"Mom taught me everything."

Crista Chapman

While crowds bustled in and around her stall at the Antiques Spectacular at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Tammy Mendoza arranged jewelry in a showcase while her father, John Ramirez, chatted with customers and colleagues Friday.

Mendoza and Ramirez own the Cottage, an antique shop in Coal Valley, Ill. Ramirez stepped in to assist his daughter after her mother died of cancer last year.

"My mom taught me everything," Mendoza said.

For Mendoza, a fan of vintage holiday decorations and 1950s decor, staying in the antiques business after her mother's passing is an act of remembrance.

"People say, we miss her because she taught us, too," Mendoza said. "I'm carrying on a tradition."

The antiques show continues 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with more than 70 exhibitors.