Mary Sheila (Coughlin) Holden, passed away at the age of 79, on April 14, 2021. Mary Sheila was an adored, devoted wife to William Holden (deceased), and loving Mother to four children; Susan Hamminga (Lee) of Hollister, CA, JoAnn Stockfisch of Clearwater, FL, Cynthia Holden Keegan (Tom) of Newport News, VA and William Holden (Wendy) of Clearwater, FL.
Mary was a beloved and involved grandmother to nine grandchildren; Kenneth Doolittle, Jeremy Doolittle, James Stockfisch, George Stockfisch, Stacey Stockfisch, William R. Holden, Daniel Holden, Isabelle Keegan, and Holden Keegan. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren.
Mary Sheila was predeceased by both her parents: Bartholomew and Marion (Wilson) Coughlin as well as her sisters; Catherine “Pat” O’Brien (Richard) and Barbara Wedholm (Ralph). She was a cherished aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
She was born and raised in Quincy, MA. She was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA. Mary began her career as a radiology technician, when she entered the order of Dominican Sisters after high school, and served them in both Nebraska and Kentucky. Mary continued her career in healthcare after she left the convent, holding sales, supervisory, managerial and administrative positions, most recently at the Eye Institute of West Florida in Largo, FL. She retired in 2003.
Mary relocated to Florida in 1979 with the love of her life, Bill. Together they spent countless hours enjoying life together; sailing, laughing, spending time with and entertaining their family and friends. They travelled around the country to attend every important event in the lives of their children and grandchildren.
She volunteered countless hours at the American Cancer Society, Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater and the Belcher Elementary School. She received awards from each for her dedication including the 2016 St. Jude Medal from her diocese for “outstanding service to her parish”.
Mary Sheila is not only survived by her family but by the numerous friends she counted as family. She touched the lives of so many people who were the recipients of her thoughtfulness, compassion and generosity. Mary’s sense of humor, optimism and boundless kindness will be keenly missed. Her deep love of family and friends is a lasting gift to all who knew her.
A gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 4pm-6pm with a Rosary Service at 5:15pm at Serenity Funeral Home in Largo, FL. A Memorial Mass will take place at 12pm on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater.
Donations may be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society, Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater, FL or the Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH. 43219-2098
