Gloria Ann Holt

Gloria Ann Holt, age 75 of Gainesville passed away, Sunday, February 9, 2014. Gloria was born in New York City on January 4, 1939. She received her BA from Queens College (City University of New York) in Flushing, NY. She studied at the University of Madrid, Spain, perfecting her language skills. She received her MA from State University of New York at Stony Brook, Long Island, New York. She had permanent certification to teach Spanish and English as a Second Language. Gloria went on to become a Spanish teacher over a 30 year period. She was an outstanding teacher, loved and respected by her students. Her daughter Rebecca claims that she was “born to be teacher.” Many of her former students have stayed in touch with her over the years. She retired from Shoreham-Wading River High School in June 1999. Gloria and her husband Bill moved from Long Island, New York to Gainesville in 1999. Gloria continued to use her intellect in various activities: She worked as a volunteer with homeless veterans for 6 years and was appointed to the Board of Directors; She was an ardent student of genealogy, tracing her family back many generations; She loved to read and to swim at the YMCA; She treasured her Bible and received spiritual direction weekly with Dr. Gina Giovinco at Holy Faith Catholic Church. She also spent many hours doing exquisite needle work. Gloria thoroughly enjoyed and excelled as a volunteer teacher of English as a Second Language, working with adults. She taught for 2 years until the program unfortunately was terminated. However she continued to teach at various locations. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill, daughter Rebecca Tomalty of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, son Armand Martin (Stephanie) of Saginaw, Michigan, stepdaughter, Margaret Holt Sennett (Timothy) of the Villages, FL, 2 grandsons, Steven Martin and Billy Martin, granddaughter, Jessie Sennett, her brother Peter Schwartzman (Sheila) of Hudson, Florida and by a multitude of friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Fisher House, 5106 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605 or The American Cancer Society 2119 SW 16th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL, with Fr. John Phillips and Fr. Emmanuel as celebrants. Interment will follow in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143RD Street.

Gloria Ann Holt

January 4, 1939 - February 9, 2014