Clarissa South Holland

Rev. Clarissa South Holland, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 26th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, compassion, and a deep commitment to living life without regret.

Clarissa was a woman who truly lived by her own words: "Don't wait until it's too late." Inspired early in her ministry by widows who had lost spouses before retirement, she embraced every opportunity to travel, build relationships, and serve others-never postponing joy, purpose, or love.

Born in upstate NY in 1957, Clarissa experienced a defining loss at age 12 with the death of her grandmother, Elizabeth "Libby" Kissel. Though the experience caused her to temporarily turn away from her faith, it ultimately led her to rediscover her spiritual path as a young adult. That return to faith set the course for her life's vocation.

Clarissa earned her Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in 1988. Following her graduation, she was appointed to the Broadway-Montana United Methodist Church, where she began her pastoral ministry. She was ordained a deacon in 1989 and an elder in 1991.

In 1991, Clarissa participated in a Rotary Exchange to the Netherlands that would unexpectedly change her life. Upon her return, she was introduced to Tom Holland, the son of her group leaders. The two were married in 1992 and spent over three decades together, raising a family grounded in love, faith, and global awareness.

Clarissa and Tom welcomed two daughters: Libby, born in 1993, and Rachel, adopted from China in 1996. Clarissa was passionate about cross-cultural experiences and was dedicated to raising "global children." Together, the family hosted exchange students and embarked on meaningful travels to China, Spain, France, Malawi, Scotland, and beyond. Clarissa also considered WenShuang Lu, a former seminary student and exchange guest, her "third daughter."

Throughout her ministry, Clarissa served various churches across New Jersey, including the Broadway-Montana UMC, Chatham UMC, Green Village UMC, and Whiting UMC, where she concluded her career. She also served as a chaplain at Hagedorn Gero-Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Green Village Fire Department. Her pastoral work was marked by deep empathy, strong leadership, and a thirst for learning that inspired her congregations and colleagues alike.

Clarissa's lifelong love of travel began in 1978 during an archaeological excavation in Caesarea, Israel. Her most transformative journeys included:

• Adoption and return visits to China with her daughters and father

• Pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago in Spain and to Taizé, France

• A mission trip to Malawi with her daughter Libby

• Spiritual retreats to Iona, Scotland and Chartres, France

She often said she wanted to leave no opportunity unlived-and she succeeded. Clarissa believed that faith must be put into action. Guided by Luke 12:48, "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required," she and Tom dedicated themselves to philanthropy. Among her proudest accomplishments was helping to fund four clean-water wells in Malawi, which continue to serve thousands and stand as a testament to the dignity and sacred worth of all people.

Clarissa is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Holland; daughters Libby Holland and Rachel Knapp; honorary daughter WenShuang Lu; six grandchildren, and countless friends, colleagues, and congregants whose lives she touched deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved grandmother, Libby.

Clarissa often said she had "no regrets"-because she and Tom did not wait to live, love, and serve. Her life was a tapestry of faith, family, mission, and joy.

A celebration of her life will be held on July 26th, 2025 at 10 A.M. at the Chatham United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to sponsor an additional well in Malawi, continuing Clarissa's legacy of love in action. If writing a check, please use the memo line: "For Holland Well" and address checks to: World Hope Corp, PO Box 6241, San Diego, CA 92166. Online donations can be made at http://worldhopecorps.org. Please note that when making your donation, you should choose to „use this donation" for "other (please specify in note)" and reference "For Holland Well."

She will be remembered for her wisdom, her warmth, and the enduring message she leaves behind: Live fully. Love deeply. Don't wait.