Obituary of Mary Holder

HOLDER, Mary Elizabeth, BSc, MSc - passed away peacefully in her 97th year at her residence at Trinity Village Kitchener on October 4th, 2011, with her friend Helen Leitch at her side. Mary was born on April 13th, 1915 in St John New Brunswick and was the last surviving member of 5 children with brothers Alan, Clinton, Bill and sister Margaret predeceasing her. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Doug Holder, Lynne Mullen, Marjorie Young, Craig Holder, Jim Holder and their respective families. Predeceased by nephew Stuart Holder. As all the Holder children did at that time Mary started her University career at Mount Allison where if she "was serious and applied herself" her father promised to support her education. Mary passed with flying colors. After finishing university Mary worked as a dietician at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. She later moved to Vancouver as a professor at the University of British Columbia in the Home Economics department. Looking for greater challenges Mary left the west coast to take a position at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Mary retired in Durham but remained active on campus through seventeen years of volunteer work with the United Campus Ministry at UNH. In 1997 Mary made the decision to relocate to Canada to be closer to family where she was one of the original residents at Luther Village in Waterloo, Ontario. Mary will be remembered by her many friends for her warmth, generosity of spirit, wisdom and her ability to speak knowledgeably about whatever was the topic of the day. She was an active church member and got great enjoyment singing in the choir. On one occasion Mary travelled to the UK, Austria and the Soviet Union with the Seacoast Singers spreading good cheer and harmony wherever they visited. She spent many summers at Grand Mannan with a close circle of friends including her best friend, sister Margaret. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing her own vegetables as well as flowers. Mary loved animals and marched in the Humane Society parade for years with her dog Fritz. She was very active on committees at Luther Village and was host to many social get-togethers. The family would like to thank, the staff at Seniors for Seniors, Trinity Village and others who provided invaluable caring support to Mary in her final years. A very special thanks goes to Helen Leitch. Funeral service will be held at the Chapel at Luther Village, 139 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Donations can be made to UNICEF Canada, and can be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com