Maryhelen Davis Woods, aged 83, of Abington, MA, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family and community. Born on December 24, 1941, Maryhelen was raised in Charlestown, MA, and was the daughter of the late Fred and Helen Davis. She was a proud graduate of Whidden Memorial Hospital Nursing School and dedicated over 40 years to her nursing career, which included working in the operating rooms at the Whidden Memorial Hospital and providing geriatric care at both the Colony House and Mildred Alford Nursing Homes in Abington.
Maryhelen is deeply missed by her six children: Roger Woods and Emily Sheridan of Abington; Brian and Marybeth Woods of Laguna Niguel, CA; Michael Woods of Berlin, MA; Mazie Woods and Shaun Hollenbaugh of Yarmouthport, MA; "EJ" Janet Woods of Plymouth, MA; and Robert Woods of Rockland, MA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Christian Henry Woods; Michael Woods Jr. and his wife Molly; Ethan Davis Woods; Lily Woods; Jack Woods; Luli and Ayla Hollenbaugh; and Emerson Woods. Additionally, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Theodore and Oliver Woods. Maryhelen also leaves her two “sisters” Ann Elwell, of Charlestown, MA and Terry O’Brien of Billerica, MA.
Known to many as "Mrs. Woods" or “Mammy,” Maryhelen had a warm and welcoming home on Lincoln Street, where the kitchen was always open, and the coffee was always brewing. She was a beloved substitute school nurse in Abington schools, where all her children attended, and could often be found on the sidelines of Abington High School football games, wearing her white nurse's uniform on Saturday mornings before her shifts.
Maryhelen was an adventurer at heart, enjoying family ski trips to Antrim, beach getaways to Hampton Beach, NH, and ice skating at the Island Grove Pond in the winter. A true lover of classic rock music, she would spontaneously drive a car full of children and friends to concerts at the Worcester Centrum, Mansfield, or Boston.
Her spirit of community and friendship flourished through her years in Abington, where raising a big family meant growing up surrounded by support, teamwork, and the kind of community camaraderie that made every kid and parent feel like part of a bigger family. As a Cub Scout den mom and CCD teacher, she hosted countless football booster breakfasts, Halloween parties, and summer cookouts. Her home, anchored by the big rock out front, served as a gathering place for her children and their friends, filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Woods family invites friends and family to join them in celebrating Maryhelen’s life on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM at the Abington Ale House function room located on 1235 Bedford St in Abington, MA. Everyone is welcome to share their stories and cherished memories of Maryhelen, who touched so many lives with her love and kindness.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to ask that memorial donations be made in Maryhelen’s name to The Home For Little Wanders of Boston, 780 American Legion Hwy, Boston, MA 02131, 617-469-8500. Tax ID 04-2104764