Jane Elizabeth Wood, of Chelsea, MI died at home at the age of 59 on February 28, 2025. She was born on January 17, 1966 in Ann Arbor, MI the daughter of Clarence and Nancy Wood. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1984, where she was a cheerleader, played basketball, and began a lifetime love of sports. After high school, Jane went to Michigan State University and earned a degree in Communications. Jane’s college years resulted in her becoming an MSU superfan. She rarely missed her beloved MSU Spartans when they played football or basketball.
After graduating from college, Jane had a rewarding career in TV news production in Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001 and returned to Chelsea shortly thereafter. Jane had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. In recent years, she worked as a caregiver for two elderly disabled men. She brought joy and humor to their lives, and they gave her delight and a happy sense of purpose. In addition to being an avid MSU fan, Jane was a cat lover. She had numerous cats over the years, which she cared for with love and tenderness. Jane also read insatiably, knitted countless hats and scarves, and completed beautiful diamond paintings (mostly of cats).
She was devoted to her family, and she truly loved each and every one of them. If you knew her, you knew that was true. The Wood family summer reunions were the high point of her year. Her family fondly remembers her frolicking at Cavanaugh Lake with her friends, sense of humor, thoughtful handmade gifts, beautiful smile, the way she made them laugh, and the impact she had on their lives.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Thomas and Joseph, her sister, Nancy, and many cats.
She is survived by her step-mother, Patricia Wood of Chelsea, siblings: Janice Perry of Vashon, WA, David Wood (the late Brian Mulhern) of Minneapolis, MN, Jack Wood (the late Jean Wood) of South Lyon, Mary Veltema (Bruce) of East Lansing, Paul Wood (Phyllis Holmes) of Plymouth, and Mike Wood (Lyn) of Dexter; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main Street in Chelsea, followed by a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. A Funeral Mass is set for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US Hwy 12 in Chelsea. Jane will be interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
Should you feel so inclined, you are welcome to make donations in Jane’s name to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or the Chelsea District Library.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
