Obituary of Lois Sayles Woods

After a long and generous life, Lois Sayles Woods, 91, died on February 22, 2023, at St. Camillus Nursing Facility in Syracuse, New York.

She is predeceased by her husband of forty-four years, Calvin R. Woods and is survived by her three daughters Jennifer Rosner (Hal Rosner) of Philadelphia, Andrea Woods (Bob Ackerman) of Huntington, NY, and Melissa Fournier of Syracuse. (Louie Fournier).  She had six adult grandchildren scattered around the country – Simma Genzlinger, Louis Fournier, Noah Rosner, Kate Ackerman, Molly Fournier, and Ryan Ackerman – along with two great grandchildren, Isla and Calvin Genzlinger. She is also survived by three siblings, Ralph G. Sayles, Judith Sayles, and Jeffrey Sayles.

Lois was born in Cicero, NY on December 22, 1931.  Her parents, Ralph C. Sayles and Mildred R. Kneeskern, lived on adjoining family farms when they met.  They eventually settled in Sherrill, NY, where Ralph worked for Oneida Limited and Mildred for Bell Telephone. Lois graduated from Sherrill High School in 1949 and was acknowledged in her yearbook as “Best Girl Dancer.” 

Lois attended Syracuse University and graduated in 1953 with a BSN in nursing. It was at a dance held for nurses and engineers that she met Calvin, and they were married in 1954.

Lois had a long and notable career in nursing. She first worked at Syracuse Memorial Hospital (now Crouse Irving) and then as a public health nurse in Utica.  When she had young children at home, she worked part time as a supervising nurse for Planned Parenthood, a school nurse substitute, and taught for a practical nursing program.  In 1978, she obtained an MS in Education from SUNY Utica and in 1980 an MS in nursing from Syracuse University.  She taught nursing at Onondaga Community College and then was Associate Dean of Nursing at SUNY Morrisville until her retirement.  She had a special fondness for older students who had complex lives and would occasionally take them under her wing. She undoubtedly touched the lives of many aspiring nurses. In her final years, she continued to read journals on healthcare.

Lois had many interests outside of work: travel, cooking, theater, and sewing - especially quilting. Baby quilts, bed quilts, wall hangings, placemats – her creations are now proudly displayed in many homes.  She made quilts for every family occasion such as a new baby, a graduation, or a wedding.  She was an active member of the Towpath Quilt Guild for many years, and she won several blue ribbons at the New York State Fair.

Funeral will take place on Saturday, March 11 at 2p.m., St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Cazenovia, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Planned Parenthood.