Mary Catherine Wood

Memorial

Mary Catherine Wood, age 64, of Shelton, passed away on December 31, 2024 in her home.
She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the late Robert and Marianne (Smith) Wood and
grew up in nearby Trumbull.
Mary had Down syndrome; when she was an infant, her doctors predicted she would not live
long or have a quality of life. She defied the odds and proved them all wrong.
She was a graduate of public schools in Trumbull and also attended vocational training at the
Kennedy Center in Bridgeport.
Growing up, Mary developed a love of swimming and became an avid competitor in the Special
Olympics. She won numerous ribbons in state and regional Special Games for track and field
and was a medal winner 10 years in a row for competitive swimming. In 1979 she represented
the state of Connecticut at the International Special Olympic Games in Brockport, NY, winning a
gold medal in the 25-meter backstroke and placing fifth in the 25-meter freestyle.
For most of her adult life, Mary was employed by VARCA, a non-profit agency that provided
work opportunities to individuals with special needs, in Derby, CT. During her time at VARCA,
she worked on packaging and product assembly under contract to various companies in central
Connecticut.
Mary also enjoyed arts and crafts and tended to create works with bold colors and patterns.
One of her water colors was chosen for “A Unique Perspective,” the Kennedy Center 2019
Calendar and Art Exhibit, sponsored by the People’s United Community Foundation, and part of
the Kenned Center’s Expressive Arts Program for artists with special needs.
Mary especially enjoyed spending time with her extended family in Connecticut, visiting with
aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was all in for any birthday party or picnic, especially if
ice cream or brownies were involved. With her friends at the group home in Shelton, Mary also
enjoyed community outings to parks, movies, bowling, shopping and nail salons.
Throughout her life Mary was lucky to be surrounded by a loving cast of caregivers at her group
home and Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, who tended to her needs and
ensured she was safe, healthy and enjoying life to its fullest. For these front line workers, her
family will forever be grateful.
Mary will be missed her brother Brian Wood and his wife Susan Willett of New Jersey; nephew
Peter Wood and his wife Denise Wood; and nieces Corinne Willett and her husband Luke
Mosher, and Melanie Willett—as well as extended family, friends, caregivers and support staff.
A graveside service will be held at Nichols Village Cemetery, Trumbull on January 18 at 11:00
AM. Condolences, memories and messages of support may also be left online at that site.

Memorial contributions may be made to CT Special Olympics www.soct.org

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