Marvel Katherine ‘Dode’ Woods, 88

Marvel Katherine (Dode) Woods, 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 27, 2008, surrounded by her family in Ranier, after a brief illness.
She was born Nov. 16, 1919, in Ranier, Minn. She resided on Rainy River in Ranier her entire life, spending summers on Namakan Lake, where her family had a commercial fish camp.
She attended grade school in Ranier, graduating from Falls High School in 1938.
Marvel was united in marriage to Edmund Curtis Woods on July 1, 1940, and remained married for 56 years until his death in 1996.
Together, they had 12 children.
Marvel had been a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church her entire life.
She was a homemaker for many years until the youngest child entered grade school. An achievement of which she was very proud.
She was well-known for her homemade bread, which seemed to be in endless supply for friends and neighbors who arrived just as it was being pulled from the oven. As a homemaker, she selflessly dedicated herself to providing a safe, happy home and taking care of all the needs of a dozen children.
She entered employment as a Certified Nurse’s Aid at Falls Memorial Hospital, mostly working with newborn care until she retired in 1984. It was a career she absolutely loved. She often said she should have worked longer, missing it greatly when she retired. It was amazing how many people would thank her for her nurturing care during their stay in the hospital. She also enjoyed the friendship of her co-workers.
Marvel acquired her nickname Dodie when her firstborn’s first word sounded like Dodie. She embraced it and encouraged her children to call her Dode, which became a substitute for mother. Others saw it as unusual, but to her, it was a enduring title. Later, some of her youngest children called her mom or mother.
Dode was a strong woman in so many ways. Physically, she was amazing. Endless energy — washing, baking, sewing and cleaning, along with all the physical demands of caring for so many children. She never complained. Sometimes she worried too much about keeping her children safe. She was a very creative woman, teaching her children to make something out of nothing.
No matter the slim finances, she managed to create numerous home sewn prom dresses with matching shoes for seven daughters. For many years she remodeled second hand clothes into the latest fashion.
A strong democrat, she would vilify any child with republican tendencies.
Dode was an interesting person who loved nature, walking around Ranier to inspect wild flowers, bushes and trees. She enjoyed picking wild blueberries, juneberries, gooseberries, strawberries and raspberries with her children and making many tasty treats from the wild. She always made sure her children got to swim, trekking them back and forth to the Ranier Beach many times a day. She loved fishing with her sons and making home cooked meals. Nothing gave her more joy than to put a hot meal on the table, not letting them lift a finger.
Dode especially loved the Ranier dogs, providing treats and a place to lounge. It wasn’t unusual to see dogs pawing at the window, each morning and all day, visiting regularly. She was a life long afficiondo of crossword puzzles and The Daily Journal newspaper, keeping up with current affairs.
Dode was an athlete and took as much time as she could spare to join her daughters on a softball team, “The Ranier Stars,” which culminated in her being a member of the “B League Champs.” She was a committed bowler until the age of 78, bowling with her girlfriends on Woman’s League and with her daughters, son, son-in-law and grandson, on Co-Ed League. She attended many state and national bowling tournaments and enjoyed every moment.
Dode was a world traveler over many years, including such places as Lourdes, France, England, Rome, Singapore, Australia, Thailand and Egypt. She also traveled many states, including several trips to Hawaii and a favorite gambling destination, Las Vegas.
Dode had a special relationship with her children’s spouses. Never interfering was her golden rule, which she absolutely accomplished. She charmed her three 30-plus-year sons-in-law, by privately telling each one that they were her “favorite son-in-law.”
Dode was best known for her wonderful sense of humor, incredible witty one-liners, memorized poems and her laugh. Even though she suffered dementia in later years, she retained her humor and wit. Her grandchildren enjoyed her company and especially her many humorous situations and sayings, always wondering what grandma would do next.
She will always be loved and missed by her family.
She was a past member of International Falls Moose Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Voyageur’s Bowling and Church Circle. She was an enrolled member (a lengthy process) of the Lessard Family Association in Canada, as a direct descendent of Etienne Lessard, who donated land and built the first Saint Anne de Beaupre Church in Quebec, considered by many as the “Lourdes” of Canada.
Dode is survived by seven daughters, Ruth (Chuck) Allen of Virginia, Minn., Betsy (Richard) Loree of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Connie Prince, Kihei, Hawaii, Pam (John) Wenberg, International Falls, Mary Ann (Wayne) Kasich and Laurie (Andy) Hedlund of Ranier, and Paula (Scott) Smith, Denver, Colo.; four sons, Bernie “Spike” Woods, Ed (Naomi) Woods, Fred (Diane) Woods and Barry “Woody” (Leanne) Woods of Ranier; sister, Marjorie Brenning; 32 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sophie (Mackowski) and Fred Lessard; husband, Edmund on Dec. 23, 1996; son, Samuel on March 26, 2008; brothers, Fred “Butch” Lessard and Leon “Bud” Lessard; infant brother, Vernon; sister, Frances “Peachy,” in childhood; one niece; two nephews; several in-laws; and a very special friend, Isabelle “Izzy” Nilson.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, with the Rosary from 6:30 to 7 at Green-Larson Mortuary.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, with visitation beginning one hour prior to services at the church. A luncheon will be served at Dode’s residence in Ranier, on the hill, immediately following the service.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.