Saratoga Springs, NY – Margaret Farenell Wood, 88, passed away on June 14, 2023, at her home in Wilton, NY, surrounded by her family.

Margaret, known to many as "DeDe", was born in Saratoga Springs on August 27, 1934, the daughter of the late Mellio S. Farenell, Sr. and Grace A. Fisher. She grew up on the west side of Saratoga and attended Saratoga Springs High School where she met her husband, John J. Wood. They began dating as sophomores, graduated in 1952, and would have celebrated their 70 th wedding anniversary this August. Together they raised their family, first in Saratoga, then moving north to Wilton.

Shortly after graduating, Margaret began her first career at the Adirondack Trust Company as an Administrative Assistant and teller. From her desk in the lobby, she was a familiar face to many in Saratoga. She so enjoyed her more than 35 years at the bank, where she was blessed with lifelong friendships that were central to her. With these friends, she traveled some, met outside of work frequently, and laughed often; they took care of each other. Margaret was also a many-year member of the Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Chapter. Following retirement, her second career was as Wilton town clerk during much of her husband's tenure as Town Justice. Subsequent years were spent further north in Lake George, running the office at the family-owned motel and later helping at her son's restaurant; and as the resident Italian Grandma, making certain everyone was listened to and well fed.

Margaret's family was the greatest joy in her life. She is survived by her devoted husband John, her two beloved and loving children and their partners, Debra Lee Wood (Paul Nadler) and John Scott Wood (Beth Crane); her five cherished grandchildren and their spouses, Melissa Kate Nadler (Brian Lilleness), Allison Margaret Nadler (Evan Manganaro), David Wood Nadler, Ian Wood Nadler, and Victoria Ashley Wood; and her youngest treasure, her great-grandson, Nathan John Lilleness; as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins whose company she looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her older brother whom she adored, Mellio "Buck" Farenell, Jr.

The family cannot begin to express their gratitude to Vicki Goodspeed, RN, Karen Buczkowski, and the team at The Community Hospice of Saratoga for the care and comfort they provided Margaret in her final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church following the service. Margaret will rest at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue in Saratoga with her parents, grandparents, and brother.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.