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Florence Holway Obituary
She was born in Belmont, Mass., on June 2, 1915, to Edna Charles Brown and Byron William Reed. Although she grew up in Belmont, her mother's family had old and deep ties to Cape Cod, going back to the great whaling days, so she summered on the Cape and planned to live there.
She received a degree at Mass. Art and moved to the Cape to paint portraits. Shortly she became well-known enough to be hired by several families on Staten Island to paint their children.
The outbreak of World War II put a stop to private portraiture and Florence went back to Boston and worked at Mass. General as a medical artist studying the effects of sulfur drugs in the kidneys. Her kidney drawings are still considered extraordinary.
In 1943 she married Spear T. Holway, who was being shipped to Okinawa. They had five children during and after the war: Sidney Thomas Holway, Byron Reed Holway, Charles Thatcher Holway, Robie Ellen Holway and William Spear Holway.
In 1958, Florence left Cape Cod, a single mom with five children, and landed in Peterborough where she put herself through Keene State College by working nights at Monadnock Hospital. After receiving her degree in Education in 1963, she moved to Alton where she continued to raise her children, taught school, farmed and gardened, and carried on her passion for painting and opening her own gallery.
Florence was known nationally and abroad for her courage and perseverance as she fought long and hard to change both federal and state legislation for victims of rape.
Even to the end, Florence was a woman of great determination. As she wished, she died in her home with family at her side. She was strong and healthy most of her life, but at the age of 96 her body was tired.
She is survived by her five children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
She lived her life giving and doing for others. For this reason, her memory will warm our hearts forever.
There will be a Memorial Service on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m. at Peaslee Alton Funeral Home, 12 School St., Alton. Rev. Charles Wilson, pastor of the Bay Church, will officiate. Family and friends are welcome.
Interment will be in the spring at New Riverside Cemetery in Alton. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Monica Lepe
March 13, 2025
Florence you are an angel guiding all us women, a true inspiration of courage and strength. I wish I knew more about you. I would have love to hang out with you, talk, and worship. Rest in peace in heaven!
Judy Eramo
August 13, 2024
Florence you are an extrodinarily courageous woman. I did not know you personally, but will never forget you. Rest in sweet peace.
Monica Spencer
June 5, 2024
Wow you were such a brave and strong woman to endure what you did and still fought.
Miranda Barnett
June 1, 2024
Just saw your documentary and wow what an irreverent soul! Love and peace to you Florence, in your watercolor heaven. I hope Billy and Shirley are doing well
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Debra Anne Boulier
December 24, 2023
What a powerful legacy you left I know your family is very proud. God Bless you.
Lisa Dean King
December 22, 2023
I have only just discovered this incredible woman via a documentary on HBO. What a phenomenal woman. Here, I was feeling a little low during this ti e of year. I viewed the film and she motivated me to live life fully each day. The way she spoke of her gratitude for life especially her children and flowers. We all have so much to be thankful for each day. The Divine has called home an angelic warrior. May she bask in flowers eternal. I´m so sorry for your loss, Holway Family. Thank you for sharing your precious gift with the world. May the Divine continue to bless you.
Lorraine Hubiak
September 19, 2023
I just watched a documentary on Florence. I was inspired at her fighting spirit and candor. It´s terrible that this had to happen to a lovely god fearing woman as yourself. God truly blessed you and your family. Your paintings are stunning I hope I come across one one day. Godbless.
Carole Chagnon
July 2, 2023
Your life is an inspiration to all who have survived injustice and fought to overcome the system and evoke change for all victims who have suffered at the hands of others. God bless your memory and unbending spirit.
Kristina Norum
July 1, 2023
You will never be forgotten beautiful, amazing, talented loving Florence. You are forever in my heart!
Debbie Daley
March 11, 2023
What a gift to humanity she was! A deep and thoughtful soul. May Florence forever rest in peace.
Janet
January 29, 2022
I just watched her documentary and was so moved by this beautiful lady and her life. Warriors can be any age.
Thank you Florence.
Michele Carter
October 1, 2021
Bless your heart ❤. What a brave strong woman. I watched your documentary..unbelievable..hope heaven is great to you!! You are an angel
Anne Bynaker
September 14, 2021
I am so inspired by your journey. You where truly an epic woman and the world is less with your passing. Rest in eternal peace
Tamela Brown
August 13, 2021
I recently watched a documentary on what happened, I was moved to use google and search about you. You were truly amazing!!
