June Wood Obituary

June Forsythe Wood, 92, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, in Keene, NH. Born in 1932 in Rochester, NY to parents Clifton and Helen (Wetzel) Forsythe, June was adventurous and spirited from the start. She built a successful career in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C., culminating in an exciting 18-year role with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A quick thinker and resourceful manager, June thrived in the unpredictable circus environment, dealing with everything from the defection of the entire Romanian tumbling team to the theft of Siegfried & Roy's trained white tigers in Manhattan.

June was a devoted mother, fostering independence and progressive values in her children. She embraced life with humor and irreverence, her home always a welcoming haven, especially at Thanksgiving. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, from Europe to South America to Mongolia. She was a lover of art, and her home became a gallery of her travels, adorned with her own paintings and collected artwork from abroad.

June leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration. She was married and divorced twice, first to Robert Everett the father of her three children, and then to Frank O'Neill. Her third husband, John Wood died in 2016. She is survived by her daughter Jerelyn Wilson (husband Alex) in Dummerston, VT; son Clif (and partner Melody) living on a boat and currently moored in Fiji; son-in-law Stephen Hight in Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren Lillian, Frances, Kevin, Clif Jr., June Maria, and Mayon; and great-grandchildren Jack, Harrison, Deacon, and Myles. Her daughter Nancy died tragically in 2000. A celebration of life will be held in Venice, Florida, where she resided for 30+ years, at a date to be announced. Donations in June's name can be made to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England or Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.