Susan Ann (Holmes) Wood carried herself with style, beauty, and a presence that was distinctly her own. A devoted mother, loyal friend, and unforgettable hostess, passed away from heart failure on Feb. 4, 2026, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 78. Born March 12, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, Sue was the first of four children born to Max Edward and Doris Ann Holmes.
Sue graduated in 1962 from St. Joseph’s Academy and studied Art History and Interior Design at the University of Iowa, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. During her time at St. Joseph’s, and as a Theta at Iowa, she formed many friendships that would last a lifetime.
On Dec. 27, 1967, she married Stephen Marshall Wood at St. Augustin’s Church and had three children, Andrew, Virginia “Gigi,” and Brian, whom she loved dearly.
Sue was known for her uncompromising taste, sharp wit, fierce loyalty, and love of bringing people together. Wherever she lived—from Des Moines to Okoboji—she built community. Sue belonged to the Junior League of Des Moines and served as a docent at the Des Moines Art Center. She also volunteered at the Okoboji Yacht Club and the Lakes Art Center for many years. The family belonged to Wakonda Club, Glen Oaks Country Club, Embassy Club, and Des Moines Club. Sue and Steve were proud supporters of many charities, including Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Sue and Steve enjoyed 46 years of marriage until his death in 2013. They traveled the world together and especially loved sailing the French Riviera and the South Pacific. They cherished taking their children through Europe and on annual trips to Aspen for Christmas.
Summers were all about Okoboji, Iowa. Growing up, Sue’s and Steve’s families traveled to Vacation Village resort, where they first met as kids. Sue’s father built a home on Egralharve beach and later, Sue and Steve found a home nearby. They loved to entertain. Friends would often stop by boat for drinks, and Sue’s impeccable way of throwing together a delicious spread. Sunset cruises around the lake were a ritual, and conversations on the deck were where the family had some of their best times together.
As diehard Hawkeye fans, Sue and Steve loved attending Iowa football and basketball games, where she always had the best tailgate to share with friends, new and old.
Sue was also known for creating a beautiful home. During a South of Grand neighborhood Holiday Home tour, Better Homes & Gardens selected her home for a photo shoot and published a piece in the magazine.
She lived her life to the fullest and spent her final years the way she demanded. Her many friends will miss her uncompromising taste, sharp wit, caring heart, absolute loyalty, and “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” sense of adventure.
Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Max Edward and Doris Holmes; husband, Stephen; eldest son, Andrew; brother, Max Harrod Holmes, and sister-in-law, Barbara Wood. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia “Gigi” Wood; son, Brian Wood; sisters, Nancy Holmes and Sally Holmes-Holtze; brother-in-law, Robert Wood, as well as many nephews, nieces, and their families.
A Catholic Mass will be held on Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m. in Des Moines at St. Augustin’s Church, 545 42nd St, Des Moines, IA, 50312, followed by a visitation at St. Augustin’s Church Parish Hall from 4-6 p.m.
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