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Holly H. Nishimura

Holly Nishimura Obituary

Holly H. Nishimura On October 3, 2004, Holly Helelani Nishimura, 50, died at her Kailua, Hawaii home after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband, Benson Medina, daughter Emily Urbaniak and step-son Caine Medina. Mother Pearl R. Nishimura, sister Linda Nishimura and brother Jay Nishimura, all residents of Hawaii, also survive her. Her father, James Nishimura, preceded her in death. Holly was born in Des Moines, Iowa, raised in Kailua, Hawaii and spent most of her adult life in Erie, Pa. She was formerly the director of Health Services Administration at Gannon University in Erie. She also worked and volunteered for The Ophelia Project in Erie. Most recently, she was a partner in the Hawaiian Lomi Group of Portland, Oregon. Holly graduated from the Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Hawaii, received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from the University of Hawaii and her Masters of Public Health from the UCLA School of Public Health. A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul Episcopal, 134 W. 7th, on Thursday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. A reception hosted by the Ophelia Project will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Erie Times-News on Oct. 7, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Holly Nishimura

Sponsored by one of Holly's friends.

39 Entries

Diane Valdez DDS MPH

July 15, 2025

Writing this on July 14, 2025 .
I knew Holly at UCLA as she was my roommate in the Graduate dorm. I too just decided to look her up even though I have thought about her over the years . She was sweet and full of energy and love for life. I wish I could have hung out with her but school gets In the way. She had once invited me to Hawaii and taught me the word for perseverance in Hawaiian language . My heart goes out to all she will be missed ! Diane Valdez DDS MPH from UCLA 1982-1983

Luanne Thousand

January 19, 2025

My deepest sympathy to all of Holly's family and friends. I only just discovered her passing when I tried looking for her to share this November 1962 photo from my "pirate" birthday party in Des Moines (Holly is front row right). (I was big into make-believe then!) Holly was my friend from Woodlawn Grade School and Brownies -- and she was always so funny and knowledgeable about everything (Holly taught me the Brownie "Something in My Pocket" song)! When Holly's family moved back to Hawaii, being kids, we just didn't stay in touch. But I have fond memories of our childhood friendship and am happy to know Holly lived a full life surrounded by love.

Ben Medina

November 18, 2004

Thank you all for your precious thoughts about Holly. She was not only my true love in life, but my longest friend (40 years). I can tell each of you that Holly's spirit and memory will follow you forever. She was that kind of person!

The Frew Crew

October 25, 2004

Holly was a 100 watt light bulb in a room of 40s. She lived out loud, unafraid, gracefully. She died the same way, with courage, dignity, hope. After years of knowing her, we should not be surprised. After all, Holly was a force of nature. Like other hurricanes, tornados, tidal waves, she wasn't here for long, but her impact was great and will be felt forever. If you knew her at all, if she blew through your life, you are lucky. For she has changed the landscape indelibly.

Joan Shields

October 23, 2004

I had the pleasure of working with Holly during my year at Gannon University. I marvelled at her zest for life, loved her sense of mischief and admired her dedication to her family and her students. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Linda Nishimura

October 22, 2004

Mahalo to all of Holly's `ohana in Erie. She is missed by us all.

Aloha ~ Linda, Jay & Pearl Nishimura

debbie rzodkiewicz

October 21, 2004

I only had the pleasure of knowing Holly for a short time. She joined our golf league for the 2003 season, and we all loved her immediatley.

Her sense of humor was contagious. You couldn't be blue if she was near.

We all prayed for her after we heard of her illness.

The service honoring Holly tonight was so beautiful and inspiring. Holly's spirit was captured so well by all who spoke.

My sympathies go out to all of Holly's family and friends. The world has lost a wonderful person and she shall be missed by all.

I am thankful for knowing her...even if it was for such a short time.

Debbie Rzodkiewicz

Mulligan Maidens Golf League

Kathy Claridge

October 21, 2004

Holly, you truly were a beautiful Hawaiian Princess and all who knew you, loved you! I feel blessed to have called you my friend. May your laughter, smile and loving heart forever be an inspiration to us all. You will be sadly missed, but forever in our memories.

Kat Hilbert

October 19, 2004

Emily is one of my best friends, and over the years Holly has become one of my best friends also. She is always there to help you when you need it. I will love and miss her always, she was always a great mother and a great friend to all. I will always remember Holly, I see her in Emily's eyes everyday.

Dan Stanton

October 15, 2004

It is with much sadness I tell you she is greatly missed.

karen ducato

October 11, 2004

Holly was one of the spunkiest, energetic and fun people I've ever known. She ALWAYS had the best one liners ... what a quick wit!! I was fortunate enough to call her my friend, and she thought my feet were ALMOST as pretty as hers!

Ben, Emily and Caine ~ I pray for strength and goodness to fill your hearts, as well as those of her family and friends. And know, that she is with you.

