Ann Marie Woods, 79, of South Hadley, passed away peacefully on November 26. Born September 19, 1946, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ann was the beloved daughter of Edward and Della (née Nyzio) Kuras. A lifelong Catholic, she was a congregant of the Mater Delarosa Church in Holyoke, MA and carried her faith quietly throughout her life.

Ann Marie was the devoted wife of William “Bill” Woods, the love of her life. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love. Bill preceded her in death in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A dedicated stay-at-home mother, Ann poured her heart into raising her two sons, Jeff and Dan. Her greatest joy was her family, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or a homemade meal. She cherished her mother and her beloved aunts, Ki and Jenn, and adored her beautiful grandchildren, Gabriel and Ciara.

Ann Marie’s talents were many. An extraordinary baker and cake decorator, she created countless stunning wedding cakes for family and friends, along with festive cookies and treats at Christmas. Her kitchen was a place of generosity and love. She was also a gifted ceramics painter, and her creations continue to grace the homes of those she loved.

When the boys were older, she took a job as a teacher's aide at the Plains School in South Hadley where she enjoyed nearly 20 years working with elementary school children, spending most of her time with the kindergarten classes.

In retirement, Ann and Bill settled on Cape Cod, where she delighted in summer gardening, long bike rides along the shore, quiet days at the beach, and losing herself in a good romance novel with the sound of waves in the background.

Ann Marie is survived by her son Jeff, his wife Sarah and their children Gabriel and Ciara of Walpole, MA; her son Dan and his wife Katryn of Newburyport, MA; her brother Edward Kuras and his wife Carolyn of South Hadley; her sister Julie Deets and her husband Gary of Coventry Connecticut; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss her smiling face, gentle spirit and boundless kindness.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held the following morning at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in South Hadley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ann Marie's name to the Alzheimer’s Association.