STELLARTON - Ellen Ethola "Tol" Holley passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born January 22, 1918 in Eureka to John Preston and Elma Gertrude (Fraser) MacLean of Eureka.
She was married in 1941 to the late Everett "Hod" Holley also of Eureka. "Tol" was a well known and very talented seamstress who made wedding dresses, skating outfits and tartan skirts. She also had the pleasure of making Art Hafey's boxing shorts and robe of white satin with the Irish Shamrock. She was a 64 year member of Silver Light Rebekah Lodge, No. 79 Hopewell. She worked at Zellers and the Singer Sewing Centre where she taught sewing lessons. She later worked at Eastern Manufacturing in the drapery department. Tol played the piano and was an adherent of First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton where she sang in the choir. She loved to bowl and belonged to two leagues before her failing eyesight prevented her from continuing. She always had a house full of plants and had a great green thumb. She was a sweet lady with a good sense of humor. Tol lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Timberlea since 2009. She enjoyed many trips in the motor home to the Maritime race tracks. She was very proud of her grandson-in-law, Wayne Smith and was known as "Gram" to all of Wayne's crew and they enjoyed her immensely. She loved to sit with her racing family where she enjoyed a nice cold "Bud" and lots of laughs. Here's to you Gram! You were the best and will be lovingly missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Alverda "Verda "and son-in-law, Frank Jackson; grandchildren: Ellen (Wayne) Smith, Patti (Andrew Corkum) and Nadine Jackson; great-grandchildren, Ashley Smith (fiancée Matt Amon), Bridget Corkum, Josie and Katie Beazley, all of the Halifax area; son, Preston (well known Scotsburn milkman) and wife Kitty, Linacy; also survived by cousins, Carolyn Barrett, Truro, NS and Doris Jamieson, St. John , NB; special nephew, Ross MacLean and wife Bette along with special niece, Catherine Haslam who were always there for her, as well as Lela MacLean and Donna Pound and a very helpful nephew Bobby Holley; as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Tol was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Everett "Hod", twin brother, Alver MacLean; and sister-in-law, Jeanette; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
There will be no visitation at her request. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the H.C. MacQuarrie Chapel, Stellarton, with Rev. Charles McPherson officiating. Burial will be in the MacLean Cemetery, Hopewell at a later date.
No flowers by request. Donations may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.
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