Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1927

DIED

2013

Marie Holbrooke Obituary

Holbrooke, Marie LA JOLLA -- Marie Jean Hlavacek Holbrooke, 86, passed from this earth suddenly from natural causes on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at her home in La Jolla. Marie was born to Frank and Ella Hlavacek in Chicago, IL on July 7, 1927 and was raised in La Grange Park, Illinois. She had two brothers, John M. Hlavacek of Omaha, NE and Frank A. Hlavacek, deceased. She attended Oak School and Lyons Township High School, graduating in 1945. Following her tenure at Lyons Township Junior College, Marie graduated from Indiana University in 1948 majoring in Mathematics and where she was also a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Following graduation, Marie went to Bombay, India to visit her brother John, a correspondent with United Press International. Upon arrival, October 6, 1948 she met her future husband, Marshall D. Holbrooke who was stationed in India as a field representative for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. The couple were married on November 19, 1949 at the La Grange Congregational Church. Following a year in Ft. Worth, Texas, they settled in La Jolla in 1951 where they raised their four children: Marsha (Ron) Winters, John (Winnie) Holbrooke, Helen (Patrick) Keohane and Carol Holbrooke (Dale Duffala). Marie treasured adopted son Albert Thomas and his wife Beverly, and their five children. She had five grandchildren: Alexandra and Andrew Winters, Hilary and PFC Steven Holbrooke USMC and 2nd Lt Christopher Keohane USMC. Marshall predeceased Marie on December 7, 1994. To say Marie enjoyed travel would be an understatement. She had friends and family across the globe and enjoyed visiting, exploring and collecting new friends along the way. As well as hosting AFS International students, the Holbrooke home was a gathering point for extended family and friends. At home she was active in the the Social Service League of La Jolla, continued her involvement with the AOPi Sorority and American Association of University Women, San Diego Branch. Mrs. Holbrooke was the first woman president of La Jolla Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir. Marie was a loyal patron of the San Diego Symphony where she was recognized on her 85th birthday for her continuous subscription for over 50 years. She also attended La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre regularly and would post her enthusiasm for productions on her Facebook Page. A private burial, officiated by Paster Mark Dahle, was held at El Camino Memorial. A memorial service is planned at La Jolla Lutheran at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please honor her with donations to La Jolla Lutheran Church, 7111 La Jolla Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037 http://www.lajollalutheranchurch.com or Social Service League of La Jolla, 7441 Olivetas, Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 www.darlingtonhouse.com.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 19, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Marie Holbrooke

Not sure what to say?





I still miss "My Marie" every time I walk into La Jolla Lutheran Church where she would greet me (and everyone) with a hearty "Hello! Hello! Hello!" I can still hear her singing joyfully the Alto parts of her favorite hymns and anthems. She was a treasure.

Tracey and Vance Marino

Friend

November 13, 2023

Carol Holbrooke

January 25, 2014

Dear Carol,

Marie was my precious long time friend and "other mother" whom I first met at La Jolla Lutheran in the early 70's. We sang in the choir together for several years and hosted their first Passover Seder together.

I moved to Israel in 1990, but we maintained contact over the years, with Marie visiting in Jerusalem and me returning for visits to La Jolla. I am extremely grateful to G-d that I was able to visit Marie in the Summer of 2012, as it turned out to be our last visit together.

I will forever remember the many times we went to plays and concerts together, just simply enjoying life. That was her gift to me -- passing on the sheer exuberance of enjoying the life G-d has given to us.

I know she is resting in the arms of our loving Father.

With love and gratitude,

Karen Berger

January 17, 2014

Dear John, Winnie, Carol, and the Holbrooke family,
I am very sorry for your great loss. Marie was truly an inspiration to many, in many ways: in her generosity,her love of family and friends, her enthusiasm for travel and for new experiences, and her genuine interest just about everything. I will miss her yearly updates and pray to have even half of her energy! Bless her and all of you.
With love,
Ginny Anson Turturro and family

Ginny Anson Turturro

January 14, 2014

Hugs to you from Jacquie Field and Connie in Colorado. Marie was part of Mom's life from grade school. Always loved hearing from her and sharing the messages with Mom. take care.

