Jean Louise Holland's Obituary
Jean Louise Holland, age 74
September 21, 1947 to July 11, 2022
The world lost a beautiful soul when Jean Holland left us on July 11, 2022. She was loved and respected by all that she touched with her life. Her smile would light up the room. Jean will be missed by her family and friends.
Jean was the youngest child of Charlette and John Hagerman of Hanover, PA. She went to Delone Catholic School (Class of 1965), then moved to York, PA for a job at Caterpillar where she worked as one of the first female machinists. She was very proud of that. When the York facility closed, she moved to Decatur, IL (25 years ago) and retired from Caterpillar.
Jean is survived by her loving daughter, Kelly Gamble of Pelham, AL and grandson, Devon. Her estranged son, Kenneth Gamble of New Market, AL; grandson, Blakely and granddaughter, Kerigan. Nephew and nieces, Brent and Wendi Cole of Hanover, PA and Renee (Mark) Cole of Thomasville, PA. Her husband and caregiver, Steve Holland. Mother-in-law, Joyce Ron) Holland who both loved her like a daughter. Jean loved and thought of Steve's children as her own. They included 2 additional sons, Alex (Angela) Holland of Springfield, IL with grandchildren, Bella Mae and Leo, and Trevor (Rachel Byam) Holland of Indianapolis, IN.
Jean was always more worried about others than herself. She did not hesitate to donate a kidney to her son. She was proud that it lasted twice as long as it should have. She was proud to be a single parent who worked hard, often working 2 jobs to support and raise her children until marrying Terry Crumling, who passed in 1986. She was also a Union Steward at Caterpillar, fighting hard for woman and minority rights in York and Decatur. Jean was the woman with the Pink John Deer Hat. She was proud to be known as that person that would help the underdog.
Jean loved to travel. Her favorite place was Ocean City, MD, even from childhood. She bought a condo in Ocean City, MD that family and friends enjoyed for several years before having to sell. She loved the ocean and beach. Ocean City, MD will be her final resting place.
Jean enjoyed going to concerts and for several years would make arrangements for "the crew" to attend the Memphis in May Festival. Other shows included: Anne Murray, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Santana, Mary Chapin Carpenter at the Powell (twice), Kenny Loggins in California, Sturgill Simpson at Red Rocks, Steve Earle at the Caverns, Chuck Berry in his club and too many others to list.
Jean was a wonderful cook who was always being asked to bring stuff for dinners and parties (always making too much). She cooked Pennsylvania Dutch and Seafood often, but her favorite meal was Hard-shell crab. She could also make a mean Bloody Mary.
Jean loved spending time with family and friends. She liked to get dressed up and go out to eat, enjoying new restaurants and trying different foods. She was always on the hunt for a good winery along her travels. She learned to make homemade wine that she loved to share with others. She also enjoyed a glass of wine in the evening until her health prohibited it. Jean also loved a good sale from her local mall to the local thrift store. She enjoyed a short ride looking for deer and loved to watch the hummingbirds outside the window. Jean loved her TV shows: This is us, Gold Rush, and Jerry Springer, that she called her daily laugh for the day.
Jean’s health had been failing and she had been struggling constantly in the past few years. She was stubborn as a mule and though as nails. She never gave up until her last breath.
Her family would like to thank the following:
Springfield Clinic-Dr. Dennis Heim and Nurses, Sara and Christian; Dr Bill Hemmer and staff; Prairie Cardio: Dr. Jack Hall and Dr. Nasar Nallamathy; SIU Pulmonary: Dr. Peter White; Dr. Muhammed Quereshi and Nurses Amber, Heather Eads and Rachel Foster; Mayo Pulmonary: Hillary Dubrock; Mayo Cardio Mayra Guerro and Malcom Eleid; St. John’s CVICU1: Dr. Jagtag and Nurses, especially Ashley and Allison
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.
Memorials to Maroa Christian Church
Condolences may be sent to Jean's family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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