Rev. Carey

The Rev. Dr. Edson Ellwood (Woody) Carey died on Friday, Sept. 28 at St.Mary's Hospital, Madison.

Rev. Carey was a native of Tunkhannock PA, where he attended high school. He later graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor's degree, after which he received a Bachelor of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1984, he received his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary.

During his career, he served Presbyterian churches in Cumberland, MD, Barton, MD, Falls Church, VA, Painted Post , NY, and Johnstown NY. He was pastor of Parkside Presbyterian Church in Madison before his retirement. After that Mr. Carey served as the administrator for the AIDS Caring Community program for the Wisconsin Council of churches.

Woody was active in a variety of community service organizations. He served on the Board of Directors for the East Madison Community Center, was a member of the American Red Cross Education Committee as well as being an HIV/AIDS instructor and trainer. He also made several trips abroad to South Africa as a co instructor for HIV Science in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria.

In 2010, Woody was honored by being named "Man of the Year" by the New Harvest Foundation of Madison, of which he served as co-chairperson for several years..

Woody will be remembered by many as an individual who touched people's lives. Through his work with the church, with the GBLTG community and his teaching and work with HIV/AIDS education. He was a man with a big smile, a kind word and a compassionate ear for his friends, family and the community that he served.

The world was a better place with his presence and he will be missed by many. He is survived by his two sons , Scott (Elizabeth) Carey and David (Kerrie) Carey of Gloversville, New York , his five granddaughters, Nicole, Autumn, Abbie, Willow and Echo and by his former wife and best friend, Ruth Carey of Johnstown, NY.

A celebration of Woody's life will take place at 4:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 4 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI.

In lieu of flowers, people can contribute to Covenant Presbyterian Church, or the New Harvest Foundation, P.O. Box 1786, Madison, WI 53701-1786.