Marzette Oliver Woods

Marzette Oliver Woods

Marzette Oliver Woods, 91, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, in Los Altos, California. Born on July 9, 1933, in Oakland, California, Marzette lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family, friendship, and community.

A graduate of San Jose State University, Marzette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority, where she formed lifelong friendships and cherished memories. After college, she dedicated much of her life to volunteer service. For an extraordinary 45 years, she was an active member of the Palo Alto Auxiliary, supporting the Children's Hospital at Stanford through the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. She also served as president of the Auxiliary, leading with grace and distinction.

Marzette's warmth and generosity extended far beyond her volunteer work. She brought joy and care to every relationship in her life. Some of her happiest years began when she met and married Eric Woods. Together, they shared a special love admired by all who knew them. Marzette was embraced by Eric's children Doug, Dan, Debra, Daphne, and Bill with genuine love and affection.

She especially treasured family time, most notably the annual visits to Ketchikan, Alaska, home to her beloved sister Rosalind and brother-in-law Peter. This cherished tradition spanned more than 50 years. Rosalind and Peter's daughters Marzette, Brigette, and Janette and their families brought Marzette immense joy. She deeply loved her Alaskan nieces and nephews, and the whole Ketchikan family.

She also looked forward to holidays and puzzle exchanges with her brother Steve, his wife Nancy, and their children Josh (with wife Azar) and Amy. Marzette shared a special bond with her Aunt Ruth's family, the Legallets. Especially cousins Suzy, Jok, Jon, and Mara enjoying many memorable annual family adventures together.

Some of her favorite traditions included Sunday night family dinners, trips to Hawaii, and visits to Fenton's Creamery. She fondly remembered childhood visits to her father's hometown of Santa Barbara, always stopping in Solvang for waffles.

Marzette found joy in tap dancing, bridge games, liberty puzzles, hosting lively parties, and gatherings with her lifelong "forever-friend" groups. She especially enjoyed sharing in her daughter Nancy and son-in-law John's love of horses, often visiting the Chicago and Indianapolis areas as grandchildren Annie and Keegan grew up. Her relationship with Mark's son Ryan was uniquely close and special.

Special thanks go to Lynda and Suzanne Mackin, daughters of Marzette's lifelong friends Betty and Roger. Their love and care were a true blessing in her later years. Deep gratitude also goes to Melissa for her devoted and compassionate caregiving.

Marzette is lovingly remembered by her brother Steve Oliver (Nancy); nephew Josh (Azar); niece Amy; son Mark Goforth; daughter Nancy Tague (John); and grandchildren Ryan Goforth, Annie Tague, Keegan Tague, Emily Anderson, Courtney Woods, Jack Woods, Andy Woods, Eric Woods, Rob Kohn, Todd Kohn, and Nikki Ray.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eric Woods; her cherished sister, Rosalind Ellis; and her devoted parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Oliver.

Marzette will be remembered for her warmth, grace, generosity, and joyful spirit. Her presence brought comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

"Mom, we will carry your love with us every day with much joy and will miss you more than words can ever express."