Holly Reid Semple

Holly Reynolds Reid Semple died peacefully at her home in Charlottesville on Wednesday, morning, January 10, 2007, in the company of her three beloved children.

Holly showed a joyful intensity throughout her life. Her interest in people was paramount. Each friend felt her charm and warmth.

Holly was born to George Foster Reid and Elizabeth Amelia Reynolds Reid on May 8, 1926, in New York City, and was raised in Lawrence, Long Island.

She went to the Cathedral School of St. Mary's in Garden City, then to Radcliffe College. She graduated with a history degree in 1948.

In her junior year Holly married David Anderson Fowler, a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School. David went on to practice law in Philadelphia and the couple raised their children in Devon and Bryn Mawr.

During this period Holly was active in volunteer activities, including initiating an outreach program for local senior citizens, helping to found a nursery school, and fundraising for the Bryn Mawr Hospital. She accepted the invitation of the Head of the Shipley School to become Director of Alumnae Affairs and soon added Development Director to her responsibilities. Early in her twenty years at Shipley she coined the term "friend-raising".

Because of her success at Shipley, Holly was chosen as the Development Chair for the National Association of Independent Schools. When that organization merged with its college counterpart, becoming the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, she was the only woman to sit on its Board. Between 1974 and 1978 Holly worked with Princeton University, helping to develop its permanent endowment fund.

During her time at Shipley, Holly also organized alumnae trips abroad, leading groups of graduates to the British Isles, Europe, Greece, Egypt and China. After divorcing and later retiring from Shipley in 1985, Holly spent time traveling.

When she met Robert Baylor Semple, she knew she'd met the love of her life. They married and Holly moved to his home in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She happily threw herself into many community activities, including presidency of the local Audubon Society and serving on the Board of the Henry Ford Hospital. During this period, Holly became a Stevens Minister.

Holly and Bob had regular visits to his second home, "Pohick Farm" in Delaplane, Virginia and to the Harbor Beach Club in Michigan. Bob was diagnosed with cancer, and, unfortunately, they had only four years together.

Holly moved to Charlottesville in 1995 to start a new life. She made many friends and used her organizational capabilities to benefit her church and community. She served on St. Paul Memorial Church's Vestry, the Diocese of Virginia's Standing Committee and the Diocesan Executive Board. She graduated from St. Paul's Education for Ministry program in '02.

Pursing her love of the arts, Holly also became President of the Wednesday Music Club and developed its fundraising "Soirees" featuring concert musicians. She served on the Board of the Symphony and the Piedmont Council for the Arts. Holly loved participating in a play reading group.

Holly adored outdoor life and was enthusiastic about riding, as well as being a Charlottesville Reel Lady and a Garden Club member. She especially relished her Sundays with the Farmington Beaglers. A few years ago, Holly rode out on the Lewis and Clark Trail for two weeks.

Holly's contagious verve for life was evident everywhere. She loved entertaining in her colorful and hospitable home.

In 2004, Holly discovered that she had liver cancer and pursued every avenue to fight it, courageously and with determination - as she had lived her entire life. She gained two additional years which she used to the maximum, particularly spending time with friends and family: children, Emily Fowler Ennis of Washington DC, Lindsay Anderson Fowler of Templeton, California and Elizabeth Fowler Silver of Payson Arizona; grandchildren, Alexander Reid Ennis, Bradley James Ennis, Ellen Louise Silver Jones, Paul Duran Silver, Rebekah Reynolds Silver and Payson Penelope Silver; her great-granddaughter, Gabriella Louise Driver; and her brother, George Foster Reid of Aiken, South Carolina.

Holly's family would like to thank everyone who helped her through her illness: Dr. Fong and the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, Dr. Joyce Geilker, Dr. Cristiana Brenin and other doctors and the staff connected with the University of Virginia Hospital, as well as Mary Dylan and the staff of The Hospice of the Piedmont. We also thank the St. Paul's congregation and Holly's many friends for their prayers and loving support.

Holly will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 14, 2007, at St. Paul's Memorial Church in Charlottesville. A reception in the parish hall will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Paul's Memorial Church, 1700 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 2200 Old Ivy Rd. Suite #200, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Hill & Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.