Obituary of Loretta Wood

Loretta S. Wood Loretta (Laurie) Susan (Long) Wood, who spent her life caring for others, had hers cut short Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, passing away at the age of 65, in Lacey, Wash. Born Oct. 16, 1944, in Garfield Heights, Ohio, to John and Susan Dlugokecki the family later changed their surname to Long in 1953. Although raised an only child, a loving family including many aunts and cousins surrounded Laurie. She attended St. Monica’s Catholic Church and graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 1962. Laurie was destined for a life of caring for and assisting others. After high school, she immediately enrolled in nursing school and graduated from the Marymount Hospital School of Practical Nursing in 1963. For the rest of her professional life, her career would revolve around the medical field, often on the front lines helping people in emergency or critical situations. She worked in the Emergency and Intensive Care Units in hospitals both in Ohio and Washington State. She also served her community as an Emergency Medical Technician in volunteer fire departments. Often first on the scene of an accident, Laurie was a key player on the rescue team. Because of her petite stature she was able to wriggle her way in to reach victims in tight spaces and offer them immediate medical care as well as a calming comfort in a time of crisis. Later in her career she would use that comfort and grace with patients and assisting doctors at Group Health in Olympia, Wash. Those that knew her also recognized that, while small in physical stature and as caring as an angel, Laurie could lead an army. Nobody knew that better than her children. She married fellow Garfield Heights High School graduate Jim Plonski in 1963 and began a family. Her son, Michael, and two daughters, Michelle and Melissa, led her into a life of trucks and dolls, Cub Scouts and Brownies, fishing trips and summer camps. Regardless of the event, she was and wanted to be involved. Whether a Den Mother or high school dance chaperone, cheering at a Little League game or driving someone to horseback riding lessons, she was there. In 1976, the family moved from Ohio to Olympia. Ever the adventurer, Laurie dove into the Northwest lifestyle head-on. She loved the outdoors, the slower pace and the freedom that is the west. Family time now meant camping in the mountains, in the forest, on the peninsula or at an ocean beach. S’mores and songs around the campfire were among her favorite things. In the early 1980s, Laurie began a new phase of her life, marrying her second husband, Mike Wood, and watching her children grow in Olympia. Over the next decades she spent her time following grandchildren’s activities and supporting them however she could. Her and Mike would spend the rest of her days together enjoying the things most important to her; grandchildren, gardening, reading and, still the adventurer, traveling. She was blessed to welcome her first great grandchild just six months before her passing. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband of 28 years, Mike Wood; three children, Michael Plonski, Michelle Steepy (Craig) and Melissa Fox (Gary); three stepchildren: Corinne Wood, Tracey Batara and Erin Yaw; and many grandchildren and a great granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Olympia Fire Fighters Civic Foundation. You can make a gift in Laurie’s name by mailing a check to:Olympia Fire Fighters Civic Foundation 1069 Adams Street SE Olympia WA 98501 You may leave memories and condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.