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BONNIE HOLLAND Obituary
Bonnie Lee Holland (Arlen)
Bonnie Lee Holland, an artist, arts educator and arts administrator respected for her creativity and imaginative creations, passed away on September 7, 2018 at her home in Bethesda, Maryland. Her adoring husband of 50 years Gary Arlen and beloved son Benjamin Holland-Arlen were holding her hands as Bonnie's five-year fierce confrontation with cancer came to an end. Bonnie was a devoted and caring mother, a brilliant wife, a sincere friend and a passionate artist. Her diverse projects, boundless curiosity and deep commitment to arts education inspired students at all levels in and beyond the Washington area, where she lived for nearly 50 years. She created art in multiple media, including painted silk, dance, poetry, narrative, and performance art and was especially prolific on projects that incorporated elements of time, space and movement. Bonnie exhibited painting, textiles, hand scrolls, and mixed-media installations at more than 100 exhibitions in the USA and abroad, including the Corcoran Museum of Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Textile Museum and many regional arts centers. She received numerous awards and grants, and her articles have appeared in major craft and art journals. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions to Bonnie's memory may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (www.ocrfa.org), Hope Connections (www. hopeconnectionsforcancer.org) or the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care. www.sagelbloomfield.com
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Memories and Condolences
for BONNIE HOLLAND
Carol G. Fink
September 5, 2023
Thinking of you today Gary. Still remember what fun we had at Roz Bob n Zach´s party. Seems like yesterday. Take good care of yourself. Hugs n love
Carol G. Fink
September 3, 2022
Dear Gary. I remember so fondly meeting your dear Lady at Roz´s birthday party. Loved talking with her n seeing you again. Take good care of you. Hugs n love dear one
Monona Rossol
September 3, 2021
I like to tell you about so many things Bonnie did to protect the health and safety of craftspeople, but each agreement for production of a publication or activity included the provision that she and the foundation remained anonymous. She was dedicated to her colleagues without any interest in personal aggrandizement. A rare and beautiful person.
Carol G. Fink
September 3, 2020
Dear Gary thinking of you today and remember Roz and Bob n Zach’s party. I loved meeting your lovely gifted lady . Know you’re thinking about Roz and Bob now. Hate!!!! Cancer. Take good care of yourself dear one. Hugs n love carol
Monona Rossol
September 3, 2020
It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we lost Bonnie. I have never met anyone who was kinder or more concerned about the welfare of artists. A gifted artist herself, she anonymously supported projects that would benefit others, especially artists working in the textile arts. I feel privileged to have known her as a friend. Monona Rossol September 3, 2020
Meryl Goodman
October 8, 2018
Gary and Ben and family
So sorry about the loss of your precious Bonnie. May she be in your hearts forever! She was such a caring and kind person. My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time! Sending strength and prayers! Meryl Goodman
Catherine Murray
October 5, 2018
To Bonnie's Family,
I met Bonnie about a year ago when I joined the support group at Hope Connections. She is the one I remember the most, because of her kindness, concern, and genuine interest in how I was doing with my recent surgery and cancer prognosis. She was always so helpful with information, and I really appreciate her love for life, her arts, her family, her community. Thank you Bonnie for being a Shining Light to me. I will miss you and thank you for your inspiration.
September 28, 2018
I first met Bonnie thru Francoise Yohalem and took a painting on silk course from her at Glen Echo. For some reason I think it was around the time of her son's Bar Mitzvah. Bonnie also contributed in Courage Unmasked by turning a radiation mask into a work of art that was auctioned to grant money for people with Head and Neck cancer. I always enjoyed talking to Bonnie and appreciated her creative abilities.She will be missed. Cookie Kerxton
Katey Boerner
September 28, 2018
Dear Gary,
On behalf of everyone at Glen Echo Park I want to express our deep sorrow for the loss of Bonnie. She was a tremendously talented and accomplished artist and contributed so much to our community here. It was wonderful to learn about her experience as an arts administrator as well. It was amazing how she stayed positive and worked through the illness for so long. She was so brave and contributed so much by staying active. Please know everyone here has been thinking about you and about this loss. With love, Katey Boerner
Barbara Frank
September 28, 2018
My warmest sympathies and fond memories of Bonnie's ever smiling face whenever we met over so many years - more than 40. I will miss her smiles.
Rick and Sara Ducey
September 28, 2018
Gary:
So sorry to learn of Bonnie's passing. It was just fun bumping into the two of you at the Smithsonian just weeks ago. She seemed so peaceful and happy jetting around looking at books, sharing insights about the museum. Tough road, we'll all miss her. Sara and I know you and Ben will focus on the good times, and find the strength to motor on. Take care, Gary.
Cynthia Brumfield
September 21, 2018
Gary and Ben,
I only met Bonnie a few times but could see her spark, her creativity, her love of art and life. I have heard from you Gary of the deep commitment Bonnie had to her family and to life. I admired her fight against cancer and your devotion to her. You and all who Bonnie touched have my sincere and deepest sympathy.
Kirsten Peterson
September 18, 2018
Bonnie was always lovely, very warm and fun to talk with about art. So sorry to learn she is gone. I will always remember her fondly.
Rick Kaplar
September 18, 2018
Gary, my deepest sympathies to you and Ben. I am so sorry for you.
