Carolyn Laughter

Madison - Carolyn Laughter, age 69, passed away Thursday December 13th at Meriter Hospital surrounded in love by her family. She was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on February 11th, 1949. The daughter of Clyde and Doris (Nee Kennedy) Laughter and sister of Martha. In her early years she lived in Wilmington, Delaware, Jefferson City, Missouri, and then finally settling in Madison, Wisconsin. She was active and enjoyed her time in Rainbow Girls. She attended Madison West High School and graduated from Pharmacy School at the University of Madison Wisconsin. While at Pharmacy School she met her future husband Richard Wood. They were married on April 28, 1984 at First United Methodist in Madison, Wisconsin. She started as an intern and spent her entire career as a pharmacist at Meriter Hospital (previously Methodist Hospital) for 46 years.

Although she had a successful career, her true pride and joy was her family. She had three children (Craig, Eric, and Megan) and three nieces (Dixie, Molly and Allie (Lippitt)). Carolyn prided herself in being an active member of her children's lives. She was an active leader in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and volunteering at many, many school trips and functions; including St James hot lunch for 10 years. Carolyn was one of the strongest advocates for her children and husband. She was known for her strong independent nature and selflessness to put others before herself. She had one of the purest hearts, helping those in need due to it being the right thing and not for the recognition. She passed these traits on to her children and this will be a lasting part of her legacy. When not working her passion was traveling with her family and eating her way through new cities. Her favorite adventures include Irish Fest, the Iowa State Fair, Hawaii, San Diego, and Savannah, Georgia. She also loved trips to Memphis, TN and Northern Mississippi to visit and talk with family. She will be remembered for her generosity, humor, and always remembering to live life to the fullest.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Richard Wood; three children Craig Wood (Maggie), Eric Wood, and Megan Wood; two cats Tigger, and Hallie; three nieces Dixie, Molly and Allie and brother-in-law John (Lippitt); Cousins Toulman and Joanne Boatwright, LeRoy Boatwright, and Allie Greene. She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Doris Laughter; her sister Martha (Lippitt); Grandmother Elise Kennedy, cousin Gene Greene and Peggy Boatwright; Mother-in-law Fern Weigen; Brother-in-Law Roy Hughes; five cats Rocky, Susie, MeowMeow, Meow Mix, and Rufus.

She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all of those who encountered her.

Since her final wishes of being pushed out on an iceberg cannot be met, a visitation will be held on Monday the 17th at Cress Funeral Home on Speedway from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Downtown on Tuesday the 18th at 2:00 pm. The burial will be held on Thursday the 20th in Grinnell, Iowa. In lieu of flower, donations can be given in her name to either St James School Madison or First United Methodist Homeless Shelter Downtown.

Remember mom we love you: sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI
53705