Myriam Revel Wood

Myriam Revel Wood, 89, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020, after a brief, non-COVID related illness. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and University School teacher, who touched many lives through her church leadership, love of gardening with native plants, and promotion of land conservation. She was born October 28, 1930 in Colonia Valdense, Uruguay to Lidia Berton de Revel and Augusto Bartolome Revel. The Revel family was a vibrant part of the community, as educators and leaders in the church. Myriam began her teaching career at Crandon Institute in Montevideo. She received a scholarship to continue her studies in the United States, earning a Masters Degree in Education from Peabody College. While studying in Nashville, Tennessee she met her husband, James Rutland Wood. Myriam and Jim were married in her hometown in Uruguay in 1955. She returned from Uruguay to teach elementary school in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1958, Myriam and Jim founded the Edgemont United Methodist Church in Florence, Alabama and built the church community together. Myriam and Jim later returned to Nashville, where she taught first grade while Jim earned his Ph.D. in Sociology. In 1967, Myriam and her family moved to Bloomington, Indiana where she taught third grade at University Elementary School. She was passionate about curriculum development and instrumental in bringing the Accelerated Learning Program to the school in the mid-1970s, when she moved to teaching sixth grade. Although her small stature meant she was often the shortest in her classroom, Myriam led her students with kindness and believed in nurturing the potential of all children. She was an active participant in the school community and formed a special bond with her fellow teachers. After her retirement in 1997, she remained involved in the UES community as a volunteer Spanish teacher known to her students as Señora Wood. Myriam was a part of the heart and soul of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. She was active in the United Methodist Women and served on several church committees. As an avid chef and baker, she led the annual UMW Cookie Shoppe fundraiser and loved feeding and hosting members of the St. Mark’s community. Myriam was especially devoted to the children of the church; she served as Nursery Coordinator and was a part of Vacation Bible School. She was dedicated to the St. Mark’s Reconciling Team and other efforts to make the church, and the greater community, open and affirming to all of God’s children. Myriam was an early adopter of the Go Green movement; she shared her love of nature with children and adults alike, teaching them how to identify, appreciate, and care for the natural world around them. She developed an expertise in gardening with native plants, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with many friends. Myriam and Jim created Fish Creek Preserve, in partnership with Sycamore Land Trust, to protect 125 acres of beautiful hardwood forest into perpetuity. She was a guiding light in the lives of generations of young people, nurturing them all like the wildflowers in her garden – with the love and support to flourish right where they were meant to be. Myriam was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 53 years, James Rutland Wood. She is survived by her daughter, Lillette Wood and son-in-law, Daniel Pratter, of Bloomington; her son, Paul Wood and daughter-in-law, Angela Kolonay Wood, of McLean, VA; and by her grandchildren, Sarah Pratter, Adam Wood, Rachel Pratter, and Eric Wood. She is also survived by her brother, Daniel Revel (Martha Astarita), and her sisters, Eliane Mariano (Roberto Mariano) and Ivonne Vanderbilt; by her canine companion, Dobby; and by extended family and many dear friends at home and in Uruguay. Her family’s fondest memories include their time together in Uruguay, walking along the beach, visiting with loved ones, and watching sunsets over the Rio de la Plata. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in the future when it is safe to gather together. Memorial gifts may be sent to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Sycamore Land Trust, Monroe County Habitat for Humanity, or Swing Left. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Myriam Revel Wood

October 28, 1930 - September 1, 2020