Sydney Lee Holly

Sydney Lee Holly was born May 30, 1936 as Sydney Lee St Martin in Portland Oregon to Sidney Oscar St Martin and Zella Louise Canaday. She was the younger sister to Zella Mae, now Taylor, and was married to Clyde Harvey Holly on July 31, 1960. Clyde was the older brother to Max Holly. Nodie Marie Staton and Clyde Burnet Holly of Oklahoma were their parents, coming out here to California when the children were young. Sydney is survived by her daughter, Kelley Lynn Holly, who will continue to reside at Tambourine Farm, their home in Petaluma, California.

Eulogy as given graveside by Kelley Holly:

A teacher of 38 years, my mom touched the lives of well over 1,216 students during her career. Her circle of influence did not begin nor end there. As a youth Sydney was very involved with her dance troop led by Matilda Myers, and they often performed for groups and troupes to lift the spirits of any and all. I believe Mom may have developed her passion for teaching through either this outlet or through her Campfire Girls organization activities or summer camp experiences as a lifeguard and camp counselor.

When married, she and my dad enjoyed tennis and little theater as well as dancing. It was a joy to me to watch them jitterbug across the dance floor. Their harmony together was a tribute to how they complemented each other in all aspects of life and held each other is such high esteem. They truly were a team.

My mom took a genuine interest in those things that made others happy and as a result, she transformed herself from a bonafide city dweller to a top-caliber country girl. When my dad and I desired horses, she learned to ride. Shortly thereafter we started raising horses, and soon she was assisting with all aspects of the breeding program and bucking hay. From horses, the ranch grew and expanded to include the raising of sheep, rabbits, goats, beef cattle, and poultry, not to mention an extensive garden and of course the dogs. Mom took it all in stride and continued her supportive role to ensure the well-being and happiness of all.

Mom and dad became 4-H leaders and before long, Mom had assumed the role of community 4-H leader for the Mission 4-H club of Sonoma. When my father passed, my mom took over the lunging duties, allowing me to continue vaulting with my team. She was a staunch supporter of all the vaulters, was dearly loved and considered to be grandma to all who came. She offered support with choreography and eagerly would watch a routine, time freestyles, and held countless objects in her arms while beaming at the vaulters as they would bound off to perform. Mom was always happy to do what needed doing. Even after her first stroke, she continued to assist whenever possible.

She was bright, positive, and articulate. Aphasia may have taken her ability to form the words she wanted, but she did not let that hold her back from communicating. Through various combinations of gestures, carefully substituted words and written notes, Mom always found a way to convey her thoughts and feelings. I marvel at her tenacity. She missed nothing. She was always so observant and followed all conversations and proceedings whether it was in the show office, a practice, or a social gathering.

In all avenues of life Mom took great joy in participating fully. She loved to watch me play volleyball and to watch others develop their skills. Our drives in the car were always filled with deep, rich conversations and lots of acknowledgements of others’ success. I think the one thing that sticks out to me is the comment that I hear most from people as they offer their condolences and  reminisce over my mom’s attributes, it’s how special she was to so many. Everyone I see, from vaulters of years gone by to the man who cleans our pool, states how much my mom will be missed and how she always had a kind word or two for them. She took time and was present for them.

If I know my Mom, her supervision is not hampered by her lack of an earthly body. Quite the contrary, my mom and dad are back together, once again they have formed the dynamic duo and from their new vantage point can now oversee all. Their love and support will never end, by their guidance and example their essence will live on in each of us. Every time we can reach out and touch someone, acknowledge their value and worth, we will each be able to continue the legacy of love that made my mom so special.

I cherish the time that I had with my mom and I love her so very dearly, I will miss her so much and yet I know what my mom would want. The show must go on, so I turn now to each of you, my dear family and friends, and ask you to join me in this new chapter of life. Let us go forth to honor and serve, helping everyone we meet feel their full God-given worth. I love you, Mom.        Kelley

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