With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Marie Woods, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, advocate, and friend. She passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, hope, and unwavering service to others.

She is survived by her children, Veronica and Brandi, who were the pride of her life. She also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, including one precious grandchild who will be born into a family already filled with her love and stories. She is survived by her two sisters, two brothers, numerous nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Born in Amarillo, TX and raised in San Diego, California, she often reminisced about her childhood and her years at Helix High School, where she especially loved speech and drama. Those who knew her understood that her love of storytelling, laughter, and connecting with people never faded.

Family was at the center of everything she did. Christmas was her favorite time of year. One of her family’s most treasured traditions was watching her put on a Santa hat and read The Night Before Christmas to everyone gathered around. Those moments became lasting memories that her family will carry forward for generations.

She found joy in life’s simple adventures. Whether traveling to new places, spending time outdoors, or sitting patiently with a fishing pole in hand—even if the fish rarely cooperated—she embraced every opportunity to make memories with those she loved. She also enjoyed watching crime documentaries and classic Western dramas, always ready to settle in for a good story.

Her greatest passion, however, was helping others find hope. Having walked her own journey of recovery, she devoted her life to ensuring others never had to walk theirs alone. She believed deeply that recovery was possible for everyone and often reminded those around her:

“We’re not bad people who need to get good; we’re sick people who have the right to get well.”

Those words became more than a quote—they became the way she lived.

Driven by that belief, she founded OCARTA (Oklahoma Citizen Advocates for Recovery & Transformation Association) with a vision that no one seeking recovery would ever have to face addiction alone. She dreamed of building a place where people could find hope, connection, and support—and where, if her own grandchildren or future generations ever found themselves in the darkness of addiction, there would always be someone reaching down to walk beside them toward recovery. Through her leadership, advocacy, and tireless service, countless lives were forever changed.

She gave everything she had to those around her—not because it was easy, but because she believed every person deserved dignity, compassion, and a second chance. Her kindness, determination, adventurous spirit, and unconditional love left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

While her family grieves the tremendous loss of her physical presence, they find comfort in knowing her legacy lives on through every life she touched, every person encouraged in recovery, every tradition she created, and every act of love she inspired.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23