Marie C. Holland

Marie Holland, 89, of St. Joseph, dear Mother and best friend of Patti Kutz, passed away peacefully November 22, 2005. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Friday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., where Liturgical Prayers will be recited at 7:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. John-St. Bernard Parish or Lory’s Place. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Marie-a beautiful name for a beautiful lady-always smiling-always looking at the bright side. Marie was a lifelong resident of Southwestern Michigan. She was born April 11, 1916 in Benton Harbor to Louis & Phyllis (Freddo) Ricco. Marie graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1934. She always possessed a strong work ethic, beginning her career working as a bookkeeper for Gordon’s Music Store in Benton Harbor and Ross Carriers, and eventually partnering with her husband, Curly to operate Holland Construction Company, one of the largest and most successful general construction companies in Southwestern Michigan. Curly was always so proud of her and affectionately referred to her as his “Top Wop”. Marie was President of St. Joseph Equipment Corporation, a member of Point O’ Woods Golf and Country Club, Berrien Hills Country Club, and the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan. She also served as a volunteer at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Birthright, Hospice at Home, and Lakeland Hospital Auxiliary. Marie remained young at heart and was truly an inspiration to people from all walks of life-young and old; she leaves behind a legacy of integrity, faith, class, and style. She had a zest for life and was interesting-and interested in everything that this life had to offer. Marie is survived by her loving daughter Patti. She was preceded in death by her husband Dwight “Curly” Holland, her parents Louis Ricco and Phyllis Bracciaventi, and a sister Frances Ricco-and countless, loving friends. May God hold her in the palm of His Hand.