Ruth Inez (Holly) Hollingsworth was born on July 5, 1927 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. She was the third and youngest daughter of Chester and Inez Hollingsworth, who farmed in the area.
After completing her elementary and high school education, Holly moved to Vancouver to do nurse’s training, and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1949.
Holly worked as a nurse for several years and then became a flight attendant. In that capacity, she met Bob MacDonald. They were married, and lived in Burlington, Ontario until their move to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1958.
Holly moved to Philadelphia in the early 1960s, and worked at Blue Cross. There she met Doug Worrall, whom she married.
In 1979, Holly and Doug moved to Hawaii, where they owned and ran an art gallery for many years. Being very gregarious, Holly loved the many interactions she had with patrons and artists alike.
Holly moved to Victoria in 1995 to be with Jim Rooke, whom she had long known. They got married the following year.
Throughout her very interesting life, Holly passionately pursued many different interests. In addition to art, these included current affairs, movies, sailing, travel and, perhaps above all, books and reading. In later years, she took part in a program to tutor children with reading difficulties. Of that, she was rightly proud!
Holly passed away peacefully on June 26, 2019, age 91, at Mount St. Mary Hospital in Victoria. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim and her sister, Idane Blyth. Holly is survived by her eldest sister, Joy Doyle, two nieces, three nephews, three great-nieces, one great-nephew, and one great great-niece.
Holly will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of Mount St. Mary for their loving care of Aunt Holly during her entire stay there.
A Celebration of Life for Holly will be held at a later date.
If so desired, donations in Holly’s name can be made to Mount St. Mary Hospital.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Brian & Darlene McKay
-
Lou Scherer Just walking down the street was a treat with Holly. Always specifically interested in the next moment of interest. Always interested in a new person. Always interested in a new idea. I loved knowing her.
From: Lou Scherer who is also a friend of Ron Atkinson
-
Don Machan What a joy to have met Holly and Jim. The staff at Laurel Point eagerly anticipated every Thursday night when they would come in and entertain us. I think they were the only people, in all my years of working in hospitality, that Laura and I joined for a dinner date. As the obituary says, Holly was truly a fountain of information, and never one to holdback a thought. We were lucky to have had a small part of her in our lives. My condolences…..Donaldo ( my Holly name )
-
Alice Kool How to describe Holly: funny, gregarious, adventurous, informed, opinionated and many more positive attributes. It was a privilege to have known her. She and Jim (and later just Holly) shared many dinners with us and she made each occasion an event to anticipate eagerly.
Her comment on travel: I’ve never seen a plane, boat or train I didn’t want to get on. Her philosophy on coincidences: There are no mistakes in the universe. You will be missed, dear friend…
-
Anita Stuart What a treasure! From the minute I met Holly and Jim on the day I moved in across the hall, we became fast friends. Too many G and Ts but thankfully no one was counting!
Holly was the most well-read person I have ever known and to her great credit, she always made me feel as though I was as well-read as she. Memorable conversations – always more to learn – thanks, Holly.
I will miss her feisty spirit – I *have* missed her feisty spirit over these past few years.
Safe journeys, sweet Holly — all love – Nitzi Girl
-
Joni Holly was definitely one of a kind in the absolute best way! I honestly don’t think I’ve met anyone so interesting, and funny. My condolences and thoughts to her family. She is now with her love, Jim.
We had the pleasure of meeting Holly through our mutual friend Fred Aberle. She was a breath of fresh air and we delighted in her sparkling sense of humour.