My wife was a stay at home mother until the youngest went to school. Then she worked at the school so she could keep the same hours. We have 5 grandchildren that beg to come over every weekend (even the teenagers). I think she made it work and loved it.
I was a working mom out of financial necessity, but now my husband and I both wish I had stayed home with them. Like your wife, though, we made it work, and if nothing else, we really appreciated that quality time away from work, making time for the family.