Myrtle Holmquist

1920 - 2014

MYRTLE GRACE HOLMQUIST
January 4, 1920 - July 3, 2014
Myrtle Grace Holmquist passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2014 in Madera. Myrt was the youngest of 6 children born to EE and Blanche Freeman on January 4, 1920. The Freemans operated a pure-bred Holstein dairy on Shoemake Ave. in Wood Colony outside of Modesto, CA where Myrt and her older siblings were born and raised milking, feeding and raising the calves on the dairy; many a great story has been told of their antics and lives growing up on the Dairy.
Myrt graduated from Modesto High School in 1938. She was the pitcher of the softball team and also played clarinet in the marching band. The band marched over the Bay Bridge in its dedication. After graduating in 1941 she enrolled at Modesto Junior college which she attended for two years. In 1941 Myrt was accepted at St. Mary's School of Nursing in San Francisco which she attended and resided. After 3 years under the watchful eye of the nuns, Myrt received her RN degree in 1944. Oh, the tales she told about that experience!
In October of 1944 she married Lt. Walter Holmquist in Washington, D.C., where Walt was stationed. Myrt worked in a doctor's office while there. Soon after in 1945, their daughter, Christina was born. Their son, Jon came along 4 years later, born in Palo Alto, Ca. As Walt was soon promoted to Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, they moved to several Navel Air Stations across the United States, but Modesto was always their home base.
Mryt's focus in nursing was in psychiatry, eventually becoming a Senior Psychiatric Nurse. Among the places she worked were Modesto State Hospital, Camarillo State Hospital, and the Stanislaus County Mental Health Program. She then became the Head Nurse for the Heroin Addiction Program for Stanislaus County from which she retired.
Myrt lived a full and active life. She even still played tennis until in her 80's and continued to swim whenever possible. If you wanted to have a good time, Myrt was the one to call. She had a sassy attitude, lots of spunk and a true joy for life. She was always able to laugh and find humor in the most every day events of life. She spoke her mind and was never reluctant to share an off-color story or a downright dirty joke. She was affectionate and fun-loving.
In 2010, Myrt moved into Cedar Creek Senior living facility in Madera. It did not take her long to join the E-bowling team, where she soon became the top scorer and played in several tournaments. She was a popular resident. The residents and staff enjoyed her positive outlook on life.
Myrt is preceded in death by her husband, Walt; her sisters Blanche, Edith and Irene, and her brother Rex. She is survived by her sister, Maude of Modesto; daughter Christina and her husband Jim Thomas of Modesto and Jim's daughter, Becky; son Jon and his wife, Tina of Madera; grandsons Jason, Kyle and Kris Holmquist, plus many nieces, nephews and cousins along with many friends who will miss her enthusiasm, smile and spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19 at Appetez Restaurant in Modesto from 1:00 to 3:00PM.
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