Karen Ann Cady Wood, 80, of Garner, North Carolina, passed peacefully on December 28th at her home surrounded by her loving husband, sister and daughters. Her faith provided the courage to face an 18 month battle with lung cancer with a positive attitude. She and her family have been active members of Edenton Street United Methodist Church for 50 years.
Karen was born in Adams County, Illinois to Iris and Cecil Cady on October 3rd, 1940. She attended Central High School, Camp Point, Illinois and graduated in 1958. She went on to earn a certificate in cosmetology from Quincy Beauty Academy in 1959 and worked as a cosmetologist until retirement in 2003.
Karen was an elegant southern lady whose warmth made everyone feel loved and welcomed. She was the consummate hostess displaying her love through her endless efforts to enjoy life's experiences fully with others. Karen was always a loving, supportive wife, mother, sister and friend. She loved to cook and especially entertain friends and family. Karen created a warm beautiful home for family and friends to enjoy through her love of antiques and flower gardens. She especially enjoyed life's simple pleasures spending time with her grandchildren, movies, afternoon teas, theatrical performances, music and traveling.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Darrell Wood, of Garner; daughters, Michelle Hadley and husband, Tim, of Raleigh; Melissa Lyons, of Kernersville, NC. Her three grandchildren include: Ethan Hadley, twins: Cooper Hadley and Taylor Hadley, of Raleigh. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Cady Kestner and husband, John, of Payson, Illinois; brother-in-law, Jack Wood, Denton, NC. Nieces include Kathy Brink, of Illinois; Lori Mays and husband, Jeff, of Illinois; Lisa Patrick and husband, Jeff, of Missouri; Bobbi Olson and husband, Tim, of California; Carmen Wood and husband, Jeff Johnson, of Virginia. Nephews include Doug Kestner and wife, Linda, of Illinois; Jeff Wood and wife, Maureen, of Michigan; Michael Wood and wife, Wanda, of Michigan. And numerous extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Cady, Iris Cady Hussong, her step father, Lester Hussong; her brother, Terry Cady; her aunt, June Cady Forrest; her uncle, Bill Cady. Her parents-in-law, Whitman C. Wood, Virgie Wood Bowen, and her step father-in-law, Gay Bowen; her sister-in-law, Barbara Wood.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life Memorial later this year.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Karen Wood can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
here.
Arrangements by Montlawn Funeral Home and Cremation.
