Paulette Lee Wood

Paulette Lee Jans Wood, Windsor Heights, Iowa, 81, passed away on January 13, 2025. She was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa on December 22, 1943 while her father was a WWII soldier fighting in the Philippines. She lived with her mother, Loretta Jans, and her maternal grandparents, Albert and Bert Saltou, on a Grundy County farm until her father came home from the war.

Paulette attended kindergarten through high school at Malcom Price Laboratory School, part of the University of Northern Iowa. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree at UNI majoring in Speech-Language Pathology. Paulette received a grant from Purdue University and completed a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences in 1965.

In 1966, Paulette married Larry Wood and together they celebrated 58 years of marriage. Paulette and Larry were a demonstrative loving couple, each committed to the other’s happiness. Every single day Paulette told Larry she loved him. Together they have two sons, Ross Wood of Des Moines and Steven Wood (Tonya) of Des Moines. Paulette is also survived by grandson, Ashton Bellah and great-granddaughter, Brynlee Bellah of Norwalk, Iowa. Paulette was especially close to her sister, Connie (Gery) Deaver living in Cedar Falls and her two nieces, Kristi (John) Uselding and Kara (Paul) Chang.

During their marriage, Paulette and Larry were parents to 11 foster children. Dawn Olson, a foster daughter when she was young, was always held in Paulette’s heart. Paulette adored her Godchild, Elyse Bagan, who referred to Paulette as her “Fairy Godmother”.

From 1974-1977 Paulette was an adjunct instructor in the Department of Medical Education, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, providing communication services to foreign-born medical residents. From 1977-2009 Paulette revealed an absolutely passionate purpose in providing speech pathology and dysphagia services to neurologically impaired adult patients at Unity Point Medical Center, Des Moines. Paulette devoted time and energy to her patients, praying for them, praising them, and often caring for them after they were discharged from therapy. Paulette enjoyed mentoring numerous graduate students from multiple universities.

Paulette established the first multi-disciplinary Dysphagia treatment team in Iowa and was a contributing author of a dining skills manual and numerous journal publications. Paulette presented over 60 Dysphagia workshops, both nationally and internationally, for caregivers of eating disabled adults. Paulette was a member of the Bioethics Committee at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. She was past sponsor of the Lost Chord Club for Larygectomees, and was the founder and sponsor of Stroke Club still gathering each month after 40 years.

After retiring in 2008, Paulette loved hosting a monthly book club, preparing dinner for her colleagues and leading book discussion. Paulette was an active member of New Hope United Methodist Church serving as meal coordinator for the congregation’s care team. Paulette was a good correspondent handwriting letters on pretty stationery and sending many cards every week. Summers were enjoyed at the family’s lake house in Missouri; she loved hot coffee and reading on the dock while watching Larry catch lots of fish. Long Corvette rides were the highlight of Sunday evenings. Paulette was never just an observer of life, but always a fully engaged participant.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa followed by a luncheon where the family will greet friends.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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