Send Flowers

Life story

"Gladys Garcia Wood was truly an angel on this earth—the kindest, sweetest soul you could ever hope to meet. She was lovingly known as the “Iron Girl” for her incredible strength, determination, and tireless work ethic that inspired all who knew her.
Gladys was born in the small town of Torotoro, Bolivia, on September 19, 1929. Influenced by missionaries, she pursued a career in nursing, studying in Costa Rica before her journey eventually led her to Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob. Their courtship was filled with joy, and they quickly knew they had found their lifelong partner in each other. The city girl in dresses and heels soon moved to Nokesville—“Green Acres”—where she and Bob built a beautiful life together, marrying and starting their family.
Her passion for nursing continued at Prince William Hospital and later as a private duty nurse, where she devoted countless nights to caring for others so that she could be home during the day to raise her children and help with the family’s Esperanza Dairy Farm.
A woman of deep faith, Gladys loved the Lord with all her heart. She was an active member of Oak Dale Baptist Church, where she served faithfully through the WMU, sang joyfully in the choir, and taught Sunday School for many years. She had a gift for hospitality and could always be found in the church kitchen during potlucks and Vacation Bible School, where her warm smile and delicious cooking brought people together.
At home, Gladys loved working alongside Bob in the barn and gardens, tending to both vegetables and flowers with equal care. She had a special talent for canning, and her shelves were always filled with the fruits of her labor. Above all, she cherished her family and her beloved Bob, with whom she shared 58 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2020.
Gladys leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will live on through her four children—Cindy (Todd), Maria (Patrick), Robert (Laura), and Kenny (Lori)—her 12 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter (with a second on the way), as well as many nieces and nephews. Gladys will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Norah Araya. She was predeceased by her parents, Avelino and Etelvina, and her siblings Romulo, Avelino Jr, Manuel, Marina, Isabel, Renato, Lucio, Marcel and Etelvina.
To all who knew her, Gladys was the most trusting and gentle of friends—uplifting, encouraging, and full of grace. She never spoke a harsh word, radiated positivity, and prayed with such sincerity and beauty that those who heard her said they could listen for hours. Her daily devotion to scripture and her unwavering faith remains an inspiration to her family and friends. She passed peacefully, with all of her family, in the early morning hours of September 30, 2025.
Because Bob passed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family was unable to hold a service for him. We are now grateful to host a Joint Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for both Gladys and Bob on Saturday, October 25th at 1:00 PM at their home church, Oak Dale Baptist, 9532 Auburn Road, Nokesville, VA 20181.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gladys’s memory to Oak Dale Baptist Church.
"