Gloria Shoemaker
Ocean City

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, and friend, Gloria Shoemaker who peacefully entered the arms of her Savior on December 3, 2024, at the age of 67.

Born on June 26, 1957, in Baltimore, Gloria was the daughter of the late Rosalie Neumayer and Edward (Jack) Holland, she was one of 6 children. Survived by her beloved son, Cody and daughter-in-law, Corinne Shoemaker, her brother, Robert and his wife, Tricia Holland, her brother, Ed and his wife, Candy Holland, and her sister, Jackie and her husband, Jerry Vandervort and preceded in death by her two late sisters, Linda Holland and Vanessa Fabian.

She was the first one to move away from her hometown and explore life outside of Baltimore, an accomplishment that she was very proud of. In 1978, she moved to the small town of Ocean City, where she would later help her brother, Robert (Robbie) Holland, move down to one of their favorite places ever on 82nd Street Coastal Highway.

Gloria was a devoted mother to her only child Cody, whom she cherished with all her heart. Her love for Cody was unshakeable, and she found her greatest joy in the bond they shared. This was her proudest moment when she became a mother in October 1990. It’s an understatement to say that Cody was the light of her life. From day one, they did everything together…from daily beach adventures, to being the “pizza delivery mom” at Worcester Preparatory, and always being there to take him and watch him at the skatepark on almost a daily basis. She poured everything she had into her son Cody and played a significantly positive role in teaching him the values he has today. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication as a mother will remain a guiding light for Cody for the rest of his life.

Gloria was also a loving sister to her brother, Robbie, who was her constant companion and source of strength. Their deep connection and loyalty to one another was evident to all who knew them. Robbie was always there to ensure she wasn’t alone, which she deeply cherished.

She was fond of spending her younger years enjoying the beach life in OC and working summer jobs like Love’s Lemonade stand, but in the 1980s while working at the Carousel Hotel she met her ex-husband, Bill Shoemaker. When they weren’t tending to the cats, pigs, horses and cows on their farm, the two started a successful meeting management business in which she was integral in acquiring one of their biggest lifetime customers. Along with this accolade, Gloria started her own business, Holland Corporation, which outfitted homes and businesses up and down the Delmarva Coast with top-of-the-line decor and window treatments. Another great joy was having her niece Jen and nephew Johnny visit her home known as “Jessica Ranch” and spending time together, going to the beach and just hanging out with all the animals.

Gloria was an avid bike cyclist, and her great accomplishment was the Seagull Century 100 Mile Ride and riding with her son, Cody and brother, Robbie, when they got the chance.

A woman of profound faith, Gloria was a devout Christian who lived her life with love, grace, and an unwavering belief in God’s promises. She found peace and strength in her relationship with Jesus Christ and held onto the blessed hope that one day she would be welcomed into her heavenly mansion, reunited with loved ones in the presence of her Savior. Her faith shaped everything she did.

She knows that her time on earth was only temporary, and she looked forward to the eternal life that awaited her with joy and certainty.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Residence Inn, Ocean City.