A Great Life Lived.
Esther Wood (née Esterina Ferraro)
Risk-taker. Spirited. Trailblazer. Matriarch.
Esther Wood, of Trail, BC, died peacefully at her home on March 30, 2020. Born in Grimaldi, Italy, she is predeceased by her loving husband, George Russell Wood, her parents, Francesca and Antonio Ferraro, her sister, Nella Howes, her brother, Jimmy Ferraro, her sister-in-law, Eileen Ferraro, and her niece, Karen Andrews (Howes).
In 1935 at age 12, our Mom and her family began their journey on the SS Conte di Savoia, leaving their home in Italy to sail to Canada. When asked why they left, she said: “For a better life.” Indeed, she built a great life in Canada.
On her travel documents, Esther was listed as a ‘student’, which really told her story of being a perpetual learner. She had a thirst for knowledge acquired through reading and being open-minded. This allowed her to weigh in on many subjects and led to many interesting debates with her!
No question, our Mom was spirited and tenacious. She had the will to hold on and persevere amidst life’s many challenges and obstacles. There were many times that she was discouraged and told she would not succeed – but she rose to these challenges with fierce determination that reflected her immense strength of character.
Her legacy will not only live on in the hearts of her family, but also in those who had the privilege to work or spend time with her. Esther encouraged those around her to take risks – to not be afraid. As she got older, she was incredibly generous with her time. Listening was her gift.
She had a strong sense of justice. She was fair and honest, two attributes that helped propel her to success. Her humility, wisdom and clear thinking were respected by many.
It was a difficult time to be a woman in business, but she was strong and kept her focus. Always a trailblazer, Esther – together with siblings Nella and Jimmy – launched a grocery business. They were a dynamic team, worked hard, and had each other in their mutual drive to succeed, to make a better life for their families. They opened their first grocery store in 1943, and expanded to many locations over the years.
There’s no denying that Esther’s family were her heart and joy. She loved them beyond words. She leaves behind her six children: Marguerite, Debbie (Rob Brown), George (Erika), Sandra, Susan and Sharon (Dean Tambellini), plus her grandchildren (who could do no wrong!), Jarrett (Jo-dee), Victoria, Julia, Alison (Brent), Melissa, Justin, Ashley, Aimee, Lauren, Stephen, Courtney and Savannah. As well, her great-grandchildren Tatum, Deklan, Landon, and baby Elisa – plus many nieces and nephews – bestowed many more blessings in her long life.
Donations in Esther’s memory can be made to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca to honour our Mom’s desire to help families and children in her community.
We will have a celebration of her life in the summer of 2020.
We will miss you, Mom. Thank you for everything. You are loved.
Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Esther nee Esterina Ferraro Wood March 30th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique