Obituary of Adela 'Dolly' Holling

Adela 'Dolly' Holling (nee Reist)

March 27, 1926 – June 17, 2020

Peacefully passed away at her residence in Elmira surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late Orval whom she dearly loved. Dear mother of Peter (Olivia) and Laurie (Danny). Loved grandmother of Alex, Amanda, Daniel (Tamara), William, and James. Loving great-grandmother of Angela, Daniel, Josh, Peter, William, Ryder, and Tristan. A private family graveside service was held. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Operation Smile Canada or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Elmira, would be appreciated.

Heaven gained a gardener today.
Dolly was her sweet name.
Her legacy of beautiful gardens reached far beyond her flowers though.
Faithfully for 94 years she planted seeds among many people.
Heaven gained a gardener today.
Whether you were family, a friend or a neighbour, Dolly saw you as her own.
She prayed for you in the quiet moments and celebrated you from afar.
She called out each of our gifts and encouraged who we are.
She remembered the forgotten, the lonely and the struggling.
And even during her own hardships her focus remained on others.
Heaven gained a gardener today.
Oh yes, we marveled at her gardens, but more than that we marveled at who she was.
Sweet Dolly, you loved so well, just like the Father asked.
You remained faithful and steadfast until the very end.
And now you have been called to tend to the most beautiful estates in Heaven.
Heaven gained a gardener today.
And so now it’s our turn to nurture what Dolly planted.

Written by Alexis Ruppert
(Dolly's Neighbour)

Memorial Donations

Operation Smile
204 - 375 University Avenue
Toronto, ON  M5G 2J5
1-844-376-4530
Online Donations: https://operationsmile.ca/

St. Paul's Lutheran Church
27 Mill Street
Elmira, ON  N3B 2K3 
519-669-2593