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Vielka Holness Obituary
AGE: 49 • Bronx
Vielka Victoria Holness, age 49, died June 4, 2015 of complications related to cancer. She cared deeply about her family, friends, justice and education. She was the Director, Center for Post-Graduate Opportunities and Preparation and the Pre Law Institute of John Jay College of the City University of New York. Previously, she was Director of the Masters College, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at New York University, Director for Training at Columbia University, Dean of the Center for Career Development at Pace University Law School, and Career Counselor and Manager of Continuing Legal Education at the Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School. Vielka had clerked at the Michigan Court of Appeals and was a partner in the Philo, Atkinson law firm in Detroit. Vielka graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School. She received a B.A. from New York University, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, an MPA from Columbia University, and an MDP in Higher Education from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Vielka was the spouse of Judy Keenan, daughter of Elba Holness and the late Eduardo Holness, sister to Anna Holness (Malcom Dixon), David Holness (Joyce Riley), and the late Christina Holness (the late Stephen Grant). She loved her many nieces and nephews. Visitation is Monday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the George T. Davis Funeral Home, 14 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Memorial Celebration is Tuesday at 10 am at The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027. Donations may be made to the John Jay College Foundation, 524 West 59th Street, New York City, NY 10019 (note that it is for the Vielka Holness Fund) or to Support Connection (cancer support group), www.supportcon nection.org.
George T. Davis Funeral Home
14 Lecount Place
New Rochelle, New York 10801
914-632-0324
www.georgetdavis.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vielka Holness
Joshua G.
May 31, 2023
She maintained a professional presence
Joshua Guachichulca
March 15, 2021
Vielka was inspiring. Her being from Ecuadorian roots I bet she worked hard in order to prevail in NYC. I can say she never judged anyone, everyone had a fair advantage in her programs. She will be missed.
--Joshua Guachichulca
Joshua Guachichulca
March 15, 2021
Vielka was inspiring. Her being from Ecuadorian roots I bet she worked hard in order to prevail in NYC. I can say she never judged anyone, everyone had a fair advantage in her programs. She will be missed.
--Joshua Guachichulca
Marguerite Schervish
May 31, 2019
Judy,
Even though it's been 4 years, it seems like yesterday that Vielka left us. Her spirit lives on in all who knew and loved her, and in all whom she inspired to achieve greater goals in life. I love her and miss her. I know grief has no schedule, so love and do and be in her memory and in her love for you. xoxoxo, Marguerite
Yvette
July 2, 2015
Rest in peace, sweet lady.
Elizabeth Franqui
June 19, 2015
My heart is broken. I met Vielka in1995; she was my advisor at Cardozo Law School. During my career, she gave me loads of great advice and support. We became friends. She was a treasure, and devoted to helping others. And, her smile lit up the world. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news today. The sun feels dimmer. Much love to Judy and her family.
June 19, 2015
You left us too soon V. See you again for a good, long chat and laughs.
Kristina Nazimova
June 16, 2015
I am deeply saddened by the news of Vielka's passing. Although she passed too soon, she has devoted her life to empowering the lives of others, giving them opportunities, and supporting them. During the time that we worked together at JJay, I saw her effort in working with students every day. Vielka leaves an example for us to follow. Rest in peace.
June 11, 2015
i am deeply sorry for your loss james 4-8 draw close to and he will draw close to you
Olga E Swaby-Blake RN
June 11, 2015
Fr. Peter Mushi AJ, Lauretta Odume, Oby Ndukwe, Nnenna
Ezenwa, Myriam St Marie, Laura Moise, Verina Hilton-Thomas, Fr Fred Wange AJ----Uganda, Nigeria, St Lucia, Dominica From The
Multicultural Community Of
Sts Philip & James RC Church
1160 E 213 St Bronx, NY
Send Their Condolences To Vielka's Family & Wish
For Her Soul To Rest In Eternal
Peace.
Elizabeth Dessources
June 10, 2015
Rest in Peace Vielka. You helped and touched many. Thank you for all of your work at JJAY, because of you I went to law school . Thank you .
Brian Miller
June 10, 2015
Rest in peace, Vielka. You were a talented, kind, caring, dedicated professional and an even better person. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Maureen Allwood
June 8, 2015
We miss you already. The John Jay community is better for having been touch by your talents and grace.
Olga E. Swaby-Blake, RN
June 8, 2015
My Loving Cousin You Are In God's Care. Rest In Peace
In The Sweet By And By We
Shall Meet On That
Beautiful Shore.....
Kim Thompson
June 8, 2015
In my time of grief, Of all the hugs and words of encouragement, I can only remember the hug you gave me. I will be taking the LSAT in Oct.
Joshua guachichulca
June 7, 2015
She will be missed.
Karen Schmitt
June 6, 2015
I only knew Vielka from the Internet, but she was a kind, upbeat, positive presence on the fabulous forum we were both members of. In the face of what she knew were insurmountable odds, she always presented herself as caring, supportive, uplifting, and funny. She helped me and many others put our own travails in perspective. I will always be grateful for her support when I needed it most.
Rebecca webb
June 6, 2015
Can't be there to hug you again but I am sure your spirt knows my heart. Love you auntie V. Your journey to walk with the angels has begun enjoy the carefree and painless atmosphere. May you shine over your loved ones forever!
Sara Bookbinder
June 6, 2015
Dr. Anna Holness and family- My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear and very accomplished sister. She seems to have had a positive influence on the lives of many. So sorry.
Marguerite Schervish
June 5, 2015
Dear Judy and the entire Holness and Keenan Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of Vielka's passing. I can't believe it. She was such a warm, intelligent, compassionate, strong and loving woman! Clearly, she has died too soon. I will always recall our fun and laughter when "Poker Club" convened at your place in the Bronx, and at our various homes in Detroit and Arlington. She was and always will be a part of our lives. Thanks to you and Vielka, we knew we had a home away from home in the Bronx! All my love and prayers are with you, Judy! I will miss my "birthday partner!"
Together in spirit, always!
Jessica M.
June 5, 2015
I was very fortunate to meet Vielka on quite a few occasions, while I was a student at JJay. She was genuinely caring and helpful to both the students and staff. She always wanted to see the students achieve their dreams, and she worked tirelessly to guide us along the way. I am incredibly saddened by her passing. We've lost an amazing human being. My sincerest condolences to her loved ones.
Amy Gewirtz
June 5, 2015
Dearest Vielka-- friend and colleague. I will miss you beyond words, but feel truly blessed to have had you in my life. I know that your spirit and presence exists beyond this earthly life and in that way, I know that you will always be near. May you rest in peace, my dear, and much love always.
Terri O'Gorman
June 5, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Michelle Brown-Nevers
June 5, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Vielka's passing. She and I worked together at Columbia University. Her infectious smile and her warm persona will always be remembered. My deepest sympathy is extended to her family.
Monique McCarthy
June 5, 2015
My sincerest condolences to Vielka's spouse and the rest of her family. She was a wonderful person with a warm smile and generous spirit who worked tirelessly for her students. She will be greatly missed.
Sylvia Benavente
June 5, 2015
My deepest condolences on the passing of Vielka - she was such a genuine, caring person and had such an infectious smile that would light up a room. Having been her classmate at Spellman HS was a true blessing and although we did not share many classes, she always took the time to wave across the hallway to say hi; something I will always remember. She will truly be missed. Rest in Peace dear Vielka.
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