Irene Woods

Irene Woods, 92 of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on 5/23/2025 at UConn Medical Center. Irene was Born on 9/21/1932 in New Britain CT to Mary and George LaLiberte. She was the beloved wife of E. Donald Woods and a loving mother and grandmother. Irene served the West Hartford school community for most of her career including roles of Paraprofessional and school Secretary at Morley School in West Hartford for many years. Irene loved nature and found and sought beauty all around her. She was an avid gardener whose gardens were admired by all, including passersby. Watching birds in her park like yard was a favorite pastime. She was an amazing chef and loved to cook for her family. Her children David and Mary Ellen are great cooks because of her. She taught all of her grandchildren the secrets of her coveted Christmas cookies and French meat pies. Irene was a true artist in her pursuit of beauty. She never sat idly. She could be found knitting, embroidering, creating rugs and quilts. She also used the flowers from her garden to create beautiful arrangements. Irene was a wonderful mother who always put her children first – later in life her greatest joy was being a grandmother. She doted over her grandchildren and was a big part of their lives. Irene was an extremely strong and resilient women. She lost her father at age 16, survived polio, lost her first born child and helped her husband Donald with many of his medical issues. She was a selfless woman who always put others first. Irene was always there for her family despite her hardships. She was a shining example to her family in the way she lived her life. She leaves her son David S. Woods and daughter-in-law Mary Woods of West Hartford, CT, her daughter Mary Ellen Woods of Northampton Massachusetts, and her grandchildren Ryan S Woods (Hillary Woods), Caroline E. Woods and Elizabeth S.N. Woods, her wonderful sister Laurette Lipson of Cincinnati, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved husband E. Donald Woods, her son Donald Woods, who died of Leukemia in 1960, sisters, Roland LaLiberte, and Sister of Mercy Laurette LaLiberte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (5/28) at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours are Tuesday (5/27) from 4-7 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Irene stood five feet tall, but despite her tiny stature, she was a powerful force whose spirit will continue to nurture and inspire all who knew her.

Irene Woods

May 23, 2025