Lois Jean Holly

Great satisfaction can be found in the meaning of relationships and in how we all play such an important role in the lives of our family and the people we meet as we journey through life. From her early days in Hooper, Michigan, through her wonderful life with her husband Chuck, to her final days as a loving grandmother, Lois Jean Holly knew that generosity begins in the heart.

The Great Depression dominated American life in the 1930s. However, by the end of the decade, World War II would revive the economy and bring American’s closer together again. Despite the economic hardships of the time, Herman and Leila (Roberts) Sibbersen of Hooper, Michigan, were starting 1935 on a happy note. On January 10, 1935, they delighted in the birth of their second child, a daughter they named Lois Jean (though she went by Jean growing up).

Jean spent her first few years in Hooper and her family moved to Otsego early in her life. She was only ten when her father died unexpectedly, leaving her mother to raise and support their family alone. Her mother soon went to work outside the home to provide for the family, and Jean, being one of the oldest, had to help care for her younger siblings. Although she had much responsibility at home, Jean thoroughly enjoyed school and was an excellent student. She went on to graduate 10th in her class at Otsego High School in 1953.

While still in high school, Jean met a young man named Charles “Chuck” Holly, at a dance in Alamo, and they were quite taken with each other. Over the next few years, their love for each other blossomed and they were married on February 24, 1953, while Jean was still in school. At the time, Chuck was serving his country in the military, and had come home on leave to marry his sweetheart. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, he was sent overseas to serve in Korea for the next fifteen months.

Upon his discharge, the couple settled into married life together in the Plainwell/Otsego area. To help make ends meet, Jean went to work at the collection bureau in Kalamazoo for a while, before taking a job at the cheese company in Otsego. In 1964, Chuck and Jean were overjoyed with the birth of their son, Chuck, who brought great joy into their lives. Jean remembered how her mother was always gone so much working after her father died and she did not want that for her son, so she left her job to devote herself to the role of a mother. As a family, they took a few great trips that left them with fond memories of their time together. One trip was out west, when they visited various national parks and relatives along the way. On another occasion, they traveled to Pennsylvania and New York for a wedding. In later years, when Chuck retired, he and Jean traveled more often , taking several trips down south. They also enjoyed taking trips to wherever their son and his family were living.

When it came to her leisure time, Jean enjoyed doing some shopping and grabbing lunch with her sister, May, or longtime friend, Yvonne. She also liked to “shop” at garage sales, particularly for clothes for her son and grandchildren. For many years, she and Chuck enjoyed promenading and dosey-doeing with some square dancing, which they loved. With friends so dear to her heart, Jean enjoyed catching up and even reminiscing with some of her high school girlfriends from years past.

Jean was the warmest, kindest lady who always volunteered her time, her effort and her love. Whether through a warm smile, a kind word or a listening ear, she was destined to make her mark in the hearts of her cherished family and friends. They were her greatest support throughout her eleven-year battle with cancer, which gave her the courage to never give up. Jean also found a great support system through her friendships with fellow members of Gilda's Club in Allegan. For Jean, having good friends meant having heaven in her heart and angels in her life. She truly cherished everyone in her life!

What gave Jean the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family and friends, offering them the most precious thing she possessed – her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget.

Lois Jean Holly, age 72, died at her home on September 21, 2007, after a long battle with cancer. Learn more about Lois Jean, view her Life Story Film, and visit with her family on Sunday, September 23, from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, where her service will be held on Monday, September 24, at 11 a.m. Her family includes her husband, Chuck; her son and his wife, Chuck & Jan Holly of Maine; her grandchildren: Langdon and Bridger Holly; siblings: Charlotte Sibbersen and Lois Nyland and Alton & Sherry Sibbersen; and many wonderful friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Evelyn May Amaro. Please visit Lois Jean’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to Gilda’s Club or the West Michigan Cancer Center.