Bonnie A. Wood

COUDERSPORT, PA—Bonnie A. Wood, 82, of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Born on September 8, 1943 in Erie, she was a daughter of James and Marion Brydon. On September 4, 1965 in Erie she married Russell Eugene Wood, who passed away on January 23, 2014.

She graduated from McDowell High School in Erie and from Edinboro University with a degree in library sciences. She worked as an elementary school librarian in multiple Pennsylvania public school systems, sharing with children her love of books.

She also was a Dorling Kindersley (DK) Books representative, traveling with her husband Gene to multiple book fairs, setting up amazing displays for children’s books.

Bonnie created Hemlock Springs Cultural Arts Center in Keating Summit, PA. There she held an annual Hobbit and Fairy Festival that celebrated teaching children about fairies and garden magic.

She became a certified Master Gardener and used the land of Hemlock Springs to propagate many different flowers and perennial plants. Throughout the years she sold thousands of plants and spread beautiful flowers around Potter County. If you see a big, beautiful day lily, chances are it came from her garden. She volunteered all over Potter County spreading her garden knowledge and creating interesting gardens everywhere. She was particularly proud of the garden she created for the residents of Sweden Valley Manor, “Yesterday’s Garden”, for which she received a Commendation of Service from the US Congress.

Over many years of collecting garden books, she amassed a huge library which will be donated to the State College book sale, with proceeds going to fund women’s scholarships in the state of Pennsylvania.

She was an amazing cook and shared her recipes and cooking techniques with friends and family. She also shared her wonderful cooking with people in need.

She was part of a local “Dolly Club” and had a remarkable collection of antique dolls and dollhouses, and she enjoyed sharing these with her many friends.

She participated in many activities at Gold Church in Ulysses, PA. including services, potluck dinners, and filling 200 “shoeboxes” for children overseas.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, Ira James (Tanya) Wood of West Valley City, Utah, a sister, Jan Brydon MD (Howard Nadworny MD) of Erie, PA. and many cousins and nieces.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bonnie was predeceased by her sister, Pepper Brydon Sturm.

Bonnie’s son has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bonnie’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice. A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be planned in the spring.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Bonnie, please visit www.virgilhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.