Joy Wood

Joy Finger Wood July 28,1954 – February 28, 2026 (72, Cottage Grove) - On February 28, 2026, Joy Wood passed away unexpectedly at her home following a heart attack. Born and raised in Bethel, Connecticut, Joy graduated from Bethel High School before attending college in Mexico City. She later moved to Madison.

A lover of motorcycles, Joy was an avid rider and member of the Alliance of Women Bikers, where she was often seen riding her cherished 1937 Flathead 80 Harley-Davidson. Joy’s sense of community also led her to serve on the Board of Directors for the Wilmar Neighborhood Center, and she was proud to be part of the first-ever Willy Street Fair.

On August 23, 1980, Joy married Richard Wood, and together they set out to create a life full of love and shared accomplishments. As partners in both life and business, they founded Skyline Communications, a specialty construction company that served the broadcast industry. While Richard worked in the field on radio, TV, and cellular towers, Joy expertly managed the finances, customer relations, and office operations. Their combined efforts built a successful company that lasted for over 40 years. Five years ago, after their retirement, they embraced a new chapter, traveling extensively to places like Turkey, Canada, Bonaire, Curaçao, Aruba, and throughout the United States.

Joy was also a dedicated spiritual leader as a Cherag (minister) of the Sufis of Madison. She was a beloved member of Women with Wings and spent many years leading the Dances of Universal Peace and Universal Worship. Her life was a testament to her belief in unity, love, and the shared journey of humanity.

Her community involvement extended far beyond her career. As a young girl, Joy was a proud member of Camp Fire Girls. Later, she carried on that tradition by leading her daughter Elizabeth’s Girl Scout Troop 2723 for a decade, helping to guide and mentor the next generation of young girls. Recently, she shared her passion for creativity with her granddaughter Catherine, helping her Girl Scout Troop 7570 earn their painting badge.

Joy’s commitment to service also included several committee appointments with the Town of Cottage Grove, and she was active in local elections. In her personal time, she enjoyed cross-country skiing, watercolor painting, and decorating traditional Ukrainian eggs—hobbies that spoke to her artistic spirit and appreciation for beauty in all forms.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Mabelle Finger. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Richard Wood; her daughters, Amelia Erbs (spouse PJ Erbs) of Middleton, WI, and Elizabeth Wickizer (spouse Dave Wickizer) of White Bear Lake, MN; her granddaughter, Catherine Mary Erbs; and her brothers, Clyde William, Stephen, and Robert Finger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joy's honor to the Deer Grove Volunteer EMS (https://www.deergroveems.com/donate/), reflecting the legacy of her father, Clyde, who served as Fire Chief for the Bethel Connecticut Volunteer Fire Department.

Services will be announced at a later date.