Gilda Sandra Massey-Taylor
Gilda Sandra Massey was born September 20, 1949 in Long Beach, California. Gilda was the second daughter of Henrietta “Hank” A. Anaya and Winfred C. Massey’s first daughter. Her older sister, Earlene Hopper, is survived and lives in California. Her sister Deborah Scherzer, is also survived and lives in Colorado. Her youngest sister Paula Spooner lives in New Mexico. Gilda grew up known to many as Sandy. While attending Albuquerque High School, she fell in love and married her high school sweetheart David R. Baca. They married on July 16, 1966 with parental consent and she gave birth to their first daughter Natalie D. Medina on December 31, 1966. David joined the Army and they traveled the states. Their second daughter, Louina S. Gonzales was born on March 1, 1968. On October 22, 1971 they had a son Anthony P. Baca but he became sick and died of dehydration while they were traveling from Alabama to California. The Baca Family lived shortly in California and then decided to move back to Albuquerque. Gilda decided it was time for a career! She found she had a talent in the financial world as a Credit Manager. Their last daughter Aleah R. Baca was born September 30, 1981. Unfortunately, Gilda and David’s marriage ended in 1993. Gilda moved to Colorado to be close to her sister Deborah. There she met John “Steve” Taylor while dancing at Teddy’s, they married on August 22, 1998. They enjoyed life to the fullest and made lasting impressions on all they met. Gilda would experience one last heartbreak when her husband died on November 18, 2017. The following year she would learn she had breast cancer. She did not wish anyone to know and would endure this secret until it metastasized into her brain. Peacefully sleeping in her home on November 12, 2021, Gilda caught Steve’s hand and they are now dancing into eternity together.
Gilda’s last wishes that there be no services or a funeral. She donated her body to Science Care. The family requests in lieu of flowers a donation to the American Cancer Society donate3.cancer.org