We heard the sad news this week, that Anne Wood died on 22 April. She had been unwell for some while and had been looked after very kindly at Hastings Court Care Home.
Anne was born in July 1937 and would have celebrated her 89th birthday later this year. Her mother was Norwegian and Anne was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. Her father was a Church of England priest and she was a faithful church-goer all her life. She had two younger brothers, who both lived in the Rye area. Jim Underwood (translator) who predeceased Anne, and John Underwood (architect) who still lives in Peasmarsh.
Anne met her husband, Ralph Wood, in London, and they had three children, Sarah, Jo and Matthew. The family moved to Rye in 1964, where Ralph worked as an architect. Anne was always a very community-minded person, and very welcoming of newcomers. She was active in many societies in Rye, as well as the church, raised a lot of money for the NSPCC, and for a while she worked as manager of the Sue Ryder charity shop. In 2019 she was made a Freeman of Rye in honour of her voluntary work and the way she welcomed new people to our town. As well as her three children, she had five grand-children and four great-grandchildren.
Anne’s body, in accordance with her wishes, has been donated to medical education. In due course Anne’s three children will be organising a Memorial Service which anyone would be welcome to attend.
Sandra Lanigan wrote, “Anne became a wonderful friend 12 years ago when we arrived in Rye and I learned true friendship, networking and communication skills. I am mourning the loss of my Rye bestie.”
Celebrating the life of Anne Wood (18 July 1937-22 April 2026). A Memorial service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Rye TN31 7HF on Friday 12 June 2026 at 2.30 pm with tea and cake served in the church after the service. All welcome.
If you have some lovely memories of Anne Wood and wish to share them please email ktbaspect@gmail.com. An in depth article will be written after the Memorial.
Image Credits: Sarah Mitchell .