Roselind “Rosie” May Davis Wood
Roselind “Rosie” May Davis Wood, 89, passed away on September 9, 2026 at Masonic Village in Sewickley. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, the Reverend Rodgers T. Wood. Born on May 9, 1937 in New Kensington, PA, Rosie was raised in Indiana PA, the daughter of the late Walter E. and Myrtle (Slonaker) Davis. She graduated in 1955 from Indiana High School where she made many life-long friends. She met her husband, who was a DJ for WDAD, at a local sock hop. They married in the summer of 1955, and before long embarked on a great adventure, moving 29 times during their marriage. Rosie loved being a homemaker and mother. With a heart full of love, she made many friends wherever she lived and became the favorite mom and Nanny to a host of children who passed through her doors.
Rosie was a devoted Episcopalian who was active in all aspects of church life. In midlife, Rodge left a career in radio and television and she became his partner in clergy life well into her seventies. They served first at St Phillips in Moon Township, then Christ Church in the North Hills. In retirement, they spent many years in interim parishes. Rosie was the rock and loyal protector of time off, insisting they have a place to get away. They found rest and relaxation and made many wonderful memories in their homes, first at Long Beach, NC and then at Alpine Lake in WV, well into retirement.
As a strong advocate for supporting clergy families, Rosie formed an on-line ecumenical support group for clergy spouses in the 1990s called “Neither Fish Nor Fowl,” which grew into a vital and active nationwide group. She spoke at many church conferences about the importance of supporting clergy families and stayed active in this endeavor for many years.
She is survived by her loving and devoted family: Her daughters, Melanie Wood (Beth Hines), Jennifer Wood (Robert Steffes), and Heather Wood (Mark Ring); Her grandchildren, Alison Popivchak (Pete), Michael Bennett (Daniel Curtis), Lindy Lerner (Jonathan), Taylor Hale, and Casey Hale (Sarah Landers); Her great grandsons, Samson and Bohdan Popivchak; Her sister, Darlind J. Davis (Chuck Taubersmith); her brother-in-law, Geoffrey R. Wood, and her nephews, Mitchell Wood (Gary Collins) and Stephen Wood (Robin Powell).
Her family is deeply grateful for the skilled care and loving comfort that our dear Felicity Steffes and the remarkably devoted staff at Masonic Village provided for Rosie in the last year of her life (you all were her favorites!). We also feel blessed by the enormous generosity of spirit that the members of St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church have shown us, and especially for providing Rosie with a supportive church home that showered her with love.
A service in celebration of her life will be held at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Road, Sewickley, PA 15143 on October 3rd 2026 at 11 AM. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to St. Brendan’s Family and Friends Fund, 2365 McAleer Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, www.stbrendans.org/bff-fund
The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. is in charge of
arrangements.
8 thoughts on “Roselind “Rosie” May Davis Wood”
Rosie was one of the kindest, most supportive persons that I knew. I will always remember her laugh and her positive outlook on life. I will miss her, and my condolences go to her family.
She must have been a wonderful woman. Her sister Darie is also a caring and generous person who is loved by all
So sorry.
Rosie was a wonderful and compassionate person. She was a loving and caring person. She will be missed by many people.
Rosie was a wonderful inspiration and role model to this young mother in the 1990s. The Christ Church Women’s Retreats were especially enjoyable with her insights and participation. I still have the embroidered bookmark she made as gifts to the attendees. Rosie (and Rodge) were special people.
Rosie is my first cousin for almost 87 years. We all loved her dearly and so sad that she has passed from our world, but now is in a happier place with all her loved ones.
Condolences to her children, grandchildren, and friends.
When we visited with Rosie and her daughters for get togethers there was always much laughter and lightness. Rosie lit up the room when you walked into it. She made everyone smile. She had such a positive and supportive spirit.
Our sincere condolences to Rosie’s family. We haven’t seen her in years but remember the wonderful person she was. My sister Sherry and I are the daughters of the late Jim “Red” and Lois Davis.
Rosie was lovingly fierce! She had an indomitable spirit, an independent woman of invulnerable inner strength who, while quiet, soft spoken and poised, could command an entire room. She was clear minded, thoughtful and sincere in her truths, candid in her perspectives, sensitive to the suffering and injustice of others and filled with kindness. Most of all, she was devoted to her family and loved them dearly. They were her heart. Lou and I will miss you terribly, Rosie. We thank you for our shared time together and for introducing us to your beautiful girls! May they and all of the Wood family accept our deepest sympathies at this time.