We were so saddened to hear of Holly's passing. Our sincere condolences to Philip and family. Holly was a wonderful, thoughtful, intelligent and fun friend over the many years spent in Exeter. I will always treasure our time spent together in her kitchen with our knitting group commiserating about kids, husbands, and simply life! You will be sorely missed Holly, but we find comfort knowing you are at peace. With much love, Anne and Paul

Dear Sliva Family:
I am so sorry to hear of Holly’s passing.  I remember one Friday evening Jill and I were working in the Bessemer store .  We were finishing up a Friday evening and anxiously awaiting to go out that evening.  Holly looked back at us and told us to have a good time, but don’t get into too much trouble.  She knew us too well and her laugh was infectious.
My deepest sympathies, Heidi Alkire

Holly was 5-years older than me and honestly, I have not seen her since she graduated high school in 1972 but she was always very kind to me as a kid.

My favorite memory of Holly was when I was in 4th grade and she would come in to watch our class when the teacher would go somewhere.   Holly had on this yellow dress with blue strips but...it was a button-down oxford shirt that was cut longer so it was a dress.  I can remember thinking that not only is Holly a kind person but she has style.  

Holly has crossed over to the other side where there is much happiness and love to be reunited with her father, Ward.  

God Bless Holly and her entire family.

Holly was strong and smart, kind and caring, warm and generous and a true and faithful friend.  She was a deeply devoted  wife, mother and grandmother whose family was her world.  She lived her life with grace, dignity and a keen sense of humor that seamlessly knitted all the pieces together.
How fortunate we are to have had the privilege, honor and joy of knowing and loving Holly.  She will be in my heart forever.
Rest in peace my dear friend, we will laugh together again one day.
Betsy

I met Holly in the basement of Montessori in Exeter, NH in 1987.  We both had major ongoing cases of  toddleritis and managed to make each other laugh about it.   I don't think she had a clue of how much her friendship meant to me.  What a thoughtful, intelligent and wonderful friend who will always be with me even if she is now  up in Heaven with her beloved father.  She was so devoted to Philip and the Boys.   Could any of us ever be as selfless and genuine as she?  Miss her so much.
Jane

Holly was my dear friend Jill’s sister. We met in the UP at a fun family event. And really connected when she hosted an amazing baby shower for Jill at her home in Exeter. She pulled out all the stops and it was beautiful. She had a way to make everyone feel comfortable. She and Philip raised four incredible sons.  She was a fabulous person had a great positive  attitude, commitment to charity and love of life. I last saw Holly shortly before this crazy pandemic on beautiful Marco and she was as lovely, kind, positive and joyful as ever. Sending love to  Marge, Philip, Adam, Alex, Marc and Jack. Also to  Jill, Joy, Dennis and your families. She will be dearly missed. Sure Ward has her in good care!.

Holly: a small town girl from the UP who took her intelligence, positivity and sense of humor everywhere she went.  She was a caring wife, mother of four sons, grandmother and friend who always made you feel welcome and comfortable in her presence.  We loved going to her home in NH for many happy occasions.  The last time we saw Holly and Philip was when we visited them in Florida.  We went for a walk on the beach and a great lunch in the beach cafe.  We will treasure this memory forever.  Rest in peace, Holly.  Sending love and our deepest condolences to the entire family during this difficult time.  John & Sue Puopolo 

Holly 1964, in Bessemer MI,   in front of Joani's house on Longyear Street, the little girl is Linda Bria, Joani's sister.  

I loved spending time with the Sliva family! I spent many days and nights at the Brown Bear, and remember one time hiding under the table with Holly, as a bat was flying around the kitchen. 

You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Special blessings to all of you.

Mike and Margaret Karpus

Holly and her niece Kimberly before her first communion. Seems like it was yesterday...

This is a photo of my mom and I at my desk at DIRTT, a couple weeks after I started my training as an engineer. My parents had come back to Calgary together for the first time without kids in probably three decades to visit my (now) wife Ali and I during the summer of 2014.  It was an incredible trip in which we got an opportunity to share our perspectives on the city and the interesting parallels of starting a life in Calgary and developing a long term relationship.

In less than a month I would be engaged to Ali, bought a house and launching my career as an engineer.  It was a special time and place for all four of us, especially my mom.  Reminiscing about her life in Calgary and seeing me with all the makings of a stable, adult life I believe was as an important milestone for our relationship.  One that would always stand out to me as her passive approval of the important steps I was taking in my life.  I will miss you mom.

My deepest sympathies to Philip, Adam, Alex, Mark and Jack and to Marge, Dennis, Joy and Jill and families.  Remember Holly as a very intelligent and kind woman.  My Stepmom(Hermine) worked for Marge and Ward, and I think babysat for them sometimes.  All the Sliva's have been so kind and thoughtful to us through the years, and my heart goes out to them at this sad time.  Virtual hugs to all of you.  Linda(Rouker) Dishman

circa 2008. With Jill's youngest daughter, Missy, Holly's goddaughter.

With granddaughters Taylor & Reese in Washington D.C. c. 2013

This picture is from St. Maarten. Every Saturday morning, she and Philip would drive over to the French side for breakfast. Marigo, where this picture is taken, had wonderful patisseries. Holly always started with freshly squeezed orange juice. In this picture, Philip is trying to take her picture while carrying the juice and croissants and she is convinced that he is going to drop something. An easy time.

2000. Adam graduates from high school. With her boys and nieces.

c.1990. Christmas in our first house in Exeter, N.H.

1978. Bringing Philip home for his meet the parents. Lake Superior impresses.

Holly was always a good sport. Here she is hiking Galatea Creek in the Kananaskis, circa 1984. Adam is in the background with Philip.

1978 Holly's meet the parent trip to Calgary.  She had just climbed Mount Yamnuska, in the background

Holly on her wedding day, June, 1980. With her sister, Joy

This picture is from Holly's high school graduation, but in the pre-cell phone era, it is the best that I have that captures how she looked in her early 20's.

Philip and family,
We were very sorry to hear about the passing of Holly. She was a bright light to all who knew her. Deepest condolences to your family at this time of sadness.

Judy and Dan Servia

Dear Tisdall Famiy,
     I am so sorry to hear of Holly’s passing. A bit of my childhood has left. The Bria and Sliva families had many neighborhood connections and Holly was always forefront in those memories. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace. 
Love to your family, 
Liz Bria Youren ❤️

Phillip and Family,
   I can’t find the right words to express to you how sad I am to lose my dear friend, Holly.  She was like sunshine, always finding the good in everything and everyone.   I will miss her so very much. 
 My sincerest condolences to her beloved family.  
            Joan and Dick Strasser

So sad to lose Holly.  She was a bright light to cross paths with to all who met her in Hideaway, and a shining example of grace under terrible circumstances  as she fought her disease.  Philip, my best thoughts are with you in this sad and lonely time.  Claire

Dear Philip and family,
We so enjoyed meeting & dining with you and Holly at the Club, and then waving to you as you would take your morning walks.  We are so saddened to learn of Holly’s passing, but I know that you are surrounded by your loving family.
Hoping to meet again this winter.
Love,
Patty & Paul

Philip and Family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all dear to you. 
 May God comfort, strengthen and bless you during this time.
Big Hug, 
- Mike & Noelle Ilitch 

Philip and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Holly’s passing. What a wonderful woman who really gave it all she had. Your entire family made Holly so happy! Hoping that the sadness of you all losing such a wonderful woman is quickly replaced with happy memories.
Our Sincere Condolences,
Nan and Bill Bastian 

OBITUARY

Holly Susan Tisdall

December 5, 1953 – August 20, 2021

Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home

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