Mom remembered ‘fondly,’ child still missing
BRIDGEPORT — The morning snowfall did nothing to deter family and friends gathered Wednesday for the funeral service at St. Andrew Catholic Church for Christine Holloway, who was found dead Dec. 2 and whose toddler daughter is still missing.
In the wake of the tragedy, people have rallied around the Holloway family, including Wusthof USA in Norwalk, where Holloway’s brother, Steven, works. An employee there confirmed that money is being raised for the family.
Holloway’s 1yearold daughter, Vanessa Morales, is still missing and police are investigating both incidents.
As of Tuesday, investigators were in Naugatuck looking into a link to Holloway’s death and Vanessa’s disappearance. The investigation has led police to searches throughout the region, including in Hamden and Stratford.
Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch on Wednesday issued a statement reporting that there were no new updates in the case, but “we are continuing to interview potential witnesses and follow leads.”
Holloway’s funeral was private and St. Andrew’s pastor, Rev. Eugene R. Szantyr, declined comment out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Brian D. Wallace, spokesman for the Diocese of Bridgeport, said Holloway’s family members have been longtime parishioners.
“Christine is fondly recalled by many at St. Andrew’s as the little girl who used to attend Mass with her grandmother,” Wallace said in an email. “People in the parish and throughout the diocese are praying for Christine and her family, and for the safe return of her daughter, Vanessa.”
According to her obituary, Holloway, 43, belonged to the Columbiettes, an international organization of Catholic women dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Theresa the Little Flower and Saint Joan of Arc.
As mourners arrived at the church, many of them exchanged hugs and tears before going inside. The funeral procession was escorted to the church by multiple Bridgeport police cars.
Ansonia police have provided daily updates on the case since a Silver Alert — later upgraded to an Amber Alert — was issued for Vanessa on Dec. 2. Family members said they hadn’t seen Vanessa since Nov. 29.
One person unable to attend the funeral was Josh Morales, of Naugatuck, whose uncle is Jose Morales, Vanessa’s father. Though he organized some friends to hand out fliers last week seeking information about Vanessa, Josh Morales said he was unable to attend the service because he had to work Wednesday.
However, he did go to the wake for Holloway on Tuesday at ParenteLauro Funeral Home in Bridgeport, and said the tone of that gathering was positive. Morales said mourners spoke about Holloway’s pride at being the first person in her family to graduate from college, and her commitment to being a mother.
“She was just so joyful about her child,” Josh Morales said. “There was not a negative word said.”
Anyone with information about this case can contact the FBI at 2035035555, or leave a tip through www.tip411.com.