Flower power! Aunt Holly with Julie and Maria--1992

October 11, 2004

Holly and the Urbaniak 'girls'--1988

October 11, 2004

Sandy Paholski

October 10, 2004

Pearl, Linda, Jay, Benny, Emily:

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time and my thoughts have been with you this entire year. Holly was very special and someone I have known for over 25 years. We didn't spend a lot of time together but I knew her through her family and visited her in Erie. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Diane Mitra

October 9, 2004

Holly, I will miss you always! We had fun, we worked hard, we shared so much, we laughed a lot and cried a little.

The memories and your wonderful spirit will be with me forever.

Love to Ben, Emily, Linda, Jay and Pearl.

Beautiful Holly and energetic Emmy--1989

October 9, 2004

abigail charles

October 8, 2004

i loved my aunt holy so much! and i love her daughter emily too! its very sad but at least she has no more suffering you know. ben and gerri im so sorry for your loss. god to her to heaven to make a beatiful angel. now shes watching over us and u will never have to worry about her pain again. i promise both of you that shes up there waiting for u to take your turn. i love u aunt holy,

abigail

Hollister Lindley

October 8, 2004

Holly and I both grew up on Hawaii and shared a love a understanding of the old culture. She was true alii (Hawaii royalty) from both her family background and her nature. We spent our last time together in Kailua in June, and her laughing during dinner at Buzz's Steakhouse in Kailua is a wonderful memory.

Aloha nui lo, my dear friend. I will miss you for ever and a sunset.

Holly

Erika Dauber

October 8, 2004

Holly was a mentor to me. I hold close to my heart the years I spent learning from her, laughing with her and creating with her. Her legacy with The Ophelia Project will continue to impact lives for years to come. Love to Ben and Emily.

Ben, Holly, Caine & Emily - Summer 2002

October 8, 2004

Holly's brother Jay, sister Linda and mother Pearl - Dec. 2003

October 8, 2004

Holly & Holly in Hawaii - June 2004

October 8, 2004

Holly's "girl group" - January 2004

October 8, 2004

Caroline Nobile

October 8, 2004

Holly my friend:

You truly gave new meaning to the word "charisma" I was so in awe of your vivacity, friendliness, and intelligence. Spending an afternoon exercising with you and joking around was more fun than a party. My prayer is that your courageous spirit will teach Ben and Emily how to cope with their sorrow.

Frances New

October 8, 2004

Holly was one of the strongest, most courageous women I've ever known. It was my honor to have known her and my pleasure to have been her friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Fran

Cheryl Dellasega

October 8, 2004

Holly Nishimura came into my life four years ago via an e-mail about my book on daughters. From that point on, we continued to "chat" electronically and spent a brief time together in person. Holly's sense of humor, constant concern and care for Emily, and love of life are the gifts she shared with me and many others.

Thank you for showing us how, Holly.

Dawn Dubik

October 7, 2004

Emily,

My words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. Your mother was always a joy to be around. From grade school swim meets to opening her arms to us while in Hawaii. She will be greatly missed. Please know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.

David Dexter

October 7, 2004

Holly, You were a bright star in the lives of many people. You will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to Ben and all of Holly's family. Mahalo and Aloha.

Dave and Patti Dexter

Roberta Cross

October 7, 2004

Holly, you will always be remembered for your humor, great wit and infectious laugh.

It seems like only yesterday we lunched with Mary Ann consuming five dessert selections among the three of us. You will be missed. B

The Ophelia Project

October 7, 2004

Holly will be sadly missed and loved forever by her friends and colleagues at The Ophelia Project. She was a dedicated board member, volunteer, PR director, but most importantly our beloved friend. Our thoughts and prayers to her family.

Mary Baird

C.E.O The Ophelia Project

Becky Urbaniak Stanton

October 7, 2004

Holly was a dynamic, witty, smart, headstrong, independent, loving person. She was a deep thinker who over the years generously shared with me her philosophy of life and her easy sense of fun and humor. I admired her for her strength as a woman, her dedication as a mom to Em, and am proud and happy to have shared time on this earth with her. She was my former sister-in-law, my

forever friend. I will miss her.

Kevin Gorski

October 7, 2004

Holly was my program director for the Gannon Health Administration Program. She was a great teacher and a wonderful person. She will be missed.

Tracey Smith

October 7, 2004

My Dear Friend Holly, you made my laugh a million times! Thank you for the friendship we shared, you will always have a specical place in my heart...I love you....Tracey the Goddess

Cindy Liotta

October 7, 2004

Holly first was my colleague at Gannon University. And we became friends over many lunches and talks about many things in life. Mostly, we laughed alot. She could find something to laugh about in most any situation. And though we saw less of each other, each time we did meet, it was as if no time had passed. I honor her spirit and her courage and pray that you are comforted by the holiness of this past year.

Elaine Kern

October 7, 2004

We will miss you dear friend but we are comforted knowing you are at peace and no longer in pain. You will continue to be a source of great inspiration to all your 'ophelia' friends. We love you.

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