Obituary of Gladys Soto

Gladys was born in Bogota, Colombia on January 24 1938 and in the early sixty's she immigrated to the US with her mother Isabel and her youngest sister, Mercy; to reside in New York. While residing in New York, Gladys became an accomplished high fashion designer and custom dressmaker. During her long career Gladys established her own business where she dealt with her private customers, she also worked for various fashion stores. In 1969 Gladys, married Javier Soto, her adolescent sweetheart. Gladys and Javier were very involved with their extended family and with their friends; developing lifelong relationships. Gladys had a very strong hand in helping Mercy and Arthur (Artie) Oxford's raise their loving nieces, Sandra and Rene. The Soto's did not have biological children but they took great pride in their continued involvement with Sandy's children Zachary and Desmond and Rene's children Anastasia, Antonio Jr., Athena and Andrew. In 1992 Gladys and Javier relocated to Florida, where they continued their loving tradition welcoming the opportunity to be involved with their niece Claudia Molina and her son Daniel, residents of Miami. Gladys had the ability to establish friendships in any place she went to. She was generous with her love and she was always surrounded by people that were delighted to be acquainted to her. After her retirement she returned to the workforce and became a cherished member of the staff at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, FL. She received numerous recognitions for her commitment to excellence and her outstanding achievement as the Tailor of the Hotel. Gladys is survived by her brother and sisters; Jaime Ramirez, Fanny Cuellar de Molina, Marina Cuellar, Nelsy Cuellar. Nieces and Nephews; Sandra Cuellar Oxford, Renee Ortiz, Claudia Molina, Eduardo Molina, Guillermo Molina, Patricia Molina Fernando Molina, Maria Isabel Porter, Pedro Ramirez Jr, Patricia Ramirez. Gladys exuded energy and happiness and as her name indicates it she was always "glad." After retiring Gladys remained adventurous. She enjoyed traveling to different places, camping, swimming, meeting friends, attending parties and dancing with her friends. Gladys suffered a stroke in June 2013 and in July 2013 she came to New York to reside with her niece Sandra and family, who willing and lovingly cared for her until her passing on 4/12/14. It may sound cliché but "Aunt Gladys will not be forgotten, she forever will be in our hearts.