Marlene Molly "Nanny Mo" Wood (née Cardill)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Marlene Sheila Wood, at the age of 85. She was the beloved wife of the late Jim Wood, her cherished partner of 46 years, whom she first met as a young lifeguard at Britannia Beach.

To us, she was Nanny Mo. She left this world naturally and peacefully, with the same quiet strength that carried her through 85 remarkable years — almost 86.

She faced health challenges throughout her life, yet remained the toughest woman any of us knew. She met every battle with grit and determination, but this time the fight was simply too hard. Even so, she left us gently, surrounded by love, and with the dignity she deserved.

Marlene was born in Ottawa on May 10, 1940, the third child of Mary (Lowell) and Michael Cardill. She grew up in a big, lively family alongside her siblings: the late Anne, Michael (the late Anne), Donald (the late Mary Anne), John (Pat), Doreen (Gerald Crotty Sr.), and Mary Susan (Darson Hall) the late Sheila. She treasured her many nieces and nephews. Family was woven into her from the very beginning.

And then came the love story that shaped her life. Marlene married the love of her life, Jim Wood — the handsome lifeguard she met at Britannia Beach. They shared 46 years of marriage before Jim’s passing in 2004. Their bond was deep, steady, and full of devotion. Even decades later, she still spoke of him with a sparkle in her eye.

Together, they raised seven children who adored her beyond measure.

Molly was the devoted mother of Kim (Ed), Terry (Mike), Kirk (Janice), Chrissy (the late Paul), Jody (Brent), Cori (Darryl), and Carol‑Anne (Greg). She was the proud grandmother of Leigh (Will), Jesse (Mary), Ryan (Lucie), Tyler (Alicia), Kenzie (Anja), Savannah, Erika, Hayley (Veronica), Zach (De), Quinton, Molly, Jack, Dylan, and Emma. She was the loving great‑grandmother of Macara, Lily, Max, August, Luna, Raelynn, Liam, Sarah, and Brielle, with one new baby expected in July.

She also held a special place in her heart for her goddaughter, Tamaira (Tim), and her children, Maddy and Karlin.

Her home was always open — truly open. Over the years, countless people found a warm bed, a safe place, or simply a motherly presence when they needed it most. There was always room. Always a light on. Always love.

Marlene built an impressive career long before it was common for women to lead in technical fields. She began at Microsystems, then BNR, and later became employee number four or five in the little trailer in Kanata that would eventually grow into Mitel.

She became the supervisor of the Hybrid Division, and her employees loved her as much as she loved them. One of her proudest moments was the day Terry Matthews flew her by helicopter to Vermont for a lunch meeting — a story she told with pride for years.

Outside of work, she embraced life fully. She loved glamping, travelling, and cruising — always ready for an adventure with her family.

She had a huge heart for everyone she met, unless you crossed one of her babies… then you’d meet the fire and steel of a woman who protected her family with everything she had.

She loved her cigarettes and her red wine — and she gave them up later in life, not without complaint, but simply because she wanted more time with the people she loved most.

She loved the Ottawa Senators and the Blue Jays, and she won the family fantasy football pool year after year.

In her final home, Crossing Bridge LTC, she found a new community. Residents and staff alike adored her. She handed out chocolates, hosted Chinese dinners, and made friends everywhere she went. She especially loved her boys at Table #1.

She was cared for with kindness, and she gave that kindness right back.

Nanny Mo was simply the best. A force. A protector. A storyteller. A daughter, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend.

She shaped so many lives, and her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled.

But we will see her every day — in our children’s smiles, in their laughter, in the stubborn streaks, the soft hearts, the humour, and the strength she passed down through generations.

We will miss her horribly. We will love her forever. And we will carry her with us, always.

Celebration of Life will be held in June.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to In memory of Nanny Mo, The John Howard Society c/o The Windrose Supportive Housing Program.