Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Glenda Tolar, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, hospitality, and an unwavering love for her family.
Born in Galveston, Glenda spent her life creating a home that was always open to others. She was the beloved wife of James Tolar and a dedicated mother to Patrick Garcia. Her greatest joy, however, was found in her role as "Nana" to her five grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.
Glenda was a woman of vibrant energy and many passions. A master of detail, she was an avid party planner who turned every birthday and milestone into a grand celebration. Her love for the holidays was legendary; she had a unique gift for making every season feel magical, ensuring her home was filled with decorations, laughter, and the aroma of her incredible cooking.
She was a natural storyteller who loved to talk and share the history of her life. She spoke often and fondly of her childhood, and she took great pride in her years spent in retail sales during her 20s and 30s. Those experiences gave her a keen eye for people and a wealth of wisdom, which she often shared through cautionary tales. She was adamant about passing on these lessons, always looking out for the well-being of those she loved with a mix of humor and hard-earned advice.
When she wasn't hosting family gatherings, Glenda was often found embracing the great outdoors. She found peace and adventure camping in the RV and spent many happy, quietish hours fishing on the water. These trips were the backdrop for countless family memories that will be cherished forever.
Her spirit of generosity and her ability to bring people together were her hallmarks. Whether she was doing a little shopping, making cookies, or telling someone "Are you sure you don't want to take a plate home?" Glenda made everyone around her feel truly loved and like they belonged.
She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Ortiz, and her mother, Pola Flores.
She is survived by her husband, James Tolar; her son Patrick Garcia and his wife Alexanderia Garcia; her five cherished grandchildren Vincent Schriefer, Jenson Garcia, Dakota Garcia, Gianna Garcia and Efrain Garcia; her sisters Diane Parker, Belinda Ortiz, Maria Garcia, and Enelda Ybarra; her brothers Ifrain Ortiz and Ray Ortiz; and a wide circle of friends and extended family who will miss her deeply.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Glenda Enedina Tolar, please visit our floral store.