Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Jeannette Wood, who served the 21st Legislative District, died Jan. 9 at age 88. The district serves Mukilteo, Edmonds, Woodway, and portions of Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

She was born Feb. 19, 1932.

Wood, a Republican, was appointed to the House of Representatives in July 1988 to serve an unexpired term. She served in the House until her appointment to the Senate in 1994, where she served until 1999.

"While Ms. Woods served well before I became involved in local politics, she did leave behind a great legacy for the 21st District to work pragmatically and across the aisle to serve our constituents and the people of Washington," said Rep. Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds).

"I can only hope to have such a long-lasting and positive impact on our local politics."

The former mayor of the Town of Woodway, Wood served for six years on the Woodway City Council. She also served on the Edmonds Community College Foundation; the Displaced Homemakers Advisory Board; and the United Way of Snohomish County.

"Jeannette Wood was an exceptional woman and legislator," said former Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling. "She was personable, straightforward, trustworthy, and loyal in all of my dealings with her. I knew Jeannette as a friend and as a fellow elected official.

"She was a wonderful listener, eager to receive information, do her own analysis, and make her own decisions. She was a great success whether dealing with her family, as mayor of Woodway, the region, or in her work as state representative and senator. A true inspiration."

Wood was a member of Rotary and was active in numerous charitable organizations. She was a graduate of Cornell University.

"She thrived on her family, faith, and community," said her daughter Megan Wood. "While raising her six children she worked with the archdiocese, the church, and several other committees. She helped bring 911 (emergency services) to Snohomish County. She helped bring the GET tuition program to life. It was her efforts that brought us the Puyallup ferry.

"She taught all of her children not just to care about their community, but to be a part of it. She was a true advocate for all. She will never be forgotten, and she will always be remembered."