Carol Doherty Wood
December 17, 1939 - January 30, 2021

The world is a little emptier without our dear Carol Doherty Wood, who at age 81, passed away on January 30, 2021 at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona.

She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the daugther of John Lawrence and Marian Doherty. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, David Wells Wood, her son, Gregory Hall, daughter-in-law, Audra Hall and grandsons, Bailey and Logan Hall. Carol counted Amanda Han Wood as her daughter and Josie Han Plata as her granddaughter. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Judith Ellen and twin brother, John Lawrence, Jr.

Carol was utterly devoted to family. She was quick to acknowledge her marriage to David was the best anyone could have. She was incredibly proud of her son, Gregory, for earning the Eagle Scout badge. She has a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and relished spending time with them. Her grandchildren, Bailey, Logan, and Josie lit up her life.

Carol's youth was carefree, hanging out at the YMCA, bowling, playing basketball, crafting and attending Friday night dances. Friends knew the Doherty siblings for their love and laughter. When they gathered on Cape Cod, you could hear them laughing down the block.

Carold graduated from the Boston General Hospital Nursing Program and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Phoenix in Health Management. She worked at San Francisco General Hospital, Sloan Kettering and New York General Hospitals, both in New York. She was a private nurse in New York and Phoenix. She was the owner of The Flower Shoppe in Tempe. She was in the happiness business, providing beautiful flowers to her customers. On a trip to Holland to see the tulips, she stood in the mammoth warehoused filled with flowers from all over the world, all her senses soaking up the joy and beauty.

Carol had friends that were lifelong, numerous, and all over the world. Her friendships were comfortable, easy, genuine. Carol always had time for a phone call, or a long lunch. She was honest, raw, never sugar-coated anything, yet was non-judgemental. Her comments always came from a place of concern and love. it was vital for her to acknowledge the people that blessed her life, with heart-to-heart communication. She was fully present in her conversations, which set her apart from others and why we will never forget her.

Carol was beautiful on the inside and out, always ready with her big smile. She did the makeup, nails, hair, and clothing well, but it was BIG beautiful soul that shone through. She loved meeting people of different cultures on trips she and David would take all over the world. She visited over 50 countries in her lifetime. Many of us will miss sharing her travel adventures as we experienced the world through Carol's eyes. She collected Angel Christmas ornaments from her travels and delighted each year in displaying them on her Christmas tree.

Carol had a zest for life. She got excited and found joy in people and causes. She was a ball of energy. She was on the boards of Planned Parenthood and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She was President, twice, of Tempe Rotary. She participated in leads groups and Toastmasters. Carol was one of three candidates nominated for Tempe Business Woman of the Year and belonged to Women Executive Association of Metropolitan Phoenix, Woman at the Top, and Boy Scouts of America. She enjoyed going to the theatre, symphony, and participating in her book and tennis club.

Carol enjoyed cooking and entertaining with her dear David, bringing together people from all walks of life at their annual parties. Attendees formed lasting friendships because of Carol's all-inclusive nature. Friends were always welcome in her home and heart.

Carol had a deep well of faith. She shopped churches to find the right fit for her family, trying on Catholic and Protestant churches before landing on the Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center, where she was a Prayer Chaplain and sang in the choir. Praying with and for people gave her great satisfaction.

Carol got filled up by helping others, whether it was her family, friends, employees, or anyone in need. She lived a life of service and was dedicated to volunteering and was generous to her friends and the causes she supported. Carol was someone who spoke up for truth and justice, for the oppressed, and loved all humanity. She invested time in trying to make a difference in shifting political power for those unfortunate. Her actions aligned with her values. She was a political activist, worked telephone banks, helped with voter registration, marched and supported political candidates who espoused humanitarian values. She practiced unconditional love and non-discrimination.

She tried so hard to fix this broken world and all of us in it. Carol made our world a better place

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