Virginia Cooling Hollett

Virginia “Ginny” Cooling Hollett passed away peacefully on May 3rd in Carmel, Indiana, just 14 months after the passing of her husband of 64 years, John.

Ginny was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to William and Anna Cooling on January 28, 1938. The oldest of 3 sisters, Ginny was a proud Hoosier and lifelong resident of Indianapolis. She grew up on the north side, attended IPS School 86 and graduated from Shortridge High School in 1956, where Ginny met John. She followed in her father’s footsteps by attending DePauw University while John attended arch-rival Wabash College, setting off a lifelong rivalry over the Monon Bell. Ginny was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, proud that it was the first college sorority in the United States. She was also honored to be a “Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” at Wabash.

Following graduation from DePauw, Ginny and John married and settled in Indianapolis in 1960, thus setting the rhythm for the rest of her life: devoted wife of John, mother of three rambunctious children, volunteer, and friend to many.

Ginny was the consummate house maker of a busy household juggling parenting responsibilities by driving her kids all over Indy and the Midwest to various sports events, while also volunteering for local organizations and keeping busy with her sisters and large circle of friends.

Ginny loved nature and relished her time at Lake Maxinkuckee, Pentwater on Lake Michigan or stopping in Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the way to Florida or South Carolina. She surprised the kids by purchasing a sailboat, which they enjoyed sailing at lakes around Indiana. While Ginny enjoyed playing tennis, she was equally happy to support her children in their pursuits and always kept meticulous scorecards of matches.

Ginny was never one to boast and often hid her talents well, but she designed the family’s new house, contributing to the blueprints and all aspects of its design. When the kids were old enough, she surprised her family by deciding to start a new career as a Physician’s Assistant, acing her exams.

Classy, elegant, kind and beautiful, Ginny’s smile lit up every room she entered, and her gentle spirit touched the hearts of all who knew her. She was a great listener, and rarely had a bad word to say about anything.

She had a deep love for her grandchildren, always cherishing the moments spent with them. Her sense of humor and giving nature made her a joy to be around, and she never missed an important date. She always made everyone feel special.

Ginny leaves behind her son, Bill Hollett (Amy) of Marietta, Georgia; her son, John Hollett (Gretchen) of Seattle, Washington; her daughter, Kathy Hollett of Indianapolis; her sister, Susan Cook of Sarasota, Florida; and eight grandchildren, Sara, Annie, Kate, Lauren, Timmy, Cory, Emma and Mia. She is proceeded in death by her husband, John E Hollett III; her parents, William and Anna Cooling; stepmother Barbara Cooling and sister Mary Cooling.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, June 7th, from 9:00-10:00am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 10:00am. A private interment will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery.

For those who wish to make a contribution in memory of Virginia C. Hollett, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Church (https://www.stpaulsindy.org/giving) or to DePauw University to support the general fund at www.depauw.edu/give.

Ginny’s family is most thankful for the staff at The Stratford in Carmel which cared for Ginny with kindness and laughter.

To leave a condolence or fond memory, please visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/virginia-hollett-12363836