Holly Eckerson

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my mom, Holly Eckerson, on November 21, 2025 after a tenacious two-year battle against a glioblastoma. Mom was born in Utica, New York, to Floyd and Nancy Eckerson, the middle of five children, and spent her childhood in Clinton, New York, alongside her beloved siblings-Steve, Dawn, Wendy, and David. She graduated from Clinton Senior High School in 1977. Following her graduation, she pursued her deep love of horses through work in Culpepper, Virginia, and Corpus Christi, Texas. In later years, she and her family moved to Vermont when her father accepted a new professional opportunity, marking the beginning of the next chapter in her life. Mom was an extraordinarily hard-working woman-resilient, determined, and devoted. When I was young, she put herself through college to create a more stable life for the two of us. Over eight tireless years, she juggled two jobs, raised her only daughter, and attended night classes, eventually earning her bachelor's degree in paralegal studies from Champlain College. She set the stage, highlighting the importance of hard work, education, and perseverance. Complaining simply wasn't in her vocabulary, no matter how exhausted she must have been. Of all her accomplishments, though, family was the one she cherished most. Growing up, Mom always seated herself at the "kids' table" during holiday gatherings. She excelled at entertaining my cousins and me with her wildly inappropriate humor, sarcasm, and embarrassing remarks that kept us laughing. Quiet in most other areas of life, she came alive in our presence-free to let her whole personality shine. Her silliness never faded - hiding in closets to jump out and scare me when I got home, leaving funny voicemails out of boredom, laughing at her own jokes until she was breathless, always ending with stating, "I'm so damn funny!". What I treasure most was my mom's ability to handle whatever "mistake" I made, making her my first go-to when I needed support, a reminder that everything would be okay, or a safe haven. She never judged, never shamed, and most often she would remind me, "there's nothing you can do that I haven't already done myself". My mom gifted me the safety to turn to her in need, a quality that I vow to provide my own children as they grow. In 2023, Mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Her strength during that devastating journey was unsurprising to anyone who knew her. Strength is the first word that comes to mind when I think of her. She faced cancer as she faced every hardship in her life-with determination, vulnerability, stubbornness, and courage. She allowed herself ten minutes of tears when needed, then took a deep breath and pushed forward. Her desire to stay independent was both admirable and nerve-racking, and she never lost her ability to put someone in their place if they needed it - always with love, of course! While she guarded her heart for many years, Mom loved deeply. She embraced the support that surrounded her and let herself lean on those who cared for her during her fiercest fight. Not long ago, while I was driving Mom home, she told me that when her time came, I could always look for her in the sky. What I was not able to put into words at the time was that she will live on for me beyond the vastness of the sky. She will be present through the smell of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, Pine-Sol during Spring cleaning, freshly popped popcorn, and lilacs (which she used to send me into strangers' yards to steal when we were on long walks together during my childhood). I'll hear her in the early-morning vacuuming before 8 a.m., in off-key renditions of "Jingle Bell Rock," and in humor so inappropriate it makes my face burn. I'll think of her when playing cards, remembering she was the sorest loser ever - a trait she inherited from her own mother! I'll feel her absence each time I get into the car and instinctively reach to call her, even if only to sit together in silence. And most of all, I'll see her when I watch my children play and grow. She fiercely loved being "Nani" and treasured every moment with her granddaughter, Marley. Though she didn't get to hold Warren-born just days before her passing-I know she held on to make sure he arrived safely. Mom is survived by her daughter and closest confidant, Emily, and her husband, Michael Russen, along with their children, Marley and Warren. She is also survived by her siblings and their partners: Steve Eckerson and Sally Selters, Dawn and Andy Ryan, and Wendy and Tim Miller. Her nieces and nephews-Sarah, Katie, Aaron, Brad, Alex, Kathryn, McKenzie, Connor, and Rian-will deeply miss her spirit and humor. She was predeceased by her brother, David Eckerson. Our family extends heartfelt appreciation to The Arbors for embracing Mom with so much love. Ruby, Lydia, and Amie-thank you for your deep and genuine love, advocacy, and care. She loved you dearly. I am especially grateful for Mom's caregiver, Linda (her "partner in crime"). Linda, your ability to match her humor, fight fiercely for her well-being, and comfort her with such tenderness means more than I can ever express. She loved you immensely, and I will always be grateful that you held her hand when I could not. A celebration of Mom's life will be held this coming spring - details will be provided once arrangements have been made. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Holly, please visit our floral store.