Gloria P. (Person) Holbrook

Gloria Person Holbrook, 86, of Columbia, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2018 in the hands of her loved ones. She was born in Jay, Vermont on July 23, 1931.  Prior to her retirement, Gloria was a well know realtor in Columbia as well as the co-owner of Turf Realty with her sister, Joyce Fox. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she was a reading specialist at RHAM High School where she was admired by her students.  Choosing a career in education gave Gloria the drive and determination to complete her Master’s in Education at Eastern Connecticut State University while raising her family. Along with her busy career she also had a small business selling treasured antiques. Gloria was truly a woman of the world as she traveled from Shanghai to Moscow to Paris to Rio and points in-between. She embraced life and loved its adventures. Theater, books and tea were her vice. “Family and friends foremost -  love one another” was her motto. An optimistic outlook and her smile carried her through both the good and the bad times.  Gloria leaves behind her beloved husband of 30 years, Thadeus (Ted, as she fondly called him) Mielczarski, two daughters Jill Grant and Nancy Holbrook; two sons and their spouses Daniel & Brenda Holbrook, Justin & Andrea Holbrook; grandchildren Christopher Grant (and his wife Meghan), Matthew Grant, Robin Fernandez, Ashley Fernandez, Zachary Holbrook, Luke Holbrook and Lauren Holbrook; step-daughters, Cheryl & Adrienne and their families; sister and best friend, Joyce Fox, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first love, husband Laurence B Holbrook, Jr., her niece Jennifer Fox and grandson Benjamin lacovelli. She was a strong influence for all and she made our lives richer. Family and friends are invited to share stories in a celebration of her life at her beloved home at 61 Pine Street in Columbia on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The family would also like to thank the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department and the Hartford Health Care Hospice Network for being there in her times of need. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saxton B. Little Free Library 319 Route 87 Columbia, CT 06237 or The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department 167 Route 66 PO Box 26 Columbia CT 06237.  For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.

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