Brenda Diane Wood

life story

A Loving Sister, Mom, Nana, Great-Nana and friend

Please join us as we celebrate our Mom, Monday May 6th.

Brenda Diane Wood age 83, Of St.Paul Minnesota

On Thursday December 21,2023 at 10:21pm. She left her frail body and became a citizen of God's Glorious Kingdom, after suffering a brief intense illness. Our hearts hurt with sadness as she is dearly missed by us all. Brenda Diane was born on September 30th,1940 at home in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to William Harlan Lizer and Rachel Bernadine. Brenda's Dad passed when she at the age of 3. Brenda lived most of her childhood years in Cambridge, Minnesota, and moved to Willmar her junior year. After Brenda graduated high school in 1958, she married Robert Wood. Together they went on to have 5 children. Robert Scott 1961, Steven James 1962, William Raymond 1964, Patricia Dianne 1966, Kristen Rachelle 1968. They lived in several homes, but loved the hobby tree farm in Redwing the best. they then divorsed in 1974, and Brenda never remarried. Later in life Brenda returned to school and graduated with honors with a Bachelor's degree in Science. She believed you are never too old to learn. In 2010 Brenda retired from Metropolitan State University, Board of Nursing. Then spent 4 years at Home Instead, caring for individuals that wanted to stay in their homes.

Brenda enjoyed spending time with her family. Especially her great-grandchildren that called her either Nana or Memaw. She loved and cherished each and every one of them. Either watching them play a sport, dance on stage, sing at a school concert, take them to a movie or performance,attend a festival or fair, or watch them enjoy the annual snow tubing event at Trollhaugen. All of which generally included some sort of picnic provided by her. Not to forget all the birthday celebrations and holidays she either attended or hosted. Brenda was an amazing cook and baker. Many family members take after her with this trait. Those that knew her, knew they could count on something amazing made and brought especially for them because Brenda paid attention to everyone's favorites. She also kept family traditions alive. This is something that we all will greatly miss about her. Brenda would also send hand written letters and cards throughout the year to all those she loved with special messages added to ensure you were loved and thought about her. If you were lucky enough to be one of her great grands you would even get a dollar for each year you are turning in your birthday card! She even had a piggy bank for each of them that she generally had small containers of coins for each child to add to their banks. Her grandchildren have fond memories as well, they remember falling asleep to music boxes and getting back rubs with Baby Magic at every sleepover.

Brenda had a strong passion and talent for gardening. Along with reusing and recycling. Her gardens had her green thumb all over them and were always vibrant and beautiful. Iris's were her absolute favorite. Inside her home you would be sure to see them in print on her living room walls. Some were even painted by a dear friend, Connie Keithahn. Her kitchen window corner ledges were filled with healthy plants of all sorts. It wasn't uncommon for her to keep plants alive for years. Brenda also enjoyed crafting, knitting, crocheting, and sewing alike. Brenda was an avid DFL supporter. She volunteered for many events, and didn't miss an opportunity to have a sign in her yard or to cast her vote. She would call her family and friends to make sure they did the same, even the ones that didn't see eye to eye with her strong Democratic beliefs. Brenda was also a PEO sister to the Sorority of Philanthropic Education Organization. Brenda was an avid listener and member to MPR radio, it was normal to catch her with her head-phones attached to her outdated radio in her back pocket, listening along, while doing her day to day life.

Brenda was a long-time resident of the greater East Side of St.Paul. Actually it was the longest address she had, i believe it was 30 years. Brenda loved her brick rambler home, and kept it clean and tidy, while living there she helped raise her granddaughter Christina Marie from age of 4 then later included Riley James her great-grandson. Brenda's door was always open for anyone in need and had a forgiving, loving heart for everyone.

Brenda is survived by her brother; William 'Bill' Mealio (Shirley), Brother-in-Law; Ray Murai, Step-sister; Melissa Rawlings (Brian), Niece; Anne Renquist, Nephews; Brian Mealio (Lisa), Brett Mealio (Linda), James McNeil (Amy), Paul Wood (Qwen), Glen Wood (Cindy), Keith Wood. Children; Robert Scott Wood , Steven Wood, William Wood, Patricia Praus (Jer), Kristen Stickel (Chris). Grandchildren; Kelli Anne (Ty), Mettine Rochelle (Brian), Christina Marie, James Joseph Robert, Kyle Jeffrey, Michael Gene (Jenni Lynn), Matthew Omeiza (Sallie), Hannah Meriyamoh (Andrew), Candace Allana, Brianna Kristine. Great-grandchildren; Coralin Bae, Riley James, Raelin Kai, Landon Zale, Mckenzie Rose, Aerial Rain, Brooklin D'Lorraine, Josslynn Quinn, Isabella Grace, Bentley Hunter. Many friends and neighbors. Also her Kitty Teddy Bear, who is now with Kristen and doing well.

Brenda was predeceased by both her parents; William Harlan Lizer and Rachel Bernadine (Hale,Lizer,Mealio), Step Father William Mealio, Sister Eunice Alline Murai, stillbirth Great-grandson Christopher Ray Lutz.

All who knew Brenda are welcome to attend her celebration of life and picnic. Service will be held Monday May 6th at 10 am at Lakewood Cemetery Minneapolis at the Memorial Mausoleum, following with ash scattering at Jo Pond. Location at 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 55408. Picnic and celebration to follow at Como Regional Park in St.Paul, Como Park Shelter. Located on midway {arkway near Hamline Ave, 55103. (west picnic grounds near the mini golf) look for blue!

We are asking family to wear royal blue in honor of our mom, as she loved blue.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

May 6, 2024

Lakewood Cemetery 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA

Picnic to follow at Como Park Picnic Shelter off midway Parkway.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services