Carolyn Ann Holland, 88, passed away of natural causes at Middleton Senior Living in Granville, on Thursday evening, January 8, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, James H. Holland on September 7, 2024, whom she married on December 15, 1956, in Marne, OH.

She is survived by her son, Brad (Michelle) Holland; daughters, Jamie Holland and Lisa (Dennis) Oliver; along with 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was born in Circleville, OH on November 20, 1937, to the late Hazel M. (Brumfield) Hughes and George W. Hughes. She moved to Newark, OH when she was 4 years old. She graduated from Newark High School, Class of 1956 as Carolyn Ann Hughes. Once married, Carolyn & Jim started their family with two young children and refurbished a home in East Newark. In 1966, Carolyn worked side by side with Jim and they built their family home on 3.5 acres south of Granville. Their last child was born in 1969, and they raised their family in an amazingly supportive and loving home. In 1994, they built another large home and barn on 54 acres, a little farther south of Granville. Carolyn & Jim always had lush, abundant gardens at both properties and canned tomatoes, green beans, corn, salsa, relishes, jellies and more. Carolyn was an excellent cook too, making many dishes from scratch like her mother Hazel taught her. Among many other things, she perfected homemade noodles and pies. For many years, she enjoyed hosting big holiday dinners for everyone in the family. Carolyn was a wonderful homemaker and took pride in being a great wife and mother. She made her family feel so well loved and taken care of. She was an amazing lady who laughed easily and everybody who met her knew she was special with a kind and loving heart. In the late 1960's, she joined the "Do Little Craft Club" with her dear friend and neighbor, Jane Brady. Many women from the neighborhood joined in for times of fun and fellowship. Carolyn and Jane raised their families and remained life long friends. Mom was very crafty and loved sewing, knitting, crocheting, Swedish weaving, macrame, and ceramics. She was creative and could do anything she set her mind to. In her later years, she joined the "Land of Legend Tole Painters Club", and learned to paint with acrylics, oils and watercolors. She was quite the artist, painting farm scenes, seashores, nature and much more. She created many paintings she gave to her family and friends, that we all treasure. Carolyn loved playing cards, especially Bid Euchre & Pinochle. She also loved to play dominoes with friends and family. She was a movie buff knowing all the actors, actresses & movies from Hollywood's Golden Age. Her interest began when she would go to matinees in downtown Newark back in the late 40's & 50's. Mom was also a huge fan of Elvis Presley, and ironically passed away on Elvis' birthday. Carolyn and Jim enjoyed collecting antiques, thrifting and going to garage sales. They were 'Snowbirds" and traveled south every winter from 1985 to 2023 to the Gulf Coast of Florida, specifically the cities of North Port, Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda where they enjoyed being with their dear friends, Mike & Ginger Emerine. Mom & Dad cherished their special times in warm & sunny Florida and were always meeting new people, building new friendships and trying new things. In 2016, they sold their farm in Granville, and bought a condo in North Newark, which they lived in and enjoyed for 8 years. We couldn't have asked for a better Mother, with her attention to detail and her happy spirit. Mom and Dad had a beautiful love story and built a wonderful life. We take comfort knowing they are together again in heaven, and we will all be reunited with them one day.

There will be a private family gathering and a burial at Newark Memorial Gardens at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ohio's Hospice, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055. They took excellent care of mom and we are especially grateful for the amazing love shown by her aides, Mandy and Vandana. As well as all the Middleton staff, but especially Grace, Charlene and Hazel who loved her like family.  Mom will be so sorely missed by the family she leaves behind with many tears staining our cheeks.

Rest In Peace Mommy...We All Love You Forever! Amen