Over the last days of her life she was surrounded by her loving family and several
long time friends. Beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend, Holly was born
August 14, 1951 in Santa Monica, California to Ted and Shirley Lane. Holly spent
most of her life in Novato, graduating from Novato High School in 1969. Shortly
after graduating, she met her future husband Emmett Rhodell Holderby with whom
she has spent the last 48 years as his loving wife.
After marrying Emmett they moved to Utah where Emmett went to College. Later,
while Emmett was in the Army, they were stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington
state and Camp Darby in Livorno, Italy where they were blessed by their first child, Dorian. When
they returned to Novato, they were again blessed by the birth of their second child,
Annie.
Holly came from a large Italian family that she dearly loved. Holidays and family
get-togethers at her house were always filled with lots of food, family, friends and
laughter. She was the strength of the family and they adored her.
Holly was a loving and dear friend to many, always willing to help out when needed
whether it was providing dinner for a mourning family or being a patient listener to
a friend needing guidance. She always gave good advice.
Over the years Holly worked at a number of places including Ross General Hospital,
and most recently at the Trumbull Manor. Most, however, will remember her
working at Holderby’s Pet Shop in Novato where she often worked with Emmett and
his father Rhodell.
Holly was a woman of great faith, volunteering at Our Lady of Loretto Church and
teaching catechism there. She loved sharing her faith with children and they loved
her for it. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Holly also volunteered for the Relay
for Life. She loved music and dancing, sharing meals with friends and caring for her
grandchildren who were the greatest joy of her life. Holly truly had a heart of gold
and she will be dearly missed by all those who loved her.
Proceeded in death by her parents, Holly is survived by her loving husband,
Emmett; her son Dorian Rhodell Holderby and his wife Ursula; her daughter Annie
Lane Mason and her husband Bill Mason; her grandchildren Addison and Liam
Mason and Kara Holderby; her brother Tom Lane; her sister Louann Haggerty (nee
Lane) and her husband John Haggerty; her brother John Lane and his wife Cindy;
and her sister Gina Lane and her partner Sharon Heilman. Holly is also survived by
numerous nieces and nephews.
A Rosary service will be held on Thursday, May 17th at 6:00pm at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of
Marin in Novato. A funeral Mass will be said on Friday, May 18th at 11:00am at Our Lady of
Loretto Church in Novato with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Catholic
Charities.
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