Gloria Woods, 78, died on May 3 in her home in Ramona, Calif., after a long battle with paralysis. Before moving to Ramona, she shared a home in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her husband of 26 years, Jim, who lost his battle with cancer in 1996.

Woods had a lifetime passion for antiques. She started and ran her own business in Los Gatos, Casa Madera Antiques, or "House in the Mountains." She moved to Ramona in 1998, where she spent the remainder of her life and was cared for by her daughter, Sandra, enjoying the country life and acquiring many friends through the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Woods is survived by her sons, Vernon and James Maggi of San Jose, Brett Woods of Magalia, Ron Woods of Roseville and James Woods Jr. of Los Gatos; and her daughters, Linda Maggi of Placerville, Cheryle Ramirez of San Jose, Sandra Maggi of Ramona and Julie Woods of Long Beach. Her three surviving sisters are Mary Ramirez of Lancaster and Lillian Santos and Ann Colmenero, both of Fresno. Woods was grandmother to 19 children.

A celebration of her life was held on May 7 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Ramona. Woods will be laid to rest next to her husband at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, Calif. Contributions in her name may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.