Ann Marie Wood, 85, of Clifford Township, PA, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Joseph R. Wood, with whom she shared 60 beautiful years of marriage built on a foundation of love and mutual devotion.

Born in Schenectady, NY, to the late John and Faye (Cowperthwait) Salansky, Ann Marie was raised on the family farm in Uniondale. Her spirit was shaped early by the beauty of God’s creation, whether she was riding horses across the fields or navigating the joyful chaos of life with her eight siblings, building the strong family values that became her lifelong hallmark.

A graduate of Harford High School and East Stroudsburg State College, Ann served her community as a P.E. educator and substitute teacher for the Mountain View School District. For over 20 years, she and her husband also owned and operated the Clifford IGA Market. Ann was a member of Grace Bible Church for over 40 years.

Her profession was secondary to her role as a mother. For her, motherhood was a lifelong mission of presence; she remained a constant fixture in her children’s lives well into their adulthood. Over time, her maternal care evolved into fierce spiritual advocacy. As a "prayer warrior" and counselor, she spent countless hours rooted in the eternal promises of Scripture, finding her ultimate joy in the Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior. This devotion extended to her grandchildren, whose births and milestones she celebrated with a constant, unwavering presence, regardless of the distance.

Witty and intelligent, Ann loved the simple peace of her back porch, finding quiet companionship with her beloved cats while birdwatching and taking in the view of Elk Mountain.

She is survived by her three children: Amy Wescott (Eric), Jodi Evanishyn, and Joseph Wood (Christine); nine grandchildren: Taliessin (Jing), Jaka (Gary), Cian, Spencer, Claire, John, Colin, Thalia, and Declan; and one great-grandson, Avery. She leaves behind an unbreakable bond with her eight siblings: Robert, Joseph, John, and Michael Salansky, Linda Kuhar, Ginger Keating, Bonnie Steele, and Barby Parsons. She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Patricia, and her beloved mentor, Aunt Mary Stumpf.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Jackson Baptist Church, 17280 State Route 92, Jackson, PA. A service to celebrate her life will follow from 2:00-3:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Michael Butash and closing with a casual luncheon afterwards. Private interment will follow at Willow View Cemetery, Clifford, PA.

Her family knows for a certainty that Ann Marie will hear the words of her Lord and Savior say to her beautiful soul, the sweet words from Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Arrangements by Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clifford, PA.