Ann Holliday

Ann (Vose)
Holliday, 73
GRANBY, Conn. -- Ann (Vose) Holliday, 73, of Granby, Conn., formerly of East Granby, Conn., passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the McLean Home in Simsbury, Conn.
Ann was born on March 18, 1938, in Bangor, to the late John and Helen (Yates) Vose. She grew up in Maine and then attended Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., earning her bachelor's degree in Religion in 1960.
A lifelong learner, she continued her studies by attending Hartford Theological Seminary as well as taking classes at Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine, later earning her MA degree in Early Elementary Education from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
After raising her two daughters, Kim and Heidi, she turned her love of learning, books, and children into a career as a children's librarian. Serving in the Bloomfield, Conn., Granby, Conn., and Windsor Locks, Conn. libraries before her retirement, she was instrumental in creating and designing engaging programs which connected children to the natural world. She channeled her passion for the environment into public service by serving as secretary on the East Granby Conservation Commission for many years.
Her personal library was substantial and expansive. Her interests ranged from archaeology to zoology, with a special emphasis on the importance of cultural narrative - from psychological archetype to mythology and folktales. Her deep interest in family history and genealogy dubbed her the moniker, 'Keeper of the Family Stories.' She was gifted at being able to find the good in others.
She was the honorary or adopted grandmother for several generations of neighborhood children (and animals), always appreciating the characteristics that made each child special.
Ann was a member of the East Granby Congregational Church in East Granby, Conn., for more than 40 years. She was a founding member of their English Handbell Choir, served as the first Director of Christian Education, and served on various boards and committees throughout the years.
Her deeply aesthetic and passionate nature found expression in elegant needlework, symphonically arranged gardens, and a mastery of a variety of musical instruments, watercolor and oil painting, and writing poetry and essays. She also found great joy spending time with her children and their families, especially her three grandchildren.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly A. Holliday and her husband Gregory A. Netland of Boxford, Mass., Heidi H. St. Jean and her husband Mark of Simsbury, Conn.; and her three grandchildren, Cameron, Catherine, and Sarah Netland. She also leaves a brother, Robert W. Vose and his wife Mary Lou Mayer of West Hartford, Conn.; as well as several first cousins and extended family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m., at the East Granby Congregational Church, 9 Rainbow Rd., East Granby, Conn., with a reception to follow. Burial will be private at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Bangor. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
Donations in Ann's memory
may be made to:
The Connecticut Audubon Society
2325 Burr St.
Fairfield, Connecticut 06824
or the National Wildlife Federation
P.O. Box 1691
Merrifield, Virginia 22116-1691
Ann (Vose) Holliday