Gloria Priscilla Holladay
March 6, 1932 ~ July 23, 2021 (age 89)
Tribute
Gloria P. Holladay passed away in her Santa Fe, New Mexico home surrounded by family on July 23, 2021, at the age of 89 following a courageous battle with cancer. Gloria was born in Jaconita, New Mexico on March 6, 1932, the daughter of Carmel Lujan and Amalia Gomez. After her father died at a young age, she was raised with the assistance of her maternal grandparents (Canderlarita Quintana Gomez and Elfego Gomez) in El Rancho, New Mexico and later by her stepfather, Paul Martinez, in Santa Fe. Gloria graduated from Santa Fe’s Loretta Academy in 1950 and worked at the Santa Fe, New Mexico Chancery Office for Archbishop Byrne from 1950 to 1952. She joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and completed military service in San Diego, CA in 1954. While in military service Gloria met her husband, Jimmie Holladay; and they married in 1954, had three children, and later divorced. Her later working career spanned several decades in various roles including substitute teacher in addition to administrative stints at the New Mexico Land Office, the New Mexico Legislature, and the New Mexico Department of Education.
Gloria is survived by her three children: Holly Guzzardi (Tom Guzzardi) of Bradenton, Florida; Gary Holladay of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Laurel Davis of Silverhill, Alabama; two grandchildren: Anne Marie Lutz (Ian Lutz); and Julie Guzzardi; one great grandchild, Louise Lutz; one brother, Leo Martinez (Sharon Martinez); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Gloria is preceded in death by her mother Amalia Martinez, stepfather Paul Martinez, and sister, Barbara Blue Spruce.
Gloria never met a stranger she did not like and was acquainted with half of Santa Fe. She lived her life to the fullest and welcomed adventure. The family knew her as “Miss Feisty”; and friends and acquaintances admired her spunk and energy and benefited from her generosity, creativity, and wisdom. She traveled extensively, with both family and friends, to domestic and international locals. Among other adventures, the travel provided opportunities to experience new countries and meet people of all cultures. Gloria was a master tailor, a gifted painter, and a world class baker. She was active in the community, giving generously of her talents and time. Gloria will forever live in the hearts of her family, friends, companions, and acquaintances.
A mass at St. Anne’s Church and internment at Santa Fe’s National Cemetery will be held on September 7, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society or to the Santa Fe Carmelite Monastery. The family thanks the many who were a part of Gloria’s amazing life.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Priscilla Holladay, please visit our floral store.
Services
CEMETERY
Santa Fe National Cemetery
501 N. Guadalupe
Santa Fe, NM 87501
