Veronica Ann Holland's Obituary
Holland, Veronica Ann, 74, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2014 in Ft. Myers, Florida surrounded by her devoted husband of 54 years, Thomas J. Holland and family.Veronica was born in Brooklyn, New York, where she and her husband, Tom, met as teenagers. They promised their lives to each other in front of Freddie’s Fish Market and began their journey together. They married on June 20, 1959, Veronica’s birthday, and were delighted to add three beautiful daughters to their family over the next six years.As a young woman, Veronica worked at Women’s Wear Daily, where her love of fashion and all things beautiful was evident. After her daughters were in school, Veronica’s commitment to service was demonstrated. She held positions at the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the Rhode Island Bar Association. She supported programs which honored peace and diversity, working tirelessly to provide legal services for the poor and elderly.She was able to accomplish these goals, while she and Tom dedicated their lives to raising and educating their daughters. Through law and graduate schools, their daughters were encouraged to dedicate their professional lives to the service of others, continuing Veronica’s legacy. As the years went on, Veronica began a new career, becoming an extraordinary grandmother; loving, nurturing and laughing with her seven grandchildren.Veronica and Tom raised their own family in Rhode Island and settled later in life to beautiful Cape Cod. Many happy summers were spent at their home in Cotuit. They wintered in Ft.Myers, Florida, amidst the white sands and gentle breezes.Veronica loved a good cup of tea, her garden, (daffodils in spring, hydrangeas in summer), birdbaths, pretty collections of all sorts, a swim on Douse’s beach, a drive over the Sanibel Causeway, family trips to Disney, and a good production number (produced by family or professionals) and all holidays, which she celebrated with verve.She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Holland, of Ft. Myers, Florida, her daughter, Marybeth (Holland) O’Hearn, and her husband, Tom O’Hearn of Yarmouth Port, Patricia A. (Holland) Draves and her husband, Jeff Draves, of Alliance, Ohio, and Margaret (Holland) McDuff and her husband, Michael McDuff, of Riverside, RI. Her beloved grandchildren, Katilin, Kara Rose, Alison Benjamin, William, Thomas and Matthew, were the budding blooms in the garden of her life.Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, Summer Street, Yarmouth Port, MA. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery, Yarmouth Port, MA.A service was held previously in Florida for the family and friends there.Veronica’s beloved Alison passed away in 2007. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Alison’s foundation – Alison Draves Performing Art Award, Greater Alliance Foundation, 960 West State St., Suite 130, Alliance, Ohio 44601. 330-823-8560, greateralliance@sbcglobal,net.
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