Tess, not sure if you ever saw these photos, but they were taken in 2011 when your Mom, me, and Julio Barrera (now retired USSS) went to teach at the International Law Enforcement Academy in San Salvador, El Salvador. We had some free time over the weekend and I convinced her to go ziplining with Julio and me. She had to take a few deep breaths before launching off the first platform, but she braved it and made it the whole way to the bottom! I hope these bring a smile to your face and wish you peace, Matt Callahan, USSS-London.
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2011, San Salvador, El Salvador
Safely back on terra firma.
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2011, San Salvador, El Salvador
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2011, San Salvador, El Salvador
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2011, San Salvador, El Salvador
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2011, San Salvador, El Salvador
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2011, San Salvador, El Salvador
Gloria, Julio Barrera, Matt Callahan
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Dear Tess and family.
We're heartbroken here in Madrid over Gloria's passing. She was a great light of humor, kindness and warmth. A very welcoming, friendly presence, having people over at your house in Madrid throughout the year that was always something to forward to and a good time had by all.. Sam had his first (out of maybe two !) authentic American style trick or treating experiences in that neighborhood thanks to y'all having us over there to the house on the night the neighborhood put it on.
Her friendliness and genuine character crossed lines here in Madrid and won her many friends and admirers among the local community. Sara, my wife, adored her and loved her company. As well as countless members of the local staff at the embassy. She still has many admirers here, which is saying a lot for a direct hire American diplomat at an embassy.. Generally, for the local staff, the American "diplomats" are considered stand offish, cold and prone to putting on airs that make them, if not insufferable---something to be endured until their replacement arrives. Not Gloria, she won everybody over by being her warm, authentic self.
It's been seven years since y'all were here in Madrid. Gloria is still highly regarded, loved and now mourned by those of us that had the pleasure of being her friend.
Tess, we admired and loved your mother. Her memory will always be with us.
And, to be more light hearted, a ton of her stuff is still with us that she sold to me at a garage sale when y'all were leaving. I'm looking at a boogie board that was probably yours when you were a kid here! I used your father's bike up until this year. We use some cheese slicer (how civilized!) that we got from your mom at Christmas and Thanksgiving. A bed that Sam sleeps on that has another bed stored beneath. A stand up fan that still works and that I rely on when it's super hot. A bean bag that our twenty year old cat cannot live without. Sara is now reminding me that we hang two Christmas tree ornaments that came from a Christmas random gift exchanging game at your house. I think your mother would love that her/your stuff is still in good use here in Madrid, and she's somewhere smiling about it now!
My email is somewhere here associated with this note, let us know if you travel thorugh here Tess, we'd love to have you at the house.
Love,
Jeff, Sara and Sam
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My heartfelt condolences to Gloria’s family. She was a good friend of mine. We met in Madrid. She was kind, patient, loving, trustworthy, and a woman of God. She was such a light in this world and I will miss her…. immensely. May you rest, my friend in the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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My condolences to Gloria's family. She was a most wonderful, kind, and compassionate colleague and I will miss her very much.
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I retired from the USSS in 1991! Therefore, I never met this young lady! I have know doubt that she wss a pleasure to work with🤗🤗 My sincere condolences to her loved ones!
Gary Strnad
USSS retired
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I will remember my dear Aunt Gloria with lots of love and admiration. Although I didn't get to see her very often, I always looked forward to her visits to El Paso, excited to hear stories about her Secret Service details and living in different parts of the world. She always showed genuine interest in my aspirations and passions and was very supportive. I'll always be grateful for the time I got to spend with her. She was very loving and so full of life. I'm going to miss her a lot but find comfort in knowing she is with our God and loved ones in Heaven. I won't be able to attend the services unfortunately, but my heart will be with my aunts and uncles and our family, and sweet cousin Tess. I love you all. May Aunt Gloria's memory remain alive on Earth as she rests peacefully in Heaven, until we meet again.
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2015, Spain
Tour through beautiful Spain
— with
Aneda, Gloria & me (Angie)
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Dear Tess and family. I was one of your mother’s instructors at the Secret Service Academy. She was an outstanding student and I enjoyed working with her after her graduation as I moved on to other assignments. My best thoughts to you and your family. May she rest in peace. Take care, Michael J. Zens ATSAIC, U.S. Secret Service (Retired)
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