Susanna Coto
September 18, 2018
So sorry to hear about your wife Gary... my deepest condolences to you and your son. Sending prayers your way. Be strong.
Monona Rossol
September 18, 2018
An amazingly focused and loving person. She knew what would be helpful for the artists in her community and she got it done for them.
ken papagan
September 17, 2018
Dear Gary and Ben,
I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. She endured so much as you both have. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Deepest Sympathies,
Ken
dan k & sue k
September 17, 2018
So deeply sorry for your loss, Gary. We will forever treasure our mini-reunions with Bonnie. May you & Ben always maintain wonderful memories of hershe was truly a very special lady! Our condolences to you & your extended family.
The Gindy Family
September 16, 2018
Our whole family is sadden by the news of Bonnie's passing. Bonnie was so full of love of life. We are grateful for the times we spent together here in California and in Maryland. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Wollheim
September 16, 2018
So sorry to hear about Bonnie. We were friends for so many years but somehow lost touch. Larry and I send our love to you and Ben.
September 13, 2018
So sorry Gary. I was out of town and missed this--as well as the intent on your FB page. Seems like I just saw you two coming out of Landmark Bethesda! My deepest condolences. Andrea Savada
September 12, 2018
Oh, Gary, I was stunned to learn of Bonnie's death, but comforted to know that you and Benjamin were with her. I hope you were too. My heart's with you. Jane
Kathy Judd
September 11, 2018
I met Bonnie through Glen Echo Park, enjoyed talking with her when the occasion arose, and especially admired her work. Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Washington Conservatory of Music.
Deborah McAdams
September 11, 2018
May the wings of love and support enfold you.
Nancy and Andy Orgel
September 10, 2018
Sending love and a big hug.
Tom Butts
September 10, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss Gary and Ben. I never met Bonnie and I am now just discovering her amazing legacy. She sounds like a wonderful soul.
September 10, 2018
I hadn't heard this sad news until now. I had just seen Bonnie at the opening at the Katzen Museum. She will be greatly missed in the art community. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Angela White
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary and Ben, I am very sorry to learn about the news of Bonnie's passing. She was a kind soul, who was always friendly, warm-hearted and eager to share her abundant artistic knowledge. Peace and Love to you.
Patti Fertel
September 9, 2018
I am so sorry to learn of Bonnie's death. We were god friends in high school and shared much in common. We had connected again at a reunion and felt a continued bond. So sorry for your great loss.
Brian Markwalter
September 9, 2018
Ben and Gary,
I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian
Marshall Snider
September 9, 2018
Gary, I was so sorry to hear about Bonnie's passing. She fought so bravely. Suzanne and I send our most sincere condolences.
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary, We are so sad so hear of Bonnie's passing . We enjoyed sharing great meals and conversations with you both over the years. She will be greatly missed. Sheila and Roger
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary and Ben,
I was a high school friend of Bonnie and was saddened to hear the news of her passing. She will be missed by many, including those of us who knew her so long ago. Judi Shapiro (Lincolnwood, IL)
Chuck Wilsker
September 9, 2018
Gary and Ben,
I am so sorry for your loss of Bonnie. She was a loving wife and mother and friend. She will be missed by all.
Gary Shapiro
September 9, 2018
Gary and Ben,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my heart and prayers.
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary and Ben, My heart goes out to you both at your incredible loss. I was happy to have met Bonnie a couple of years ago, please take care. Penny
Helen Frederick
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary, Bonnie was a force and will be missed. My love to you and family during this difficult time. Know her memory will shine brightly for so many of us.
Pattie Firestone
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary and Ben,
Charlie and I are so sad to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was a fighter and passionate artist who broke barriers for the next generation of women artists. And you were her rock supporting her all the way. She will be missed.
Mary Pittelli and Paul Rodriguez
September 9, 2018
Gary and Ben:
Our hearts ache for your loss. We hope the memories of your remarkable wife and mother give you some measure of peace.
All our love,
Mary and Paul
Walt Mossberg
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary,
Edie and I are so very sad and sorry about Bonnie's passing. We didn't know her well, but we remember her as a bright, talented woman brimming with ideas and kindness. You have our deepest condolences.
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary,
I am so sad to hear of Bonnie's death. Being with you both last Fall is extra special to me, knowing the effort that Bonnie made that day, and how brave she was. My Wolf Kahn calendar is in front of me, and I always think of her and you when I view it. My love and condolences to you and your family. Jeanie Hearst
Karen Topiin
September 9, 2018
Dear Gary,
So sad to hear about Bonnie. She was such an amazing woman. Always loved touching base at all our reunions. Sending our love to you during this most difficult time
Karen and Al Topin
September 9, 2018
Bonnie was a fabulous artist, a lovely person and she will be missed by many people in the artist community.
Jill Tanenbaum
Barb and Ira Einsohn
September 9, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. We value your friendship and mourn with you.
September 9, 2018
Gary, So glad to have connected with you and Bonnie recently. And so sad for your loss. Take care! Kim Mosley
carol fink
September 8, 2018
Dear Gary. It was such a treat to have met Bonnie 2 years ago. I was so amazed at her energy and hearing of her journey to get more time to spend with you n your son what a beatiful creative amazing lady sending hugs and love neighbor dear n so sorry for the tremendous loss in your lives treasure each awesome memory carol fink
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