January 7, 2014

Dear Carol,
Marie was a dear friend from LJ Lutheran Church when we lived in LJ and attend that church. She was a generous, lovely person, inspiring the rest of us to live life to the fullest!
Our prayers are with you now. May the memories you and your family and she shared sustain you now and for all your time.
With love,
Lynn

January 6, 2014

Carol - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family's continued strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sooz and Gary Morreal

Soozie Morreal

January 6, 2014

I met Marie only for one weekend of fun in San Diego with Winnie and her girlfriends from High School. She was a woman with a big heart sharing her condo with us, a great dinner and wonderful concert then Sunday Mass together!!! Memories with Marie I will cherish forever!!!! Thank you for the perfect weekend of love and laughter!
Judy Enders Danese

January 3, 2014

Our sincere condolences John and Winnie.

Mike Dougherty

January 3, 2014

For those in San Diego on Saturday, January 18 there will be a memorial service for Marie at LaJolla Lutheran @2 pm. All are welcome.

Winnie Kelly Holbrooke

January 3, 2014

I was fortunate enough to have lived across the street from Marie for a number of years. Marie's Mother and I shared a birth date on a Mother's Day. That is how I first met Marie. I found her to be intelligent, accomplished and grounded. She was comfort to me when I had a loss. I truly am sorry that she has departed but I know she left with the world just a bit better. I she loved her family and I share a bit of their sorrow.

Mark Holman

December 14, 2013

To the Holbrooke family. During this difficult time only God can give us the love and peace that we need. We hope that time can heal the pain that you and your family are going through. 1 John 4:8 says that "God is love". He will help you get through this during this sad time.

JP

December 4, 2013

Mrs. Holbrooke, such a loving generous warm heart, my weekends and summer of 8th grade "mom" who made all the difference with her positive joy. God's peace and comfort to all her dear ones.

Pam Clark

November 26, 2013

Marie was a very giving woman who not only financially supported her causes, but also gave of her time and labor. She supported scholarships for women so they could finish college. She was a former president and treasurer of AAUW San Diego Branch. She reached out to all she came in contact with and will be greatly missed.

Kathleen Slayton

November 25, 2013

Marie was Board President of the Social Service League of La Jolla when I was manager of the League House. She was always upbeat and happy and made the senior residents feel important and had value. She never forgot a birthday and sent me birthday greetings even years after I left.

We shared and missed the Midwest values.

Marie, you will be greatly missed.

Nancy Wozniak

Nancy Wozniak

November 25, 2013

Marie was a most valued member of Social Service League for 39 years. Wealways looked forward to hearing the stories of her road trips through Europe with 2 or 3 friends and especially the one where all of their luggage was stolen the day before they were to leave. Marie, we will miss you very much.

Genevieve Conroy

November 24, 2013

Tracey Marino

November 21, 2013

Marie will be greatly missed. We always knew when her birthday was near in July because La Jolla Lutheran Church would be packed with her friends and family in town to celebrate. She touched so many lives!

Tracey Marino

November 21, 2013

Marie bridged the gap of miles with birthday cards and thoughtful words. Her energy and passion for life will be missed by us all yet her spirit remains forever bright.

Alisa Benson

November 20, 2013

Marie was such an inspiration to so many people. The impact of who she was and what she did will be felt for generations to come.

Pat and Roger Mccollough

November 20, 2013

Marie was a beautiful lady inside and out and I will miss her updates and uplifting messages. The world is a better place because of Marie.

Susan Hancock

November 19, 2013

Marie was one of the treasures in my years with the San Diego Branch of AAUW. She was a helpful worker and a no-nonsense individual who spoke her mind without pretense. I'll miss knowing her smile is brightening someone's day.

Florence Young

November 19, 2013

Rest in peace, Marie. You did so much for AOPi in keeping the alumni group together. Thank you. You'll be sorely missed.

Anne Walker

November 19, 2013

The woman who will be missed around the world, but especially by me.

Winnie Holbrooke

November 19, 2013

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in Marie Holbrooke's name

Memorial Events
for Marie Holbrooke

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Marie's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marie Holbrooke's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more