Joanne Holly
South Hadley, MA – Joanne (Howard) Holly passed away September 14,
2025. She was born in Northampton MA to Alfred B Howard and Laura
Belden Howard on December 14, 1929. Joanne graduated from Smith
Academy High School in Hatfield and later from Northampton Commercial
College. She went on to attended Holyoke Community College, where she
took business courses. She worked in Westfield at a small
manufacturing company for 23 years as a bookkeeper. In addition, she
had a small business making fresh and dried silk arrangements and
wreaths. Joanne belonged to the South Hadley Historical Society and
volunteered for the Council on Aging in South Hadley. She loved
spending time with family and friends skiing, hiking and biking.
Joanne was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Holly in 1969 and her
son, Robert K Holly in 2016 as well as two sisters, Carole Burt and
Sally Sparrow. Joanne leaves her daughter, Elizabeth A. Thompson and
her husband, Wayne of Piermont, New Hampshire as well as nieces and
nephews. Donations in her memory can be made to an animal shelter of
your choosing. Family and friends may gather at 9:30 am on October 2
at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A service will begin at 10
am. Burial will be private for the family.