Kiki Wood Obituary (1948 - 2014) - Bloomington, Illinois

Anne M. "Kiki" Wood passed away on July 19, 2014 at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.Her funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday (7-23-14) at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington with Monsignor Greg Ketcham officiating. A private family burial will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday (7-22-14) and from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Wednesday (7-23-14), both being held at the church.Memorials may be made to the Illinois State University Foundation, or to the Community Cancer Center Foundation in Normal.Kiki was born in Newark, New Jersey, a daughter to Daniel P. and Ruth Plotkin Caprio. She married Jeffrey A. Wood in Jacksonport Wisconsin on June 7, 1997.She is survived by her husband Dr. Jeffrey A. Wood, her daughter Kathryn A. Fawcett of Missouri City Texas, her son Kurt (Bo) J. Defenbaugh of Houston Texas, daughter Michele (Nick) A. Carey of Normal Illinois, and daughter Alison (John) R. Sund of Goodyear Arizona.Kiki was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Ruth Caprio and by her father-in-law, Don H. Wood.Kiki began her career as a public school teacher at Towanda Elementary. She quickly found her passion for teaching reading and moved from Towanda Elementary to Hudson where she taught first and second grades. She delighted in teaching children to make emotional connections to academic subjects. After 8 years of successful teaching in Hudson, Kiki moved to Oakdale Elementary School in Normal. There she taught first grade for 24 years and infused agriculture into the curriculum by establishing a school wide Ag Day linking local producers with eager children. She created farm baskets for the McLean County Farm Bureau which became a popular addition to the school curriculum throughout Unit 5 and surrounding districts. She was widely known for the popular classes she created and taught many years in the ISU College for Youth. She was especially fond of teaching literature and language by using culture and cooking examples in her classes. And, her gingerbread houses at holiday times were legendary.Kiki was an avid travel companion to her husband enjoying time together in over 25 different countries. She was fascinated by others culture and especially curious about food and all sorts of international cooking styles. She spoke conversational French and poor Italian. Kiki continued her education beyond the baccalaureate degree earning a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University. As a master teacher she occasionally taught curriculum design for ISU. She earned many hours beyond the Masters degree and retired from teaching in 2010 after a long and successful career.Kiki succumbed to a dreadful disease which she fought head on with courage and dignity. The journey included many twists and turns, some frightening and others uplifting and humorous. It was truly a remarkable journey. Part of the legacy left by Kiki was the knowledge she added to cancer research by her participation in no less than five different experimental cancer trials. She did so knowing full well the experimentation may not have helped her but would aid others who may come after her. The family would like to thank Dr. John Migas, Katey and Lisa at the Community Cancer Center for their compassionate care they provided throughout the entire marathon. Thanks also to Dr. Michael Overman at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for his wisdom in battling an insidious disease. To Drs. Von Hoff and Ramanathan who both pledged not to sleep until cancer was defeated, we owe our most humble and sincere gratitude. To our special angel at the Virginia Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale Arizona, Cathy Mast, PA, ciao! Thanks also to Dr. Ann Cheri Foxx of the Center for Pain Management in Scottsdale, who provided relief from dehabilitating pain when it was needed most. The family is thankful for the care Kiki received from Dr. Benyamin, of the Millennium Pain Center in Bloomington who treated with medicine and hugs. And finally, to Dr. Olsson and the nurses and staff at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. In the final leg of Kikis journey Dr. Olsson provided us with pain free time to laugh and to cry. From the moment Kiki crossed the threshold of the Owens Center we knew immediately that if ever a place or people could restore peace and dignity to the process, it was there.There are not words adequate to express thanks to friends who have sustained the family during our difficult battle. To Carrie, Patty, John, Dana, Herb, Betsy, Brenda, and Jane. It has been an amazing journey. You propped us up when we needed it most.Our family has provided loving care to their mother, sister, and aunt. Gloria, Lisa, Erica, Joanna, Ali, John, Kurt, Bo, and Katie have each treated Kiki with exceptional tenderness, each in their own way. You are angels, all of you. Blessings to each of you for being there for Kiki. You each seemed to know when your special touch was needed.God has called an extraordinary wife, mother, Nonni, sister, aunt, friend, teacher and mentor to many, into Heaven. Kikis spirit will remain bright to all who knew her and she will be desperately missed.