Obituaries

Lifelong Sault Ste. Marie resident Sylvia Marie Wood, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2026, at the Ball Hospice House, surrounded by the loving family who meant so much to her.

Sylvia was born February 22, 1944, in Sault Ste. Marie, the daughter of the late Orlando and Mary (Perry) Pingatore. She was a 1962 graduate of Loretta Catholic Central High School and continued her education at Sienna Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.

On October 23, 1965, Sylvia married the love of her life, Patrick J. Wood, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sault Ste. Marie. Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother who cherished her role in raising her family and creating a warm and loving home. She later shared her caring nature with others through her work at Chippewa County Credit Union, where she served as assistant manager and later manager.

Sylvia was a faithful and active member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Her faith was an important part of her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and a deep sense of gratitude. She also generously gave her time to the War Memorial Women’s Auxiliary, serving as co-manager of the gift shop. Whether caring for her family, serving her church and community, or simply enjoying the comforts of home, Sylvia had a quiet way of making those around her feel loved and welcome.

Her faith was an important part of her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and a deep sense of gratitude.

She found happiness in the simple things that made life special-cooking and baking for the people she loved, knitting, curling up with a good book, and spending time with family. Her greatest joys, however, were found in the people she loved. She treasured the years she shared with Patrick, the lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the opportunity to watch her family grow through the generations.

In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Wood Jr.; and her siblings, Eugene Pingatore, Anthony P. Pingatore, Carolyn Ayers, and Orlando “Landy” Pingatore.

Sylvia is survived by her loving husband, Patrick, of Sault Ste. Marie; her children, Tonya Wood of Yulee, Florida; George Wood, Tammy Howell, Michelle McCarrick, Michael Wood, and Cheryl Miley, all of Sault Ste. Marie; several grandchildren, including Autumn Wood, Nicolas Miley, and George Wood Jr.; and several great-grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with Fr. Allen P. Mott officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Grand Marais at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church or Ball Hospice House in Sylvia’s honor.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.