Vanessa Pitangui Lucena Holzer

Mrs. Holzer has given me my basic understanding, love, and appreciation for Spanish. I am now currently teaching kindergarten, and I hope to one day be fluent and incorporate even more Spanish in my classroom than I am able to do now. I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Holzer. Her sense of humor is what seemed to shine through her teaching. She had such enthusiasm and spirit that radiated through the walls of her classrooms and was contagious in our learning. Although her passing saddens...

John, I'm sorry about Vanessa's passing. I'll be praying for you and your family, and hope that the memories you have of her will be of the outmost comfort. God bless you.
Christine Pinotti (formerly Buss)

I remember beautiful Vanessa from Bogota, Colombia in the early 70s. She was a wonderful friend who mentored me through the birth of my only son, Alex. I think of her now with great fondness.

Senora Holzer was one of my favorite teachers at St. Francis. Learning the Spanish language from her was enjoyable and rewarding.

With my sympathies,
William Brewer, class of '93

Mrs. Holzer was my Spanish teacher for many years at St. Francis. I was truly amazed while reading her obituary at all of her many accomplishments throughout her life. She was such a humble, kind and wonderful person who taught me so many things. Please know that she will forever be remembered by all the lives she touched during her 11 years at St. Francis. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

What a loss Vanessa is to us all. I have such wonderful memories of her as my friend and colleague. I will never forget her for her sense of style, appreciation of beautiful things, but what I will remember most, is her caring for others. Vanessa was a gifted Spanish teacher who was loved and respected by her students. What stood out about Vanessa with her students was her love for them and genuine interest in them.

One project she did with her classes was a "People" magazine in...

Mrs. Holzer was a beautiful woman and a wonderful teacher. She was my Spanish teacher throughout my years at St. Francis. I always looked forward to her class because she was so much fun and we always sat on the floor, never in desks. I'll never forget talking to her about boys and middle school dances. She will always be remembered by all of her students. I send my love to her family and boys that she loved talking about.