Rita Frances (Puchalski) Wood

Rita Frances (Puchalski) Wood, 94, of Sandusky died peacefully in her home on Friday, February 10, 2023 (joining her husband on his birthday), with her daughter, Kathleen and granddaughter, Julie by her side.

Rita was born in Dayton, Ohio on October 10, 1928, to the late Vincent and Maryanne (Michniewicz) Puchalski. She graduated from Margaretta High school in May of 1947 and was married to Lamar Wood on June 7, 1947, at Holy Angels, Sandusky. She was a homemaker until her children were older and then began working at the former Hinde & Dauch in Sandusky for ten years.

In her younger years, Rita, along with her husband, Lamar of 66 years, loved having friends over to play cards or Yahtzee at the kitchen table, and having their grandkids stay with them. Rita called her grandkids, “Peaches,” and walked them to the convenient store across the street to buy treats or comic books.  She was a great role model to her family, with a selfless, kind heart and humble, simple way of life. Her favorite things were baking, game shows, word search puzzles, early coin collecting, going to family events, attending TOPS meetings, and keeping hidden snacks and candy by her recliner. She had a strong faith in God and attended Holy Angels Church until she wasn’t physically able. Rita once said if she had only two dollars and someone else needed it, she would give it to them. Most importantly, she was always the one in the family who wanted to celebrate birthdays and holidays together, never missed reunions, and was the glue that kept everyone coming together. Rita truly embodied the heart of the greatest generation. She had so many friends throughout her life, and was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Everyone loved Rita. She will be profoundly missed. 

Rita is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Wood) Beier of Sandusky; grandchildren, Joseph Wood of Powell, OH, Jennifer Years of Farmington, NY, Julia Williams, Andrew Beier both of Sandusky, Richie Wood of Lakeland, FL; great grandchildren, Brock, Josie, Nick, Julia, Jordan, and Lilly, many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Lamar Wood; two sons, Joseph L. Wood, Sr. and David R. Wood; seven siblings, William “Bud” Puchalski, Edward Puchalski, Benedict Puchalski, Martha Wiswell, Joseph Puchalski, Virginia Knox, and Robert “Pee Wee” Puchalski.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, February 20, 2023, in the Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio. Fr. Zach Brown will officiate. Committal services for the family will be held in Castalia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky have been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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