We are sad to share the passing of Sheila Wood, former President and former broker of Carriage House Real Estate. Sheila served the association for many years and was a mentor to the current broker, Janice Braim.  Condolences and remembrances can be sent to Sheila’s family via Janice Braim, 35 Church Street, Lee MA, 01238.  A little about Sheila:

Leadership:  Sheila was a member since 1993 and retired several years ago. During her career, she was very involved and influential in the direction of the board and MLS.  She was first elected in 2001 to serve in leadership and rose through the ranks of both Boards, eventually serving as President of both organizations.  She was named the REALTOR of the YEAR in 2006 for her service to our industry and the community.

Local service:  Sheila was no stranger to hard work, and since 1994 had served with pride on the Professional Standards Committee, on the MLS Fields, Website Advertising and the Broker-Owner Education Task Forces. She actively participated in many REALTOR Community Service events, such as donations for and creation of Thanksgiving baskets for needy families, the Realtor Holiday Elf program for needy children and is a Relay for Life Dream Team Supporter. She served as an official moderator of the Board’s education classes and spoke at the New Member Orientation on MLS topics.

State Service: Sheila was a Presidential Appointment to serve as a Massachusetts State Director in 2004 and 2005. She was an active participant on Realtor Day on Beacon Hill in Boston, when REALTORS gather from throughout Massachusetts to speak to Legislators about issues affecting real estate, growth, the environment and private property rights.

National Service: On a national level, Sheila attended critical leadership meetings, including the National Association of REALTORS convention, the NAR Legislative Conference in Washington DC and participated in MLS and Realtor Forums, as well as Realtor Day on Capital hill, meeting with the Federal legislators representing Massachusetts and spoke about insurance, banking regulations and more.

Community Service: When Sheila was named the REALTOR of the Year, it was because of her engagement in the local community as well.  At that time, she was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lee, and it’s treasurer for the several years. Kiwanis is a world wide organization of volunteers dedication to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  She was also a member of the Beartown Chapter of Ducks Unlimited for 16 years, and treasurer for seven. This organization seeks to raise funds to maintain the wetlands for migratory water fowl throughout the world.  Sheila was also a member of the Lee Sportsmen’s Association, on the Board of Directors of the Lee Chamber of Commerce and as a past member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Brokerage Service: First licensed in the State of Massachusetts in 1993, Sheila joined Carriage House Real Estate under the capable hands of Frank Brundage. In 1997 Frank retired and Sheila purchased the firm, on 218 Main Street in Lee and employed eight independent real estate agents.  Sheila then mentored agent Janice Braim as Frank had done for her and retired in 2016, passing the reins to Janice.

Sheila’s Realtor Spirit, in her own words:

“I take pride in being a member of the Realtor organization. We are the first contact for those looking to purchase a home, the most important purchase they will make. Having been in the real estate profession for 13 years, I have met many wonderful people throughout all walks of life.

It is important to me to be involved with our local Board, meeting new people and keeping my finger on the pulse of our current real estate market. Client and customer service is of utmost importance as well as cooperation and professional courtesy to fellow Realtors.

There is nothing more satisfying for me than guiding a family through the process of finding their perfect home.”