Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2026
UPCOMING SERVICE
Gloria Holy Obituary
Born: February 15, 1928
Died: February 3, 2026
Gloria J. Holy, 97, of Woodstock, IL passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation in Woodstock, IL after a short illness.
She was born February 15, 1928, in Woodstock to Arthur and Alma (Hansman) Nickels. Gloria was married to Frank E. Holy for 46 years until his passing in 2011. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock and a lifetime member of the VFW.
When Gloria and her husband Frank retired, they moved to Bonita Springs, FL where they enjoyed fishing, boating, walking the beach and collecting shells. After 25 years, they moved back to Illinois where they could be closer to family. Gloria adored all her grandchildren. She always had a loving smile, a hug, and a full candy jar whenever they would visit.
For Gloria, music was a source of constant joy. At an early age, she learned to play the piano by ear. Later in life, you would find her playing the organ at the Woodstock VFW on Friday evenings. Friends and family would visit her at home and find her playing favorite songs on her organ well into her 90s or rediscovering her favorite music on YouTube. She was very compassionate and caring to everyone she knew. The nurses at Valley Hi Nursing Home shared that Gloria could be seen holding hands of various residents, giving them hope and encouragement.
Gloria is survived by her sons, Terry (Laura Boal) Figard and Leslie (Teresa) Figard; daughters, Debra Hansing and Sue Vanstelle; grandchildren, Tina (Mark) Porter, Michael (Erica) Figard, Mickey (Curt) Breutzmann, Matthew (Jessica) Figard, Steven (Heather) Figard, Darrin (Jacque) Hansing, Chad Hansing, and Marla Bowen; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; brother, Robert "Bud" Nickels; son-in-law, Steven Hansing; and daughter-in-law, Mary (Wiersma) Figard.
Visitation will be at Grace Lutheran church from 9 to 11 a.m. on April 9, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Memorial Park in Woodstock following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Gloria Holy
Memories and Condolences
for Gloria Holy
How you can show support
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Gloria Holy's name
People and places connected with Gloria
Crystal Lake, IL
Northwest Herald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gloria's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gloria Holy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
