TERRE HAUTE — MaryJane (Maucieri) Wood, 93, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, on July 10, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 21, 1918, in Chicago, to Anthony and Maria (Ferrese) Maucieri, She joined brother, Nicholas, who passed away in 1971. She was the widow of former Terre Haute attorney Bert F, Wood who passed away in 1975. Before marriage, MaryJane worked on LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago, as a legal secretary to attorney Elliot Evans, brother of the well known amateur golfer Chick Evans.

MaryJane was a graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School in Berwyn, Ill., in 1936. She obtained a secretarial diploma from Bryant and Stratton College in 1939, and then attended Roosevelt University in Chicago. She belonged to several sororities and had a large circle of friends. The shops on Michigan Avenue were among her favorite haunts, and she loved shopping there with her many girlfriends.

She met her husband, Bert, at a military dance while he was stationed in Chicago at Fort Sheridan during World War II. They were married on Feb. 23, 1946, at St. Mary of Celles Catholic Church in Berwyn. They moved to Indianapolis, where Bert was an attorney for the State of Indiana. After two years, they moved to Terre Haute, where Bert went back into private practice. MaryJane lived in Terre Haute until November of 2008, when she moved to Evansville to live near her daughter Joan. She lived at Sycamore Manor in Terre Haute for two years, and then lived at Holiday Village in Evansville for three years. Her last residence was in Pathways at Good Samaritan.

In Terre Haute, MaryJane belonged to the Law Wives, The Italian Club, and the Travel club. She pursued her study of Italian at Indiana State University. In addition, she was active in the PTA when her children were small. She also was an assistant in the Cub Scouts.

Bert and MaryJane traveled a great deal in the United States with their children when they were young. They continued to travel after their children were grown. During the ensuing years, after Bert’s death, MaryJane took a trip to Europe where she was finally able to set foot in her native country of Italy where her parents were both born. MaryJane was very proud of her Italian heritage. She also enjoyed several cruises with friends.

MaryJane took many cooking courses while in Terre Haute. She was an outstanding Italian cook, and everyone loved her delicious southern Italian cooking. She also loved cooking for her four Rose Hulman “boys.” They so appreciated her wonderful weekly cooking for them, and in turn did many favors for her. All four of the boys attended Maryjane’s 90th birthday celebration at the Stables Restaurant in Terre Haute.

MaryJane combined a career with taking care of her family. She was a secretary at the Terre Haute Water Company from 1959 until 1983, when she retired at age 65.

MaryJane truly loved music. After she lost her eyesight, she continued to enjoy life listening to her music. It was embedded in her soul. She was a true inspiration to those around her. She was always smiling and happy. Everyone loved to watch her during music programs as she tapped her feet and kept rhythm with her cane. She knew the words and sang along with the music. She so loved going to the symphony and out to eat with her friends and her two sisters-in-law, Irma and Frances.

MaryJane spent many hours with her grandchildren when they were little and loved her three little boys very much. She took several vacations with them and spoiled them all.

Survivors include her daughter, Joan Grove (Wayne) of Newburgh; her son, Robert (Carol) of Danville, Ind.; grandsons, Tony Bowes, Gavin Wood, and Travis Wood. She also is survived by sister-in-law, Irma Timko; nieces, Susan Clements, Marilyn and Maria Maucieri, Sharon Taylor, Marilyn Elston, Carol Edwards, and Glenna Farrugia. Her nephews include Tony, Larry, Phil, and Ralph Maucieri

The legacy she left to her children, grandchildren, and her numerous friends is very rich indeed. Even on her last day here on earth, she was singing in Italian to the nurses and doctors. Rest assured she will be entertaining all throughout eternity and tapping her feet and dancing with her beloved husband Bert.

Visitation will be Friday, July 13, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m., in Callahan-DeBaun Funeral Home, 2425 Wabash Ave., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, July 14, 2012, at 11 a.m., in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Bernie LaMontange officiating. There also will be visitation at the church from 10:30 a.m. until mass time on Saturday. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caring staff at St. Mary’s hospital, and also to the devoted staff at Holiday Village Assisted Living in Evansville, and Sycamore Manor in Terre Haute. In addition, many thanks to the special people at Pathways at Good Samaritan in Evansville. God bless MaryJane’s personal physicians Dr. Karl Sash and Dr. Robert Starrer! — In spite of her infirmities, these two amazing doctors helped extend her life beyond our expectations.

The family suggests that for those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in her memory (envelopes will be available at the funeral home). Online condolences may be left at: www.callahanfuneralhome.com