Angela
June 30, 2021
I just saw your documentary on HBO. I pray all women can see it so they know what can happen when we speak up and never accept the status quo! You are a true hero May the legend of your activism never be forgotten!!!
Angela
June 30, 2021
I just saw your documentary on HBO. I pray all women can see it so they know what can happen when we speak up and never accept the status quo! You are a true hero May the legend of your activism never be fogotten!!!
John Kelpin
May 22, 2021
I just watched her documentary and she was an extraordinary woman.
Yvonne Watts
March 28, 2021
I just watch her document on HBO she was a wonderful person and funny am so proud of her for stand up for her rights she will be miss rip
Rose Williams
January 30, 2021
Her paintings were so beautiful. Her voice was lovely. Her convictions amazing. She is a true hero and inspiration. What a gift to humanity she was! May Florence forever rest in peace.
Kim Wilson
January 7, 2021
I just watched the documentary on her on HBOmax. What a beautiful soul and an amazing woman.
Judy
December 3, 2020
You are a true rockstar. May we all grow to be as strong and selfless as you were. I know you're in a special place in heaven and still painting your beautiful watercolors. God bless your wonderful family too.
Lairen
November 6, 2020
Thank you Florence for what you have done to make a change in NH. Your documentary was so enlightening. Your legacy will live forever. Rest peacefully.
Jacqueline
August 25, 2020
Thank you, Florence. Your documentary warmed my heart. You’re an amazing woman. I hope that I will meet you in heaven. #MeToo
Nichole
July 23, 2020
I just finished the documentary about Ms. Holway and wanted to add my condolences and a posthumous thank you for her tireless efforts to change a broken system. In spite of the pain, fear and trauma she must have felt she forged a path that ultimately made this world safer for me and my two daughters and that is mark of someone truly special. Truly selfless. May you rest well in paradise Ms. Holway.
Rachelle
June 29, 2020
I just watched the HBO documentary about Ms. Holway and as a victim of sexual assault myself and having dealt with a justice system that did not provide any measure of justice, I feel compelled to thank both your mother and your family for your accurate and detailed description of how rape affects and changes a person forever. It is difficult for those who have not experienced such a trauma to understand what is actually stolen away and the long-standing effects on ones everyday life, ones perpetual outlook on life and the future, and ones absconded personal sense of peace. This documentary as a whole and the way in which Ms. Holway and your family described the aforementioned was moving and the most succinct and accurate description that I have ever heard. The emotional and practical support that your family provided Ms. Holway was heartwarming to witness. Ms. Holway expressed herself with such intelligence and heartfelt conviction. I am certain that this documentary has and will continue to help sexual assault victims feel a deep sense of validation that often alludes us, as well as enable others to more fully understand the impact of such a trauma. From the bottom of my heart I thank your family and Ms. Holway for the courage to speak out. In doing so you have helped and will continue to help countless victims to finally feel understood and supported. Thank you all for providing this HBO documentary. It is an enduring means of helping others as well as a lovely tribute to a truly beautiful woman. Her passing is a great loss to this world.
Melissa Shoemaker
May 2, 2020
May her beautiful angel wings open and fly high in Heaven.
So sorry for the families loss.
Tonya D
February 4, 2020
I just finished watching the HBO documentary about this amazing woman. I just wanted to express how blessed this world was to have her in it. Her art work is absolutely amazing! Thank you Ms. Holway for being a strong woman and getting laws changed.
Traci Johnston
November 23, 2019
I would just like to say i too met Florence by the HBO doc.my God what a strong, smart, kind,extraordinary woman she was.I could only pray that i could keep my cool in what she went through.I had to label myself something to write this, i put friend that was the only best choice, may i say i wish it were true, i would have loved to have known her. Your family has a treasure in the artwork she left for you.On top of being so smart and talented God granted her great strength.These are the types of people i look forward to meeting in the great beyond,where we will forget passed things and worship with the Lord and each other.May God bless your family.
Sherry Little
November 14, 2019
What a remarkable woman. I saw the documentary on tv several years ago and I admired her artistic ability so much I wrote her and told her. She sent me back a sweet handwritten note, which I still have. This was a beautiful soul. God bless her and her family.
