Marie Louise (Loes) Holland
Nov. 12, 1922 – Feb. 14, 2015
A sudden end to a life well lived!
Loes Holland at 92 can be described as a world traveller, a global spirit, having explored close to 60 countries. Being her only daughter and child, Joy, I was very fortunate in sharing many travels with her. She so enjoyed planning them. Having an adventurous spirit combined with a zest for living, she was often seen as being an eccentric, gutsy and feisty character, with a unique wit.
Loes originally came from Holland where she was active in the resistance movement during WW2. She met and married my Dad, Gerry and lived in Toronto. There she enjoyed a very rich cultured life: music, art, and the opera. She told everyone she was “kidnapped” by her husband Gerry who chose Salt Spring Island for their retirement where she has lived for over 40 years. Loes “threw herself” into Island life here. She thrived on parties, the outdoors and the people. She soon came to know and love many islanders from all walks of life.
Her infectious enthusiasm, combined with high energy, started the tennis club for Parks and Recreation, where she taught endless hours of lessons to many of us. When she wasn’t on the court, she was trail blazing, hiking Salt Spring peaks for the Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club, of which she was a founding member. To honour my father and his love of hiking with her we arranged for a bench to be built and installed on a hiking trail. She will also be remembered working for the Lady Minto Hospital as an X-Ray Technician, where she looked after numerous patients.
Her more recent hobbies included attending the opera at ArtSpring, her interest in gardening, feeding the birds – Freddie, Fronzie and Fritzie, her beloved Pileated woodpeckers. She was also known for chasing cats and rabbits out of the garden but loooved dogs, and always had snacks for them.
Loes was fortunate to remain in her own home until the end – she was spared having to move to a “warehouse” as she put it. Salt Spring has offered her a long rich life. She will be remembered reaching out to many people and touching us in her own unique way.
And her spirit lives on!
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 135 Drake Road, Salt Spring Island, BC on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at 10:30 AM with a reception following. Private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Salt Spring Hospice / Bessie Dane Foundation. Box 521 Ganges PO, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W2