JoAnne Mashman Woods' Obituary
JoAnne Mashman Woods, affectionately known as Jody, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on May 4, 2025. Born on October 17, 1943, in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jody embarked on a life-long journey of service and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on all those she encountered. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1962, Jody pursued her passion for nursing, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman's University in 1966, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in healthcare. She dedicated the early years of her nursing career to providing exceptional medical care, serving in the emergency department and the burn unit at Parkland Hospital and the emergency department at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.
In 1970, Jody answered the call to serve her country, joining the United States Air Force as a Captain Flight Nurse. Her commitment and experienced critical care nursing skills played a vital role in providing care and bringing American prisoners of war back from Vietnam in Operation Homecoming. Her service to her country was a testament to her unwavering dedication and bravery.
In 1974, following her honorable military service, Jody transitioned back into civilian life, emergency room nursing and pursued her Masters in Nursing at Texas Womens University. In 1978, Jody returned to the skies and embarked into long and rewarding career as a flight attendant with American Airlines. Throughout this phase of her life, she continued to share her warmth, empathy, and exceptional care with countless passengers who crossed her path. Her dedication to serving others extended beyond her profession.
She was a beloved figure among her family and friends, devoting countless hours to helping raise the children of her siblings and, later, the next generation of nieces and nephews. Jody was a woman of many passions. She was an avid runner for many years, enjoyed bowling and golf, a skilled knitter, and a lover of travel. She also adored her pets, who brought her great joy throughout her life. Jody is survived by her greatest treasure in life, her dog Ellie Mae, siblings, Barbara Reese, Steve Mashman, and Sally Melman; her cherished nieces and nephews, Cindy Osborne, Michael Reese, Stephen Mashman, Greg Reese, Stephanie Mashman Monroe, Lisa Poiss, Joe Reese, and Ashley Ray. Jody will be remembered for her selflessness, kindness, and unwavering generosity. Her legacy is one of love, service, and devotion to those she cherished. Her favorite way of saying goodbye was always, “Love you more.” She will be deeply missed.
A visitation with family will be held on Thursday, May 15, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. Services and a Celebration of Jody’s Life will be held the following day, Friday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland.
Those wishing to send flowers for Jody’s celebration of life service may do so by contacting Rembrandt Florist by Restland at (972) 761-8989.
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