Sam Blythe
October 27, 2019
You wonderful, beautiful soul. I unfortunately know who you are through an HBO documentary released almost 17 years ago. I use the present tense, because, despite your passing seven years ago, your faith, your tenacity, and your sweet disposition have touched our household this evening; your spirit continues to live and inspire. Your demeanor and even your appearance remind me of my own late mother. I wish your family peace. What an incredible lady.
Donna Sheehy
October 5, 2019
Today 10/5/19 I watched Florences documentary. I love you Florence. Such a strong woman. Beautiful Artist, So intelligent and brave. I would have liked to have known you. It would have been my honor. I am the mother of two daughters. I love you.
Jennifer Anderson
September 30, 2019
What an utterly amazing woman! I watched her documentary on HBO and her spirit shines through in spite of her trauma. She is an example to humanity on how to live in this world. Her paintings are filled with love and the joy of living. I will be forever changed having watched this.
Maria Prieto
June 6, 2019
Florence, thank you for what you did! I would love to have met you in real life. You are such an inspiration. Your family must be so happy to have you! Much love to you in heaven
Paula Olson
June 4, 2019
An amazing woman with an even more amazing spirit. I just finished watching the documentary and women everywhere owe this woman a debt of gratitude for her fight. I hope her family can find some solace in knowing she is still making an impact on so many.
Hattie Keyes
June 3, 2019
We didn't deserve Florence! What she has done for ALL victims is unparalleled. Her words and actions will live forever. Her family is so lucky to have had her in their lives. Thank you for sharing Florence with the world.
Kim
June 2, 2019
What a fantastic, beautiful, delightful, strong and smart woman she was. Her art is beautiful! She really was an amazing person. I just finished watching the documentary. Love to her family and friends, you are all lucky to have had her in your lives.
Cathy Rudd
May 30, 2019
What a wonderful spirit Florence was. I never knew her but after seeing her story I have a great admiration and love for her. She was an inspiration to so many and continues to be one. God bless her and her family. To her children, thank you for sharing your mother with us. I will never forget her courage.❤
A Davis
March 16, 2019
I didn't even know Florence, but it is obvious that it was her strength and drive that allowed her to live so long. Bravo, Florence, girl...bravo! Now that is someone who had a life well lived.
KatherineJ Alford
February 10, 2019
To The Family of Mrs. Florence Holway,
My family and I want to express our deepest condolences on the loss of the beautiful spirit that was the matriarch of your family. Although, we did not know her, watching her brave biopic documentary was inspiring and touching. We are very saddened to learn too that she has passed. She continues to give a light and hope to others that shows that a single person can make a difference and make change happen. Thanks for supporting her through the film and all that she endured to help other survivors of violence.
May God continue to bless you and her entire family always and in all ways.
Katherine Jalford and Family /Phoenix AZ
Mary Rasbury
December 1, 2018
All I can say is that I wish I had known your mother Florence. I say this with tears in my eyes after watching her documentary. What a totally remarkable woman and artist! I know I am years too late in offering my sympathies, but I offer them nonetheless. You children must have had wonderful childhoods with her as your mom. I wish her art was for sale. Such beautiful watercolors! Bless all of her children and grandchildren and watch over them all.
Jenn Wood
August 24, 2018
Please know that even now, 2018, Florence is remembered and admired for who she was and her courage of being a woman to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, I never had the honor of meeting her but somehow feel as though I will miss her nonetheless. Bless her in heaven and bless those who loved her.
March 1, 2012
Bill & Shirley and all the family:
Our sincere sympathies go out to you. I will always remember your Mom as the gifted artist who looked at life thru different eyes than most of us, and took the time to stop and enjoy her surroundings. She was able to find peace and joy in the simple things and I know that she is still doing that now. She was truly a remarkable woman and you should be very proud to call her your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug & Cindy Dore, Alton Bay, NH
Janet Michael
February 29, 2012
Bill and Shirley,
Recently learned of your loss of Bill's mother and would like to extend our sympathy to you both and your family. She had a long life and made a positive impact on many people as she shared her talents and fought for what was right! Janet Michael & Ed Headley
Joan Pelletier Wallace
February 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to all of the Holway family. Florence was such a special lady. Great memories of my trips to Alton to visit with her and the farm. She'll always have a place in my heart.
