Merridee Ann Holdsworth

Merridee Ann Holdsworth, age 91, of Portland, Oregon passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Merridee was born in Walla Walla, WA on May 12, 1932, the first of four children born to Clair and Ann Hobkirk. She studied piano early and began to play for church at the age of 12. She attended Whitman College as a music major and joined Alpha Chi Omega. After graduating she moved to San Francisco and studied organ with Richard Purvis at Grace Episcopal Cathedral.

While working at the Teamsters she met her future husband, Bruce. They were married on February 20th, 1960. Over the next few years they migrated from San Francisco to the East Bay and eventually settled in Stockton. They had two children, Eric and Jennifer.

Merridee worked from home while her children were small. Later she started working for the Lincoln Unified School District, first as a librarian and then eventually landing her perfect job as an accompanist for the high school choir and secretary of the music department where she worked for over 20 years, retiring in May 2002. As part of Merridee’s work with the music department she traveled to Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe.

Merridee was an accomplished pianist and organist who performed on numerous occasions. She worked as a church organist throughout her life, including as the organist for Grace United Methodist Church in Stockton for 39 years. She was also a noted expert in Ragtime Jazz music and performed on various occasions with the Stockton Civic Theatre. She continued playing at her retirement home until a few months before her death. She was also a noted expert in Ragtime Jazz music and performed on various occasions with the Stockton Civic Theatre.

She always enjoyed her work and Music has been her life. "I've had a very fulfilling life I have been very fortunate to be able to travel."

Merridee is survived by her two children Eric Holdsworth (Susan) and Jennifer Wilcox (Bruce Wilcox), her siblings James Hobkirk and Margie Ferguson, and her grandchild Sonja.

Preceded in death by her husband Bruce Holdsworth and her sister Ginny Shoemaker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lincoln Music Boosters https://lincoln-music-boosters.square.site/