Obituaries
Gloria E. Hoelzel
Gloria E. Hoelzel of 166 Valley Brook Drive, a vibrant and active 90 year old died on Sunday, December 23, 2012 due to injuries she sustained in a fall on Friday evening, December 21. She was born on May 9, 1922 in New York City. She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Walter A. Hoelzel, and will hopefully be reunited with him for Christmas after 34 years. She was also preceded in death by her brother Kenneth Jordan of Cranford, NJ.
The focus of Gloria’s life was her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Kathy Flowers, wife of Alan Flowers of Lancaster, Judy Spirk, wife of Gary Spirk of Washington Boro, and her son Walter J. Hoelzel, partner of Elliot Foster of Lancaster. She is survived by 7 grandchildren, Kortni Mann, wife of Drew Mann, Kelsey Hayes, wife of Scott Hayes, Bryan Spirk, Jason Spirk, Ben Spirk, Darren Spirk and Kristin Swartz wife of Joe Swartz as well as 7 great grandchildren, Emma, Maya, Jonah, Hanna, Samuel, Leah, Elena and an 8th due in May of 2013.
She served as an administrative assistant for the Junior League for 18 years and prior to that for Lancaster Catholic High for 12 years. After the death of her husband in 1978 she became a member of what would become the second love of her life, the Red Rose City Chapter of Sweet Adelines International. She remained active with the chorus right up to her death and participated in both performances and competitions. She was also the acting President of Towne Club and the Social Director for Valley Brook Estates where she resided, as well as a member of the Silver Threads and Red Hat Society. She will be sorely missed by her family, her many friends and her dog Maggie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 28, 2012 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church with The Rev. Msgr Richard A. Youtz as Celebrant. The family Will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA, and again on Friday from 10 to 11 AM at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. To place a condolence online please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
I always enjoyed being with Gloria at Red Rose City events. She was always having fun and enjoying the moment. I enjoyed singing with her on stage at the "Barbershop Christmas" show. She will be greatly missed by all who know her.
Scott Sener
Red Rose Chorus/Sum of Each Quartet
Gloria was my dear, dear friend and sister in song for 11 years in Red Rose City Chorus. She had such enthusiasm and truly enjoyed her life, family and all her activities. I’ll miss her.
Melissa Hunnefield
Dear Family, I knew Gloria for many years. First At Lancaster Catholic then as the Jr. League Secretary. I also had the opportunity to hear her sing with her group. What a fabulous lady she was. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her & loved her. I will keep her in my prayers.
Fondly,
Mary Anne Aichele
Kathy, Judy & Wally:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was a great lady. It is often said that one of life’s little negatives is that you cannot choose your neighbors. Well, in the case of the Villella’s moving to Crooked Oak Drive in 1972, that certainly was not true. We had the best neighbors in the Hoelzel family, and I have found memories of your Mom and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this mournful time.
Sincerely,
John Villella
Dear Kathy, Judy, Wally, and families,
I have many wonderful childhood memories of your mom; I am very glad that I was able to have lunch with her and Kathy a few years ago as I now also have a happy memory of the vibrant woman she remained well into her latter years. I know you will miss her tremendously. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Barbara and Greg Mank
Accept my condolences on the untimely death of your mother, Gloria. May you be blessed in the future with remembrances of when she shared life with you and shed God’s grace though her presence. May you also be blessed with a vision of the resurrection and the blessing, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Haydn McLean, Chaplain, Lancaster General. Eccl. 7: 1-3
I knew Gloria for many years when I was an active member of the Junior League and she so ably was the face of the League in the administrative offices. What a capable, active, caring, energetic, talented person she was! We would run into each other around town many years after our League days – she always remembered my name and we had great chats! Gloria was a truly remarkable person who lived life to the fullest! She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Margie Gerhardt
I will miss your smiling face and positive attitude in our chorus.You are a "lady"and such a good friend to all of us!!
Love,
Joyce Fidle
You were a special lady, and a good fried of my mother Sally Groff, you will be missed by all, RIP!
Dear Judy and Family,
I was so saddened to read of your Mom’s passing. Even though our paths had not crossed in the past few years, I treasure the laughs and sometimes frustrations that we shared in the Junior League offices in the early 90s. Your Mom was a sincere, committed, compassionate and a truly special lady who touched many. May you all find peace through your warm memories of her.
Louise Ulrich