James Quinn
February 18, 2012
To the Holway family: I remember Florence when she was my teacher in Farmington Schools. I also remember stopping by the farm years after I graduated from farmington high to sit and just talk. She was a great person to Know. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jack & Cindy Miller
February 16, 2012
Florence Holway was a special lady, as you all well know. She had a positive effect so many people's lives, and she was also fun to be with. We will all miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Ed Tracy
February 16, 2012
My condolences to family and friends of the Holway family. My heart goes out especially to Robie, Bill and Shirley that I knew the best. Your Mom was one of a kind in a positive manner. I always enjoys seeing her years ago when I lived in Alton. God Bless Ed Tracy.
Connie Roberts Hyslop
February 15, 2012
My memories of Florence go back many years to 1965 when I was 10 years old. She made such a difference in my life that I feel compelled to share my memories with her loving family.
In my early grammar school years, I hated school and was not a good student. When I started 5th grade in Pelham, Florence was my teacher. Her unique teaching style was to get through to children like me through her love of art and music. I started to love to go to school and my mother always gave credit to Florence for being the teacher "to turn me around" and become an honor roll student. 40 years later, I do not remember a lot from my childhood but I DO remember the first snow storm we had in 5th grade. Florence announced to the class that our project for the day was to build a life size camel in the snow. I can still see that camel - it was a work of art!
When I graduated from high school, we moved to Gilmanton and my mother took me to visit Florence at the farm in Alton. She welcomed us with open arms and was proud to show us her home.
Her wild spirit, unique teaching style and love of life is something I will never forget. I feel honored that I knew her.
Linda Barnes
February 14, 2012
My condolences to the Holway family. I grew up in Alton and remember Florence as a strong, friendly and happy woman. I remember driving by her house...back then if you lived in Alton, you knew everyone. She will be missed.
Beverly Barry
February 13, 2012
Robie and Holway Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was a very strong woman and quite the lady. I remember with fondness all the times spent at your house listening to her stories.
Her legacy will live on. She helped countless people over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Beverly (Stinson) Barry
Bedford, NH.
February 13, 2012
Hi Shirley and Bill--my condolences to the family. Florence was a remarkable woman and I enjoyed being her tennant and spending time with her. She was always there to greet me when I came home from work and more than willing to hear about my day.She'll alwsys be tucked away in my heart. I remember her fondly. Love and miss you all-Julia
Portia Stauffacher
February 11, 2012
Bill, Shirley and entire Holway family. Florence whom we lovingly referred to as "Granny", was a woman that left a lasting impression on anyone that she came in contact with. She was "Granny" to all of our kids. We have so many memories of her to hold close and one of her beautiful paintings that she gave us as a wedding gift which we will treasure forever. She was a remarkable woman and will be remembered as such. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Love, Don & Portia
Karen Lewis
February 11, 2012
An amazing and inspiring lady who was also a very gifted artist. Her story touched my heart. RIP Florence
Scott Gilbert
February 10, 2012
Dear Bill, Shirly and Holway family. Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
I have many many fond memories of Florence from mowing lawns to spending time with her in the many beautifully plush gardens to snacking on her fantastic home baking. She loved her surroundings so it was always a pleasure when the mowing was done to see her enjoyment and appreciation. She would walk about the grounds picking flowers, filling vases, and framing in her minds eye the next work of art yet to be captured on canvas.
Truly a wonderful woman in so many ways, I feel now as I did then, so lucky to have had the privilege of knowing your Mom and being around such a creative, passionate and intelligent woman. Lilly's have become my favorite flower over the years and I know why..
She certainly had her own way of doing things and when faced with adversity always had another idea, and another idea, to solve the problem. I learned a lot just being around her.
I enjoyed every moment and will miss her greatly.
Sincerely,
Scott Gilbert and Family
Michelle Liedtke
February 10, 2012
May your hearts be filled with all the memories and her legacy live on.
Stark, Michelle, Josh, Levi, Trevor & Noah
Janice Griffin-Jenkins
February 10, 2012
Bill and family. So sorry for the loss of your mom. I remember her well and what a wonderful lady she was. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
Joe Bruss
February 10, 2012
Dear Holway family,
It is hard to imagine what you must be going through. We are so, so sorry. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Florence. We hope the love of those around you may help you through the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Bruss family
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