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Clarissa Elizabeth Holm

Clarissa Holm Obituary

Clarissa Elizabeth (Sherbon) HOLM September 25, 1924 ~ July 31, 2011 Chris Holm passed away unexpectedly during the social hour discussion at her West Seattle Church on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Chris was a vibrant woman, still living life to its fullest and enjoying her many day-to-day activities with zest and utter enthusiasm. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. Chris was born in Thief River Falls, MN and spent her childhood in Walnut Grove, MN. She lived the quintessential "Little House on the Prairie" life, growing up in the famous Olesen Store, working hard on the farm, and spending any free time playing on the banks of Plum Creek. She moved to Seattle during WWII, and worked hard at Boeing as one of the famous Rosie the Riveters. She met Duke Holm during one of her commutes to work, and they quickly realized they shared a passion for saving money, working hard, dancing, and the great outdoors. Chris had a famous laugh, quick wit and her smile sparkled. Perhaps most of all, she was a dependable and loyal family woman, and will always be remembered as "Grandma Chris." Chris was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Duke Holm; her brothers: Royal, Levi, and Robert Sherbon; her sister, Ruth Lathrop; and her special friend of seven years, John Evans. Chris is survived by her sister, Alice Dobson; sons: Terry and Justus (Jan Hosler); and daughter, Vickie Mercer (Gary); her grandchildren: Danielle Clark (Greg), Naomi Mercer, Larry Holm, Laurie Johnson, Victor Holm, and Jillian Hosler; and her beloved great grandson Anders Clark; step daughter Candace Burek (John), son Gregory, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to the White Center Food Bank, 10829 8th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98146, 206-762-2848.

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 4 to Aug. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Victor Holm

May 19, 2021

Best woman, grandmother, and overall person I ever encountered in my 40 years of life.. she is still dearly missed..

Jeanie and Len

August 9, 2011

I saw this poem & immediately felt the spirit move me to post it to you for all of Chris' loved ones. Our heartfelt condolences to of Chris' family and friends. She was an amazing woman who lived a full and helpful life. Rest in peace and may God bless all who love her. Jeanie Bellamy & Leonard W Johnson.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Stephen Peterson

August 5, 2011

I didn't know Chris was from Minnesota. That at least partly explains her bubbly, positive, outgoing personality. Chris, my best friend Justus' mother, was always kind and generous to me as she was to everyone. Her house was a friendly place for us when we were teenage boys. She found ways to bring us to her church for praise and youth events. Rest in peace Chris. Thank you for all the good you brought.

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