Holly Sherwood

Holly Sherwood (Ruby Mae Minor) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, February 18

th

, 2023.

Holly was born May 21, 1930, at home in Illion, New York.

She was predeceased by her husband Melvin C. Sherwood, her father Mervyn Minor, mother Ethel Hutchinson, stepfather Ernie Hutchinson, and brother Alva Hutchinson.

After Melvin retired from the Royal Canadian Airforce, Holly and Mel settled in Calgary, Alberta with their children – Randel (Lexie), Laurel Brown (Courtney), Deborah Lenover (Scott), and Mark (Jennifer).

Family was very important to Holly. She loved being a mother and grandmother, and adored being called ‘GG’ by her great grandchildren.

Holly and Melvin met on the Air Force base in Ontario where Holly was working at the Officer’s Mess. She first took notice of Mel’s fun and playful side when he took a toy hobby horse and galloped around the cafeteria. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love and be married. Because Mel was in the Air Force, the family moved across the country several times, including time spent living in Ottawa, ON, Comox, BC, Gimli, MB, and Colorado. On a trip through Utah, Holly and Mel stopped at the Salt Lake Temple to be sealed as a family with Randel and Laurel.

An accomplished woman, Holly was the Relief Society President in her ward for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years. During this time, she was able to share her creative passions and had a meaningful impact and connection with many people. She received her real estate licence and worked for Cowley & Keith Real Estate for many years. She was an incredible cook and baker. She was always excited to try a new recipe and was famously known for her apple and rhubarb pies. She was never too busy though to take time to help her kids welcome a new little one into the world. Her children were able to learn first-hand the importance of being of service through her loving and generous example.

Holly loved spending time in Hawaii, and later, Palm Desert, California. Sitting with the sun on her face was a favourite pastime and one she never tired of. It was a very sad day when she realized they would need to sell their home in Palm Desert after Mel suffered a serious stroke. Holly spent the next several years caring for Mel in the hospital and later, at the Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Home. Throughout this time, she would regularly bring Mel home for Sunday dinners with the family, even buying a Handi-Bus to make transportation easier.

During Mel’s time at the Colonel Belcher, Holly became involved with the committee responsible for the building of the new Colonel Belcher Care Facility. She also worked tirelessly to advocate for Mel, ensuring he received adequate care and resources to best support his complex needs. She cherished her time with Melvin right up until his passing on April 5, 2003. Holly never fully got over the heartbreak of losing him – always asking about him up until her very last days.

The family would like to express their immense gratitude for the care and kindness Holly received at the Millrise Seniors Village and AgeCare Seton and also to Pierson’s Funeral Home for their respectful and kind care of Holly during this time.

A Funeral Service will be held for Holly on Wednesday February 22, 2023 at 3:30 pm.