Mabel (Hoopii) Wood

Mabel (Hoopii) Wood, 95 of Worcester passed away suddenly at home Monday, June 12th, 2023, two days prior to her 96th  birthday on June 14th. 

Mabel was born, June 14th, 1927, in Wailuku, Maui, one of eleven children of Frank and Phoebe (Apuna) Hoopii.  Raised and educated in Hawaii, Mabel came to the Worcester area and  the mainland 67 years ago in 1956 and has lived here ever  since.  She loved children and caring for them, accepting a job with St Agnes Guild, and remained there many years until retiring. 

Mabel’s love and life partner for over 40 years, Robert W. Petty passed away in 2016.  She is survived by her ten children, Melissa Bitar and her husband Raymond of Worcester, Arlene Wood of Holden, Patricia Wood of Fayetteville NC, Helena Keenan of Franklin, Vermont, Cheryl Hanna and her husband Fouad of Little Ferry NJ, Gail Goodell of Worcester, Donna Trost and her husband Scott of Downers Grove, Il;  Jeffery Wood, his wife Helen and Roger Wood of West Brookfield, and Gary Wood of Spanaway Washington;  32 Grandchildren; several great and Great Great Grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends both here and in Hawaii.  In addition to Robert, a son Eddie Mara-Wood and a daughter Lena McIntosh (wife of Dale McIntosh) predeceased her.  

In Mabel’s life, nothing was more important to her than her children, grandchildren and Robert. She was the backbone of her family and remained devoted to them.  She was a beautiful quick witted person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family gatherings, tending to her impeccably cared for garden and yard as well as reading. She truly believed that family was the most important thing in life.  She had room in her heart for everyone she met and was very generous with her love, time, guidance and resources. She helped anyone she could. Her unwavering faith in family kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.

Calling hours for Mabel will be held Monday, June 19th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held on Tuesday June 20th at 11 am in the funeral home.  Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston Ma.