Catherine Elizabeth (Babe) Ouellette Wood, 100, was born in St. Clair, MI on August 29, 1920. The youngest of four children, she was given the nickname “Babe,” which stuck with her through life.
She graduated from St. Clair High School in 1939. After graduation, she moved to Detroit, MI with her brother and worked at Crowley’s Department Store.
Catherine married Frederick Wood, a United States serviceman, on June 21, 1944. They traveled extensively during the war living in New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and San Francisco. After the war, she traveled back to Michigan with her husband, sister, and two babies, in a Model A Ford.
She always worked in the city. Catherine loved Detroit. She was a homemaker and a master cook. Her passions were gardening and home interior. She was very proud of receiving the “House of the Month” award from Imlay City in 2018.
Catherine attended the St. Clair High School pre-war class reunions at the St. Clair Inn every year until she was the last one alive.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Frederick Wood; and her grandsons, John and Clint Wood.
Catherine is survived by her daughters, Judith Wood and Robin Wood; sons, Frederick “Jim” (Cindy) Wood and George “Will” Wood; grandchildren, Robin Sabo, Jenny Burg, Baine Wood, Heather Wood, Jesse Wood, McKenna Wood, Eli Wood and Caine Wood; and her step-grandchildren, Rikk Waterhouse, Joslyn Waterhouse, Josh Waterhouse and Roy Waterhouse. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Cheyene, Olivia, Andrea, Jake and Gabriel; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial is not planned at this time.
Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI.
Please be sure to sign the online register at muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences with the Wood family.
