Gloria Fontana Tomars

Gloria Fontana Tomars August 2, 1922 - July 24, 2009 At the age of 86, Gloria Fontana Tomars passed away peacefully at Stanford University Medical Center on the morning of July 24, 2009 after staging a courageous battle with breast cancer for over three years. She was the second child born to Valerio and Annunziatina Fontana of Colma, CA. While Gloria was raised in Colma, she and her family lived with her grandparents in Civitanova, Italy for two years in 1929 and 1930. After returning to Colma, she attended and graduated from Jefferson Elementary and Jefferson High Schools. She married Michael Tomars in 1960 after a blissful courtship of four months. Their only child, Michael Jr. was born in 1964. The Tomars family resided at the Fontana homestead in Colma until Gloria, Michael, and Michael Jr. relocated to Saratoga, CA, in 1973. The family ultimately settled at their current residence in Portola Valley, CA, in 1984. Gloria was an active and enthusiastic volunteer at Filoli, a private property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation located in Woodside, CA. For over eight years, Gloria took great delight in creating a variety of items, all of which were sold in the Filoli gift shop. Gloria often spoke of the volunteers at Filoli and of the many lasting friendships that she developed while working with this group. On a weekly basis, Gloria also took pleasure in walking through the peaceful gardens of Filoli. During their marriage, Gloria and her husband traveled extensively throughout the world, and particularly enjoyed their many adventures to Europe with her brother, Elio Fontana and sister-in-law, Louise. She also enjoyed multiple visits with her family to exotic destinations in the South Pacific. In her spare time, Gloria also enjoyed culinary arts, horticulture, playing the piano, attending musical theatre and opera, and serving as a constant inspiration to her son. She is survived by Michael, her devoted husband of nearly 50 years; her loving son, Michael Jr.; her much beloved brother, Elio; sister-in-law; Louise; niece, Valerie Anderson and her husband, Dale Anderson; nephew, Mark Fontana; three grandnieces; and one grandnephew. She is also survived by many cousins located in the United States and Italy. Throughout her diagnosis, numerous treatments, and days in the hospital, Gloria spent her time focusing on life's positive attributes and propping up the spirits of other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own affliction. During the last year of her struggle, Gloria often commented how lucky she was to have the constant support of her husband, son, brother, and niece. Gloria was also thankful for the personal attention rendered by her medical team at the Stanford Cancer Center. Her charm and warmth will be sadly missed by family and friends. Gloria will be remembered as a gracious lady who inspired others to seek out the positive aspects of life. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 930 Portola Road, Portola Valley. A reception with refreshments will follow at 12:30 p.m. at The Ranch House, Portola Valley Ranch where attendees are encouraged to share personal stories of interactions with Gloria. A private gathering for family and close friends will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, to be followed by entombment in the Fontana family chapel at the Italian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in the name of Gloria Fontana Tomars be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or to the charity of their choice.