Elaine F. (Zyskowski) Woods

Elaine Frances (Zyskowski) Woods, 75, passed from this life on January 14, 2026.  With the comfort of care provided by Susquehanna Nursing Home, her prolonged journey with Alzheimer’s came to a peaceful end.  She was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Edward Zyskowski, her brother-in-law, Joseph Mollen III and her beloved husband, David L. Woods.

Elaine was born in 1950.  Her father’s military transfers lead the family to settle in Binghamton, NY.  Elaine graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1968.  After completing classes at Broome Community College, she worked in Binghamton for several years. Elaine met and married David Woods in Binghamton where she devoted her time to creating a gracious home and a beautiful environment in which their love would flourish. They were adventurous travelers, visiting extraordinary places from the turquoise streets of Tehran to the brick and stone fortifications of the Great Wall of China. Her favorite travel stop was Rothenburg, Germany on Germany’s Romantic Road.   Elaine was curious and appreciated the beauty of all cultures, especially their art and cuisine. Gourmet cooking was a passion of Elaine’s.  Whoever dined with her was in for a special treat. After dinner, Elaine would sometimes play piano or sing to entertain her guests.  There was only one thing Elaine loved more than singing, and that was singing with her dogs. She adored her dogs, frequently having two or more who ruled the roost.  Be careful where you sit – you may be in the dog’s chair!  They were her constant companions and source of unconditional love. Elaine was an artist with refined taste.  Her preferred mediums were pastels and oils.  To enhance her techniques, she attended numerous workshops where she was inspired by such artists as Liz Haywood Sullivan.  She dressed elegantly and took great joy in shopping. Elaine had an eye for quality and thoughtful details. She was well put together leaving a lasting impression wherever she went. Having lived in Virginia, Georgia and New Hampshire, Elaine returned to Binghamton after David’s death in 2010. 

Elaine is survived by her sister Rosanne (Zyskowski) Mollen; two nieces, Christina Mollen, Nicole Mollen, and their families; her sister Renee (Zyskowski) Thimann and her husband, Arthur S Thimann; her brother, Edward Zyskowski and Anna (Vermilyea) Zyskowski.

A service to honor Elaine will be forthcoming.  Memorial donations may be directed to the ASPCA.  Burial was in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery.  Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.

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