Lillian Claire Mora Holley

Lillian Claire Mora Holley was born November 3, 1919, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to William J. and Lillian Mora. Lillian was the fourth of five children and the only daughter. She left this world surrounded by her loving family on October 23, 2015.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Holley, her parents, William and Lillian Mora, her brothers, William, John and Joseph. She is survived by her brother, August T. Mora; her children Kay Alexander, Diane and Bobby Gierisch, and Carol and Robert Key; grandchildren William and Britni Key, Kathryn and Josh Grisham, Adam and Kerry Gierisch, Holly Gierisch and Carrie and Preston Short; and seven beautiful great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lillian was graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican High School and attended Sophie Newcomb College and Tulane University. She was a founder of the New Orleans Musical Youth Movement, originally called Les Patrons de Salon Group, as first chair violinist and the Concert Mistress of the orchestra.

Lil and Bill met in New Orleans, where Bill was stationed in the Coast Guard during WWII. They were married in 1946.

Lil, one of the earliest members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, acted as treasurer of the St. Rose Altar Guild, sang in the Choir, was a member of the Bereavement Ministry and was a Eucharistic Minister serving the Parish homebound and nursing home residents. She delivered Meals on Wheels and acted as Director of the Strummin’ Saints Ukulele Band of The Third Age Learning Center for many years.

Lil loved family, music, friends and her faith. She was a woman full of energy, life and love. Her family was her heart and soul.

Services will be Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman, with Rosary at 5 pm and Funeral Mass to follow at 6 pm. Private burial will be in Seguin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Rose of Lima Legacy of Faith, 3600 Brinkman, 77018; Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, 77030; or Third Age Learning Center, c/o All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th Street, 77008.