Marie Ellen Dean Holly
Died due to complications of an infection, on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the age of 84, in the comfort of her home.  She was born October 12, 1926 in Elmira, New York, to Leon H. and Ruth M. Scott Dean.  She was predeceased by her parents, brother Carl Dean, infant son Ronald Carl Holly and husband of 62 years, Carl Raymond Holly on February 28, 2010.

She graduated from Southside High School in 1944, Cortland State Teachers College in 1947 and received her Masters in Elementary Education at Elmira College. She very much enjoyed her career as a teacher in the Elmira City School District from 1947 - 1985.
After her retirement in 1985, she and Carl enjoyed traveling to see their grandchildren and spending winters at their home in St. Petersburg, Florida until 2007.  Also during her retirement, she loved reading, cooking and entertaining, dining out, and ceramics which she enjoyed doing for many years.  One of her favorite things to do was volunteer and she did so at Woodbrook and AOMC’s patient information desk.  Also for Literacy Volunteers, Multiple Sclerosis Society and the RSVP information booth on Rt. 17 at Chemung.  She loved volunteering at the weekly downtown luncheon on Tuesdays at First Baptist Church.  She was an active member of OES Harmony-Loyal Chapter #265 and Excelsior #323, TOPS NY Chapter #196, and Happy Gang Chapter of Ladies’ Home Bureau.  She was a longtime member of Southside Baptist and First Baptist Churches.

She is survived by their children: Douglas of Phoenix, AZ (wife Cynthia with their children Cara, Mary, Ruth and John), Dennis of Hoboken, NJ, Caryl Cammer (Larry McCormick) of Elmira, NY (her daughter Karen (Christopher) Cammer Whiting and their son, Elliot Michael), David of Ontario, NY (wife Kathy and their children Thomas & Elizabeth), Donald of Chicago, IL (wife Phyllis and their children Donald, Frankie and Meghan) and Linda M. Holly of Pine City, NY (Daughters Jenn (Brad) Schuck Park with their children Holly Marie and William Carl) and Lindsay Holly-Lewis). She is also survived by 2 siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank: Doctors Carlos Garcia and Matthew Weaver, the entire staff of  both 8 Northwest and ICU-2, Dietitian Denise Hamilton and the Dietary Department all at Robert Packer Hospital.  The third floor at Chemung County Nursing Facility where she began rehab before becoming too ill to complete her stay and RPH for having the House of Hope, allowing some of Marie’s children to be closer to her during her illness.  Also, Jimmy Golden for his companionship to her while Carl was ill and after Carl‘s passing, bringing her hot tea, conversation and watching her favorite TV programs with her.  Courtney and Patsy from Southern Tier Hospice for their help her last few days, Steed’s Pharmacy (Matt) for being so accommodating with all her medical needs.  Kevin & Eileen McInerny for their patience and loving kindness at this terribly difficult time.  We are appreciative of all others’ we may have omitted.  

Carl & Marie chose to not have any public services.  She will be buried in between Carl & Ronnie at Woodlawn Cemetery at the family’s convenience.

Family, friends, former co-workers and students are invited to a luncheon and memorial service which will be led by Rev. David Daniels on Sunday, June 26th at the American Legion Clarence Oliver Post No. 154, 236 Scottwood Ave. in Elmira Heights from 2-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate anyone wishing to remember Marie, make a donation payable to the: Sayre House of Hope.  The mailing address is Guthrie Healthcare System, Attn: Resource Development, One Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840.  Envelopes will be provided for those attending the memorial. We hope to see you June 26th.

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