(Sister) Ann Woods sadly passed away on 18 March aged 84. According to her brother, Peter, ‘It was always obvious that Ann would dedicate her life to a caring profession.’ Many will remember her as ‘Sister Woods’, the medical officer at Britannic House but her life covered so much more – from midwifery in Cardiff to overseeing the building of a hospital in Nigeria.
After trying a vocation with a missionary nursing order, Ann decided that was not for her but nursing was. She qualified as a State Registered Nurse at The London Hospital, followed by midwifery in Tower Hamlets and Cardiff. Throughout her nursing career she embraced all opportunities, including private nursing with some amazing clients and a stint at sea on the Canberra, where her discharge papers state she was ‘a person of excellent behaviour’.
An opportunity to work for Shell BP in Nigeria opened up a new career to her and she stayed in the oil industry for the remainder of her career; at Grangemouth and finally Britannic House. She loved this work and took a personal interest in all aspects, including overseeing the building of a hospital in Nigeria, publishing guides for industry personnel and a praised document entitled ‘The World is your Oyster’.
Her final years as a medical officer at Britannic House saw Ann taking care of staff travelling for work to all parts of the world and ensuring they had everything they needed to maintain a healthy regimen.
From her schooldays Ann was a keen sports person, enjoying hockey, tennis and later sailing and golf which she played up until several years ago. She hosted a Bridge party for friends just a month before her death. Hospitality was so important to her and she entertained regularly, as well as enjoying dining out and theatre visits.
More than anything Ann’s family will remember her as a loving daughter, sister, and aunt to her many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours. She was always ready to help people around her and it has been a great consolation to hear all the wonderful testimonies of Ann’s generosity and kindness.
We are indebted to Ann’s brother, Peter Woods, for providing these words about his sister.