Hilda Louise Holliday

Hilda Louise Burr Holliday passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Louise was born in the hills of West Virginia. She married the great love of her life, Joseph Vaughn Holliday, Jr. in 1940. Their loving relationship, respect and care for one another, was admired by everyone blessed to know them. Together, they raised a family of four, the late Patricia Jo Shannon, Joseph Vaughn, Holliday III (Cheryl), Margaret Ann Holliday (Howard Coleman), and Karen Sue Moore Holliday (Charles Moore). Their family eventually grew to include eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren (and two on the way) and Layla Louise; a great-great-granddaughter and her names sake. Louise supported her husband with inspirational devotion as he became a minister and chaplain in the Army. They ministered to people across Maryland and Delaware. Everywhere the Holliday’s went, they became a well-loved part of the community and made lifelong friends. Her family and friends remember Louise for her sweet personality, generosity, compassion and loyal friendship. She doted upon all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; all of them were her absolute pride and joy. Her unconditional love, constant support, and the wisdom she shared shaped them all as they grew towards adulthood. Even in her final months and days, her uncanny intuition, joy in her family and sweetness endeared her to all she had loved for a lifetime and those she met as caregivers and new friends. She experienced great sorrow and saw the world turn upside down but always carried on with grace, faith, strength and fortitude. She was a great role model to all and her legacy lives on in all those who loved her. Louise’s passing leaves her family and friends bereft in a sea of great sadness. The fond memories she created with them over the year glow with love, laughter, and joy. It is those memories and good times that will bring comfort and help soothe those left behind. Those of us lucky enough to have spent time with Louise, know she loved her husband more than life itself. Outside her front door, there stood a plaque which read, “If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you down again.” We find comfort in the knowing that she has joined her beloved Joe in Heaven and is now in a place of absolute bliss and contentment. It is only when we love someone so much, that we experience such great pain. The love and pain travel together and it is a tribute to Louise that so many mourn her passing. “The Lord mixes sweetness and sadness together like a melody and soothes our soul with its song”. She never said ‘good bye’ it was always a big hug, a kiss and a smiling ‘so long.’ So long, Louise! We know there is another Angel in Heaven to guide our way. May peace be with you and be with us all. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 18, 2016, at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, in Chestertown, MD. A service will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at 1:00 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel, DE, where relatives and friends may call on hour prior (12:00-1:00 pm). Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Georgetown, DE, following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Tribute Giving, 8400 Silver Crossing, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

Hilda Louise Holliday

October 27, 1922 - July 13, 2016