Mary Alice Waters Holland

August 23, 1919 - July 4, 2016
Mary Alice Waters Holland

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Mary Alice Waters Holland, ever the Patriot, departed for her last mission on July 4, 2016. Mary previously served her country as a registered nurse with the United States Army Nursing Corps, arriving in Normandy just a few days following the landing of the allied troops.  After a year-long stint of treating wounded soldiers by day and sharing a shelter tent with three other nurses by night, Mary returned to the United States as a First Lieutenant.  She earned the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal for her hard work and service. Mary was born August 23, 1919 in Newport News, VA to Elizabeth Hooten and Arnet “Clyde” Waters, joining brothers Nelson and Clyde.  In 1947 Mary wed her husband of 61 years; Harry Russell Holland, Jr. (deceased December, 2008). Mary had gotten to know Harry after her brother Clyde married Harry’s sister, Virginia Holland, in 1933. Their families remained close, both eventually making homes in their beloved Hilton Village in Newport News where they shared a multitude of happy times that included river-island escapades. Mary continued to practice nursing while raising sons Harry Russell III, Robert Paul, and daughter Nancy Jo.  As a young girl, Mary developed a love for reading that would become voracious until the end of her life.  She delighted in discovering little-known authors, and many of her first book purchases became highly sought after First Editions. She was a woman whose quick wit made her a sparkling conversationalist, and if the topic ever got around to General George Custer or General Robert E. Lee, even the most learned historian would have to work to keep up with her. Mary was warm, loving, stuffed Christmas stockings better than Santa Clause ever could, and was always game for an adventure.  She will be sorely missed by her children and their spouses, Jackie Prophit Holland, Terry Rayfield Holland, and Wes Robison, her grandchildren Harrison Holland (JuiChia Che), Nathaniel Holland, and Mitchell Holland as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.


Memorial

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • July 11, 2016
    Kim Kinard Holland says:
    My thoughts are with you all during this very sad time. Mary was an extraordinary person, so very interesting. She had a sharp wit and mind. She could draw you in with her fascinating stories of the war; the details of the soldiers she treated, their families, their girlfriends, every amazing detail in each event she recalled. She drew you inside every story she told and took you back in history to experience it with her. Mary's love of reading was contagious each time she shared the plot of her current book. I am very sad she has passed and my thoughts are with you all.

  • July 11, 2016
    Thomas B. Waters says:
    Mary Alice was one of the most selfless people I ever knew, and certainly my favorite aunt. She took great care to entertain us boys when we were kids with books and music and short trips out into the world. She took me on my first street car ride and I will never forget the sparks flying overhead, which she thought was wonderful! Most of all, she thought for herself and by example, encouraged our own independent thinking. I will miss her very much. Her children should feel honored to have had such a fine mom!

  • July 12, 2016
    Clara Warren says:
    I read the obituary with sadness and also fond memories of a wonderful person. Mary worked with my husband Dr. Hugh Warren for many years and was the epitome of what an excellent nurse should be. I feel fortunate to have had this association. We had a nice phone visit after her husband died. I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and that the family has my deepest sympathy.

  • July 13, 2016
    Melinda Waters says:
    Aunt Mary always added so much joy to any ordinary day. I loved it when she would visit Grandma and Gus and I happened to be there to share in all the fun and hear her amazing stories. Aunt Mary possessed a wealth of knowledge and she was a true inspiration for me entering the medical field. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I hope you find some comfort in the fond memories that we all share. With love, Melinda Waters