Rita Heeps Wood

OXFORD – Rita I. (Fermin) Heeps Wood, 89, formerly of Oxford, died Sunday January 23, 2022, at Webster Manor in Webster.  She is survived by two children, Joseph W. Heeps and his wife Barbara of Putnam, CT, and Cynthia J. Hicks of Webster; 15 grandchildren, Rodney, Nathan, Devyn, Nicholas, Crispin, Robert, Jennifer, Pamela, Angela, Joseph, Charles III, Christopher, Craig, Jonathan, and John; 11 great-grandchildren, several nephews, and nieces, and many friends.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Charles F. Heeps Sr. who died in 1981; her second husband, Robert N. Wood who died in 1996; and two sons, Charles F. Heeps Jr. who died in 2014, and Donald J. Heeps who died in 2015.  She was born in New Haven, CT, daughter of the late Crispin and Melanise (Gagnon) Fermin, and lived in Oxford and Maine, before moving to Webster in 2015.

Mrs. Heeps Wood worked at American Optical in Southbridge for 10 years prior to retirement.  Previously, she worked at Hobbs Fastener in Worcester and David Clarke in Worcester.  In addition, she owned and operated Von Weiner Kennel in Oxford before moving her business to Norridgewock, ME.  She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and collecting dolls.

Calling hours are Monday, January 31, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  A prayer service will be held 8 p.m. on Monday at the conclusion of calling hours.  Burial will be private at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the D.A.V. Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or to the North Shore Animal Rescue League, 25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050.