Nelia Gallardo Adanza, 74

Nelia Gallardo Adanza, born October 23, 1950, as a citizen of the Philippines. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States. She passed away on June 6, 2025 at the age of 74 in Arizona.

Nel ia enjoyed dancing and singing. She danced professionally with the Lanawan Dance Troupe.

Among the many dances she performed, she enjoyed

highlighting the Philippines traditional folk dance, the Filipino Tinikling. She graduated from the Philippine College of Commerce, in Manila, Philippines. She worked for the Philippine Bureau of Customs as a secretary and stenographer. She also worked with Subic Bay.

When Nelia resided in Corpus Christi and Houston, TX, she worked at a bank and M.W. Kellogg.

Next came her life’s mission and service with the U.S. Department of State, Foreign Services. She served the State Department via missions in Chile, Brazil, China, the Philippines, Washington D.C., Bulgaria, Cyprus, Japan and once again in the Philippines where she retired after 30 plus years of service.

Anyone and everyone with whom she served with, knew Nelia. She was Office Manager (Ambassadors Secretary) for the U.S. Ambassador in whichever embassy she was serving. As the Adanza family matriarch, she was the provider who took care of everyone and anyone. Many, in the Philippines, referred to her as “the godmother.” She will be missed by all, and especially so many who counted upon her generosity.

Nelia is survived by her husband of 30 years, Bruno “Skip” Schlueter; sister Candelaria G. Adanza of the Philippines; a nephew whom she raised Romie Adanza, of Irvine, CA; niece Camille Mendoza Sanchez of Irvine, CA; as well as several grand nieces and nephews. Nelia was preceded in death by both of her parents; two brothers; a nephew Joseph (USMC) whom she raised; and her daughter Marie (Fancher) Pag-Iwayan.