Obituary of Shirley Jean Wood

Beloved mother, grandmother, nanny and friend, Shirley Wood, 67, died peacefully in her sleep on January 13, 2017 at Littleton Adventist Hospital, Littleton, Colorado. Her daughter April Thomeczek was at her bedside while many other family members and loved ones had been with her in the days and weeks prior to her passing. Shirley was born on May 18, 1949 in Gary, Indiana to the late Edward and Virginia (Coon) Partridge. Shirley had three children, including 2 daughters, April Thomeczek of Cookeville, TN and Crystal (Scott) Lowe of Castle Rock, CO, and a son, Bryan Velazquez of Paducah, KY. Shirley had many hobbies and interests including crocheting, playing bingo, and traveling. However, her greatest joys in life were her grandchildren. She had 11 grandchildren who meant the world to her. From the oldest, Dusty to the youngest, Dakota, she treasured each one even if she didn’t get the time with them she desired. Upon her passing, we found piles of pictures and photo frames she created that she spent hours preparing and they show how much she adored each child. in order of age, her grandchildren include: Dusty, Summer, Johnny, Chris, Michael, Elizabeth, Rhys, Tommy, Sean, Cameron, and Dakota. Her children meant everything to her as well and the biggest struggle in life was that she was unable to spend the amount of time she desired with each of them. Shirley also had 16 great-grandchildren and one more due in June 2017. Shirley was often affectionately referred to as “nanny” by her grandchildren and many of their friends. This name came to be with her first granddaughter, Summer, who simply started calling her “nanny” and the name stuck with future grandchildren. In her last few weeks, even the nurses were calling her “nanny” and she felt loved and comforted by everyone being so personal with her. At the same time, she was quick to answer to “grandma” by the rest of her grandchildren as well. “As long as they don’t call me late for supper, I’ll answer to anything” is what she always said. She was a silly character and often was spotted in pictures sticking out her tongue or making faces. She loved to make others laugh so silliness was a standard for her. If she couldn’t make you laugh, she would try something new until you did. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents as well as a sister, Beatrice. Shirley is survived by her sister, Alice Jean Edwards of New York, daughters, April Thomeczek of Cookeville, TN, Crystal (Scott) Lowe of Castle Rock, CO, son, Bryan Velazquez of Paducah, KY; and local grandchildren Summer (Matthew) West, Jonathan (Julie) Ogle, Sean Lowe and Cameron Lowe as well as many friends. A Graveside Service will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Castle Rock at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017, Service Information