Elvina Newjahr Wood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on April 29, 1928, in Los Angeles, to Christian and Helen Newjahr, Elvina lived a life defined by kindness, resilience, and deep devotion to her family and community. On 1948, she married the love of her life, William Wood. Together they shared nearly 42 years of marriage, raising six children and building a life rich with love and partnership. Elvina was preceded in death by her husband, William; her children Geri (Otto) and James (Sandy); and her granddaughter Jessica.

Elvina is survived by: her children Steven (Veronica), Annette (Ron), Mary (David), and Helen (Bill); her grandchildren David, Bridget, Jayme, James, Jonathan, Victoria, and Dominic; great-grandchildren Skyler, Alexandra, Aidan, Aurora, and Zander; and great-great-grandchildren Oliver and Kaito. Elvina was the heart of her family — the one who held everyone together with her steady love, her warmth, and her infectious laughter. She was famous for her chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodles, which she baked with love for birthdays, holidays, and especially her grandchildren.

In 1971, Elvina and Bill moved to Santa Rosa, where she worked as an Instructional Aide at Brook Hill School and as the Operator at Macy’s Department Store. She touched countless lives with her gentle presence, caring heart, and deep sense of friendship. She checked in on those she loved and made everyone feel seen, heard, and cherished. In her retirement, Elvina embraced the opportunity to explore hobbies she had long set aside. She took classes at Sonoma State University, enjoyed walks around Spring Lake in Sonoma County and rekindled her love for creative pursuits like flower arranging and dancing. Her faith remained a guiding light — Elvina was a devoted member of her church and a tireless volunteer who gave freely of her time and spirit.

Elvina spent the last two decades of her life in McKinleyville, where she remained active in both her church and her community. She tended the rose garden at her church for several years. She loved working in her garden. She and her close group of friends were in a senior bowling league and often spent Tuesday evenings at the casino, sharing laughter and friendship. Her legacy is one of love, joy, and unwavering connection—a life well-lived and deeply appreciated.

She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with deep affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her. To honor Elvina’s life, two services will be held:

 Funeral Mass in McKinleyville:

August 4, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Christ the King Catholic Church 
1951 McKinleyville Avenue,
McKinleyville, CA 95519

Funeral Mass in Santa Rosa:

September 4, 2025, at 12 p.m.
Madelyne’s Chapel at Calvary Cemetery
22930 Bennett Valley Road,
Santa Rosa, CA 95404