Deanna R. Holland

1937 - 2008

Deanna Roberta Holland, 71, beloved wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and "Mrs. Holland," passed away after a long illness on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at home surrounded by her family.

Deanna was born in Butte on May 6, 1937, to Roberta (Northam) and Fred Dean. She was later adopted by Clyde Carpino. Her two brothers, Clyde and Bob, later joined the family.

She reflected back often on her wonderful childhood. She felt lucky to have grown up at the Columbia Gardens near Butte, where she experienced the joy of having flower gardens, a roller coaster, a carousel and popcorn stands just a quick walk across the baseball fields. She attended Harrison School where she completed the eighth grade. She and her family then moved to the "flat" in Butte where she attended Butte High School and graduated in 1955. Even before high school, she knew of Sonny and they later became high school sweethearts.

Deanna attended Colorado Women's College in Denver and graduated in 1957 with a degree in elementary education. Following graduation, she taught at Whittier School in Butte.

Deanna and Sonny were married on Aug. 23, 1958, in Butte.

Sonny's coaching career involved numerous moves, and their partnership and family began to grow. They eventually returned to Bozeman with their three daughters in 1970. First and foremost, Deanna was a devoted wife and mother while at the same time she completed her four-year college degree at Montana State University in 1976. Hawthorne School was "Mrs. Holland's" last stop, where she fulfilled 25 years of teaching and retired in 1992. She touched countless students' lives during those years and one of her greatest joys was having her former students greet her with a warm smile and a hug.

Following her retirement, she had more time to spend with her large circle of friends. Her P.E.O. sisters, her bridge clubs, her golf buddies, her church activities and volunteer hours kept her busy at the fast pace she loved. Her million-dollar smile and enthusiasm will be fondly remembered by all.

Deanna was the champion of her family and the heart of all family celebrations. The grand finale of the family events was Sonny and Deanna's 50th wedding anniversary celebrated on Aug. 23, 2008. Her tender leadership and ability to light up the room was her gift to Sonny and her family that will always be treasured. She was truly a beautiful lady in every sense of the word and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Sonny of 50 years; and her three daughters, Wendy and Gator Rivers and their children, Amy, Ashley and Lily; Heidi and Eric Vinje and their daughter, Hailey; Jody and Tyler Delaney and their children, Alex and Luke, and her two great-grandsons, Peyton and Kolter Hoff; her two brothers, Clyde (Robin) Carpino, Bob (Sherry) Carpino; and half-brother, John Dean; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Roberta; father, Fred; and adoptive father, Clyde.

A memorial service will be held at noon Thursday at Hope Lutheran Church, 19th and Graf Street.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 W. Graf St., Bozeman 59718; or to Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, 931 Highland Blvd. Suite 3200, Bozeman 59715.