Alyson R. Holland

1972 - 2021

Alyson R. Holland

49, of Canton, passed away gently, as she held her husband's hand, Saturday morning, August 21, 2021. Her passing followed a devastatingly swift period of declining health. Born in Canton, January 22, 1972, a daughter to the late John R. "Jack" and Constance L. "Connie" (Podbielski) Bachtel, Aly graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1990. She completed her undergraduate degree at Walsh University and received both her Master's in Education and Community Counseling and a Master's in Pastoral Counseling from Malone University. Her early professional career was one of service to the Stark County community with the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. and the Mental Health and Recovery Service Board. She returned to the Walsh community in 2007 and in 2014, became a full professor and Director of Internships – it was the environment and the opportunity she truly loved. In her leisure time she enjoyed traveling, loved classic movies and followed the fortunes of the Indians, Browns, Cavs, and the local high school and college teams. Like her mother before her, she found joy in doing for others – especially her husband and family. Aly was the family hostess and kept track of all the birthdays, anniversaries, due dates, and other current events in her immediate and extended families and a wide circle of friends. A woman of unwavering faith, unshakable courage, imagination, good humor and grace, she cultivated an "attitude of gratitude." Whatever the circumstance, even throughout these very difficult last few weeks, her glass wasn't merely half full - it was brimming!

Aly is survived by her husband, Mark G. Holland, of the home. Also surviving are her brothers, Michael J. (Jennifer) Bachtel, Brian M. Bachtel and John M. Bachtel; her aunts, Mrs. Paula M. Fierstos and Mrs. Helen L. Dobos; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Larry G. (Randy) Holland, Mary Jo Holland, William J. (Tracy) Holland, Larry R. (Pam) Jackson and Timothy J. (Diane) Jackson; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and treasured friends here, across the country, and around the world.

Fr. Thomas Cebula, Fr. Marian Babjak and Deacon Randy Smith will join Aly's family and friends to celebrate a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 27, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Massillon. Those attending should enter the church through the doors facing Cherry Road and be seated. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Parish Cemetery in Massillon. There are no calling hours. The family has suggested memorial contributions in Aly's name made to the Domestic Violence Project, Inc., PO Box 9459, Canton, Ohio 44711-9459. Karlo-Libby Funeral Home in Canton has been entrusted with arrangements. Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to our on-line guestbook at www.karlofh.com.