Wendy A. Holser Hijos

Our beloved warrior, Wendy “Tita” Holser Hijos, age 60, passed away on September 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home. After a courageous three-year battle with cancer, Wendy has gone home to be with her Creator. Her time on earth has ended, but her spirit and legacy of strength, positivity, and inspiration lives on.

Wendy's remarkable journey through life inspired countless people. Her relentless fight against cancer was marked by an unwavering spirit, as she radiated positivity and joy to everyone around her. Her outlook and determination were truly exceptional. Wendy’s strength and drive never faltered. She exercised daily and coached others, until the day she passed.

Born on May 19, 1964, in Troy, New York, Wendy was a lifelong resident of Averill Park. Wendy is survived by her father Daniel J. (late Debbie) Holser and the late Barbara A. (late Richard) Mooney; her husband, Jorge Hijos; her children, Catrina (Michael) Sanchez and Vincent (Sarah) DeFazio; her siblings, John S. (Beth Anne) Holser, Barbara (the late Dave) Tator, Daniel J. (Debbie) Holser, and Suzanne (Tom) Long; her grandchildren, Vincenzo, Sofia, and Luciano Sanchez; and her former husband, Michael DeFazio. Wendy was also the sister of the late Darcy Holser. Her close relationship with all of her nieces and nephews were extremely cherished.

Wendy graduated from Averill Park High School in 1983. She went to Cosmetology School, got her license, and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from SUNY Empire.

While married with two children, Wendy successfully managed Textures Hair Salon from her home for several years. After closing her salon, she got licensed to become an Investment Advisor for Primerica, based out of Clifton Park. She still remained active as a licensed Advisor after all of these years. Wendy then moved to Syracuse and worked her way up to become a Marketing Director for Blue Rock Energy. When she left Syracuse and came back to Averill Park, she became the Executive Director of New York for the Consumer Energy Alliance.

Wendy was a natural teacher, cheerleader, and coach. She shared her knowledge of health and wellness to motivate others towards a holistic lifestyle. She blended Eastern and Western medicine and it undoubtedly contributed to her strength during her battle with cancer. She had a profound impact on those around her, inspiring positive changes in their lives. 

Wendy’s love for her family and friends was profound and unwavering. She found boundless joy in spending time with her grandchildren, whom she lovingly referred to as her “Grand nuggets.” Wendy meticulously planned each moment with them to make it exceptional and memorable. She cherished every activity, whether it was drawing, crafting, baking, swimming, playing soccer, or watching movies, and often included her grandniece and grandnephews in these special times. Tita never missed a game, dance recital, or birthday party, and she delighted in organizing fabulous vacations with her family, especially with her Grand nuggets—these trips were truly the highlights of her life. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest comfort, providing solace and distraction from her pain. Wendy also adored traveling the world with her soulmate, Jorge, enjoying exquisite food and creating unforgettable experiences. Her love extended to her parents and step-parents, whom she cared for unconditionally, and she deeply valued the close relationships with her siblings, including her cousin Sandy Plummer and step-sister Sandra Albrecht. Watching her children, nieces, and nephews grow into adulthood and engaging in meaningful conversations with them brought her immense joy. Admired and loved by her husband’s family, her in-laws family, and her very close friends, Wendy found the true meaning of life and happiness in the company of those she cherished. 

Wendy's deep faith in God the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit remained unwavering, even through the toughest challenges. Her strength in faith inspired those around her, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. 

Wendy was a lover of music with the voice of an angel. She was also an athlete and embraced fitness as a way of life. On October 18th, 1998 she completed the Hudson Mohawk Marathon (26.2 miles). Even with cancer, she continued to walk 4 miles daily around Crooked Lake. She was a true warrior and never stopped pushing herself to the limit.

Wendy’s vibrant personality, positive outlook, and deep compassion illuminated every room she entered. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Though her body rests, her spirit will continue to shine through every single life she has touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 1:00 to 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park, followed by a service at 3:30 PM. The family requests that donations in memory of Wendy Holser Hijos be made to Community Hospice Gift Processing, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

For directions and to sign the guestbook, please visit www.perrykomdat.com.