Rita Hollings Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

DIED

October 14, 2012

LOCATION

Charleston, South Carolina

James A. McAlister Cremation Obituary

Rita Liddy (Peatsy) Hollings, the wife of former U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings and former teacher, died Sunday after an eight year battle with Alzheimer's. She was 76. Peatsy, her childhood nickname, was born Rita Louise Liddy in Charleston in 1935 to Thomas J. Liddy and Louise Molony Liddy. She attended Charleston County Public Schools and was a graduate of the College of Charleston, where she studied history. She also received a graduate degree in History from the University of South Carolina.

She taught history and government at Saint Andrews Parish High School for nine years and took an active role in government well before her marriage to Mr. Hollings. From 1964 to 1966, she chaired the Charleston County Democratic Party. In 1971, she married Mr. Hollings.

Peatsy, known for her outgoing, straight-forward, dynamic personality, volunteered for countless organizations. Among her most rewarding achievements was being appointed by President George H.W. Bush for a four year tenure on the 12-member National Advisory Mental Health Council at the National Institute of Mental Health. She was Chairman of the Ford's Theater and also served as the National Campaign Chair for the Campaign for the College of Charleston. In this role, she helped raise $45 million to further the educational goals and ensure the future of her alma mater. In honor of her service, in 2003, the College of Charleston dedicated the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center. In addition to serving tirelessly in the Senate Wives Club and as a Red Cross Lady, she also served on the Hollings Cancer Center Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the SC Aquarium.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, retired U.S. Senator Ernest F. (Fritz) Hollings, her sister Katherine (Kay) Liddy Baldwin and her husband Claude Baldwin of West Ashley. Step children: Michael Hollings (Deborah); Helen Reardon (John); Ernest F. (Fritzie) Hollings Jr., along with seven grandchildren. Nephews: Jay Baldwin (Ann); Claude Baldwin IV (Lucy), James Baldwin; Thomas Baldwin and Michael Baldwin (Katherine). She is also survived by her Aunt, Jessie T. Liddy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St. Sullivan's Island. The Rite of Committal will be at Bethany Cemetery. The family will receive friends this Tuesday evening between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home 1620 Savannah Hwy. A Vigil Service will begin at 5:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Peatsy Hollings Memorial Fund at the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center: 86 Jonathan Lucas Street Charleston, SC 29425.

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

To Senator Hollings
Having been your pest control tech for nearly 10 yrs I cam to love your family. I always looked forward to coming to see you and Peatsy. Your house was always warm and inviting and I loved talking to you and Peatsy...whether it be politics or whatever...y'all were always good to me. I will miss Peatsy as I thought so much of her and watching her in latter years as mind slowly diminished with alzheimers was very dificult to see but God is caring for her now and she...

greg scarbrough

October 18, 2012 | Jamestown, SC

Dear Family of Peatsy Liddy Hollings,

My family and I were so fortunate to know Peatsy so many years ago. She taught both my sisters at St. Andrews but I knew her as a patron of my family's business, Zinn's Deli, where she,her mother and sister would come in very often. I always enjoyed talking to them all. I know Peatsy will be missed by so many people as she inspired everyone she met. She was always kind and uplifting. What a joy to be around and to know. I remember the day she told...

Renee Zinn Gordon

October 17, 2012 | Jacksonville, FL

How we all loved Miss Liddy with the beautiful smile and indomitable spirit. She expressed such passion for history and government, indeed for life, that we couldn't help but be excited about learning. What a treasure she was to all who knew her. My deepest condolences and prayers go to the family. Rita "Peatsy" Liddy will live on in the many hearts whose lives she touched. God bless you all. (St. Andrews high School, class of 1964)

JoLyn Hines Branch

October 17, 2012 | Charleston, SC

I was one of the lucky students that had the pleasure of "Miss Liddy" teaching me US History at St Andrews High School. I was lucky to have also known her as a patron at my parents restaurant on Folly Beach Road - Zinn's Deli - she was a wonderful and caring person and she is in prayers today! I want to express my condolences to her family and am feel grateful to have known her.
She has truly left a wonderful legacy for the American people.

Wanda Zinn Mirkis

October 17, 2012 | Jacksonville, FL

Senator Hollings & Family. I extend my heartfelt condolence. I just shaked your hand as you were leaving out of Walmart & asked how your wife was, not knowing the end was near. God makes no mistakes. He called his child home to take her rest by him. God will surely ease your pain. I pray for Grace & Mercy for you & the family.

Brenda Campbell

October 17, 2012 | Mt. Pleasant, SC

Rita Liddy was one teacher I always remembered as making government come "alive". I was in class of 1967. So blessed to have her as a mentor. God bless the family and you are in my prayers.

Candace Gray Williams

October 17, 2012 | Anniston, AL

The world has lost a wonderful teacher and special friend to our family. God be with you.

Elliott Spann, Emily and Jamie Laird

October 16, 2012 | Charleston, SC

Sen Hollings & family, our prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord be your strength and comfort. Mrs. Peatsy was a grand lady. It's been many years since I have been around ya'll but that that I knew about her she loved and was loved by everyone who came in contact with her. God bless. Darleen Gruber Gaskins (Edisto River)

darleen Gruber Gaskins

October 16, 2012 | St Stephen, SC

Senator Hollings, we offer to you and your family our condolences and deepest sympathy.

Gail and Togo D. West, Jr.

October 16, 2012

Rita Liddy "Peatsy" Hollings

About

Obituaries

James A. McAlister Cremation Obituary

Guest Book