Holly Ciresi

Holly Ciresi, age 77, of Canon City, Colorado, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, September 26, 2025, after a short and heartbreaking battle with cancer. She was born on October 17, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio.

She graduated from John Marshall High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Kent State University. She later completed a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Grand Canyon University. Her lifelong calling was education, and she devoted more than 50 years to serving children, most notably as a beloved kindergarten teacher. In her later years, she continued her passion for learning and teaching by working as a substitute teacher as well as at the Canon Literacy Center, touching the lives of learners in early literacy.

Known admirably as “Mrs. C” to countless students and families, she was far more than a teacher—she was a mentor, a cheerleader, and a role model. Her generous heart and giving spirit touched everyone she met. Above all, she was devoted to her family, treasuring every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Gigi.” In her free time, she loved bowling with friends and family. She also loved to travel, especially when it meant visiting family or supporting her grandchildren in their adventures. Whether cheering at events, playing games, catching a movie, or spending mornings at the library, she made ordinary moments extraordinary and was always the loudest supporter in both the stands and in life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Ciresi; her mother, Carol Moffitt; her father, Earl Moffitt; her grandmother, Marion Schreiber; and her brother, John Moffitt.

She is survived by her sister, Karen Moffitt; her children, Cortney (Tyler) Richardson, Angie (Joe) Campo, Tony (Colleen) Ciresi, Joe Ciresi, Sammi (Frank) Mordas, Mikey Ciresi, and Chrissy Ciresi; grandchildren, Abagail (Dylan) Oxley, Emilee (Matthew) Perkins, Tate Richardson, and nine bonus grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Emerson, and Adalynn Oxley, along with six bonus great-grandchildren; niece and nephew, Sara (Josh) Moffitt and Nathan (Kat) Moffitt; great-nieces and nephews, Matthew and Alexandria Moffitt, and Elexys and Jahren Trujillo; and her aunt, Clarice Drake. Her legacy of love, generosity, and encouragement will live on through them all.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pathfinder Event Center in Florence, Colorado. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing pictures, stories, and fellowship as we honor her remarkable life and the joy she brought to so many. Please bring pictures and memories to share. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Holly Ciresi, please visit our floral store.