her husband of 48 years Thomas Wood; four children: Kurt Hill (Cyndi) of Kalispell, MT, Kristin Hill (Scott Bartholomew) of Escondido, CA, Sean Wood (Patricia Richards) of Calgary, and Stephen Wood (Amy Mah) of Draper, UT; nine grandchildren: Casey Boswell, Will Hill, Wesley Hill, Alexandra Cameron (Joshua), Brianna Bartholomew, Marcel Bartholomew, Tristan Wood, Rhianna Wood and Noah Wood; seven great-grandchildren: Kristian, Alex, Natalie, Asher, Annabelle, Tucker and Woodrow. Della Mae is also survived by two brothers, LeRoy Porter (Vonda) of Sunnyvale, CA and Blaine Porter of Grafton, WV, a large extended family and many friends.
Della Mae was predeceased by her father Earl Porter (1947), mother Afton Nebeker Porter (1980), daughter-in-law Elana Chin (2018), sister-in-law Aniene Porter (2010), and sister-in-law Thea Porter (2023).
A Funeral Service will be held for Della Mae at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Heritage Chapel (935 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary) on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:30 am with a visitation from 9:30 to 10:15 am prior to the service. A live stream broadcast will be found at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83016351396.
Graveside service and interment will take place at the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond, Alberta at 3:30 pm. On May 25, 2024, a celebration of her life will take place in Annabella, UT. In lieu of sending flowers, Della Mae would want you to support your local library.
Service
Funeral Service
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Heritage Chapel
935 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
November 11, 2023
10:30 am
Graveside Service and interment will take place at Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond, Alberta at 3:30pm. On May 25, 2024 a Celebration of her Life will take place in Annabella, UT.
Jill Law says
I so enjoyed getting to know Della Mae. My condolences to Tom and the family.
Moorea Gray - CWLC says
Della Mae will be greatly missed by the Calgary Women’s Literary Club. She was an intelligent, funny, thoughtful, and loving member and friend. As a member of our club, since 2011, she contributed as a board member, presenter, and great inspiration.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Tom and family.
Moorea Gray – CWLC
Judy Eifert says
Della Mae was a woman of deep faith, boundless love of her extended family, and charitable behaviour to others. She was a superb cook, a talented crafts-person, a voracious reader who could exhaust a library, and a woman who loved natural beauty whether in her garden or strolling in her neighbourhood park. She was a gentle and reassuring presence in the lives of all who knew her and she will be sorely missed by all.
Kenneth Robson says
It was one of the pleasures of my time in Calgary to have enjoyed the company of Della Mae at public events she graciously attended, and especially at her home with her husband Tom where she shone as a conversationalist whose wit and acuity were a delight to behold. I will miss her warmth and good humour, and I offer my deepest condolences to Tom and the entire family.
Tim Sharp says
We are so sad to hear of Della Mae’s passing. She was such a sweet spirit and took such an interest in our kids. We will miss her. Our condolences to Tom and the family.
Jill and Dean Bridges says
Our condolences to Tom (Sean and family). So sorry to hear that Della Mae has passed. She will be missed.
Donna Kotyk says
I loved getting to know Della Mae and Tom. My family had many interactions with the Woods. My heartfelt sympathy to Tom and family. Della Mae will be missed.
Ellen & John Rayner says
We are sorry to see that Della has passed. She was always such a pleasant enjoyable person to chat with whenever we met up at various events over the years. Our sympathies to Tom and family.
Ellen & John Rayner
Bruce & Cathie Mahon says
We will remember Della Mae for her friendliness and hospitality. She was always so kind and easy to chat with. She was the kind of person you could talk with readily, as if you had just been meeting with her yesterday. We are sorry to hear of her passing and know that she will be deeply missed by Tom, family and close friends.
Bruce & Cathie Mahon
Alan Dyment says
My deepest sympathy to Tom. Della Mae was a wonderful person. I was fortunate to know her while I lived in Calgary.
Cynthia Smith says
To Tom, Kurt, Kristin, Sean, Stephen, LeRoy, Blaine and family,
What a lovely memorial you provided to our dear Della Mae. You truly captured her in the stories and experiences you shared about her. What a beautiful casket you provided as well, Kurt. Della Mae was absolutely a great lady and so deserved all of your accolades and tender gestures of love and respect.
I served with Della Mae in the 16th ward RS as her Education Councillor. What a sweet bond we formed as we worked together to serve the sisters of that ward. I also got the opportunity to rub shoulders with Della Mae at our book club. How I looked forward to sharing of her wit and wisdom each month. I’m so sad that this beautiful, vibrant soul will no longer infuse our lives with her funny quips, intelligence, zest for learning and life, and her deep wisdom. She truly was an amazing role model to all who knew her. She definitely brought a special LIGHT to the world, was profoundly loved, and will be deeply missed.
May the Lord wrap you all tenderly in His loving arms as you mourn the loss of her beautiful light. May the knowledge that she now resides in a holier sphere bring you great peace and comfort at this sad time.
Sending you solace and joyous memories of wonderful Della Mae,
Cynthia Smith
Donna Spaulding says
My deepest condolences to Tom and family. Della Mae was a kind and gracious lady and I always enjoyed talking with her whenever we met. She will be missed.
Bridget Damps says
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Della Mae. Although I didn’t know her well, I’ll always remember how kind she was to me during my early days at Mount Royal. My condolences to Tom and Family.