Florence Jane Patricia “Pat” Wood, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 at Vista Grande Villa in Jackson, Michigan.
She was born on January 3, 1928 in County Derry, Ireland. She married Bill Robbins in 1945 when he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Bill’s ship returned to America that year. Pat followed in 1947 on the USNS Henry Gibbins, which was serving as a transport for Irish war brides.
Pat often spoke of the emotion she felt when the ship passed “Lady Liberty” as she arrived in America. When she moved to Chelsea to begin a life with her new husband, she was unfamiliar with American food and customs. The Robbins family and the entire Chelsea community embraced her with open arms and she became an American citizen in 1962.
Pat was a hard worker her entire life. In a generation when most women stayed home and raised their families, Pat always held a job outside the home. From running a restaurant to working in the kitchen at St. Louis School in Chelsea, Pat was never idle. Perhaps it was due to all the years she spent in food service that Pat’s love language was food. She had known hunger as a child and was determined that no one would leave her home without a meal.
A few years after Bill Robbins’ death in 1983, she met Clarence “Mac” Wood when he was researching his genealogical roots in Ireland. She was introduced as an expert in all things Ireland, and they became smitten with one another. They married in 1987 on her 59th birthday. They traveled extensively, both in Ireland and throughout the U.S. Together, they visited all 50 states.
Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, her son, Michael Robbins, and her stepdaughter, Jane Wood.
Pat is survived by many stepchildren, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loved ones in Ireland, and countless dear friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
To view the service, please follow this Link.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
