Joan Bailey Wood

Joan Bailey Wood (April 26, 1939 – November 5, 2025)

Joan Bailey Wood passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2025, surrounded by her extended family. She is survived by her husband Benjamin H. Wood, Jr., children Ellen (Andrew), Beth (David), and Ben (Lisa), and grandchildren Charlie, Anna, Peter, Sophie, Kai, Codi, and Zoe.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1939, Joan was the first child of Guy and Gretchen Bailey, joined three years later by her younger brother Charles. She spent a happy childhood in Belmont, making lifelong friends in the neighborhood and at Wellesley College, where she earned a degree in English in 1961.

In 1962, Joan met the love of her life, Ben, at a house party hosted by mutual friends. After watching her casually date his roommate for a few weeks, Ben boldly made his move while his friend was away on vacation and won her heart. For the next sixty-three years, Ben and Joan shared a deep and abiding love and a remarkably comfortable friendship that never faded.

After their marriage in 1963, Joan and Ben moved to northern New Jersey where Ben took a job as a chemical engineer and Joan embraced the role of mother and homemaker. They welcomed Ellen in 1965, Elizabeth in 1967, and Benjamin in 1970. In addition to taking care of her family, Joan was an active volunteer in the local Wellesley Club, public schools, and Girl Scouts, serving as a troop leader and director of the local council.

When Ben took early retirement in 1994, the two returned to New England, settling in Maine where Joan had spent many happy summer vacations as a child. Joan and Ben found a perfect spot on Mousam Lake in Acton to start what turned out to be the happiest chapter of their lives together. Joan loved the rhythm of retirement with Ben, working together on projects and chores, watching birds and other wildlife outside their window, and hosting her growing family for holidays and summer visits. She also invested in her new community, organizing a road association, managing the town’s food pantry, and serving in a number of leadership roles at Acton Congregational Church and the Women’s Fellowship. Through these many activities, Joan found a new group of dear friends, all of whom brought her much joy over the last 30 years.

Joan was an adored daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Everyone who met Joan was quickly charmed by her warmth, integrity, and love of Boston sports teams. She was particularly talented when it came to caring for others, knitting blankets for her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews, and cooking baked beans. Her gentle yet commanding presence was a grounding force for her family and community. We will miss her dearly.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to your local food pantry, Hospice of Southern Maine, or a charity of your choice.