Ann Marie Holly

Ann Marie Holly (née Culhane) of Stony Point, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on February 20, 2026, just a few days shy of her 86th birthday. Ann was born in the Bronx to John and Ann (née Higgins) Culhane. She shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with her late husband Edward Holly.

With love and deep gratitude, we remember a remarkable woman whose life was defined by her strong Catholic faith, selflessness and grace. Ann faced life’s challenges with unwavering strength, including a long and courageous battle with cancer, which she met with dignity and resilience.

A devoted mother, she raised four daughters, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, and perseverance. Her love was steady and unconditional, expressed not through grand gestures, but through her constant presence, sacrifices, and care. Stoic by nature, she never sought recognition, yet her actions spoke volumes about her character. Her quiet strength was her hallmark, and her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

After graduating from Aquinas High School in the Bronx, Ann began her career at the U.S. Borax Company in Rockefeller Center. Following her move to Rockland County, she worked as the Executive Assistant to the General Manager at Avon in Suffern, NY. She then served as the Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Stony Point until her retirement. She truly enjoyed her time in that role, especially interacting with the community. Also, while her daughters were young, Ann worked at local restaurants, where she made many wonderful lifelong friends.

Ann was an exceptional hostess who took great joy in organizing holidays and celebrations for her family and friends, creating traditions that will live on in our hearts. An avid reader, she was known for her book recommendations and her unique review system. Her passion for life was evident through her love of travel, Broadway shows and frequent outings with the Stony Point Seniors. She always enjoyed lunch with friends and never missed a chance to attend a Josh Groban concert.

Ann will be remembered not only for what she endured, but for how she lived—with humility, love, and an unbreakable spirit. Her legacy, humor and love for animals lives on through her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed and forever treasured.

Ann is survived by her loving daughters: Renee (Joe Lavelli), Marie McNamara, Jeanne (Brian Mullen) and her son in law, Thomas Gannon. She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Tara (Niall Freeman), Holly (Anthony Lavelli-Musco), Rebecca Lavelli, Kelcie McNamara, Eddie Gannon, Connor and Danny Mullen. Ann is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Iris Culhane, Mary Jeanne Holly, Geraldine Neary and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward Holly; her cherished daughter, Kathleen Holly Gannon; her son-in-law, Thomas McNamara; her brother, John Culhane; and her brothers-in-law, James Holly and William Neary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Church in Stony Point at 11:30. There will be a visitation for friends and family on February 27, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, located at 321 Main Street, New City, NY 10956.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.