Joy Holman Obituary
Joy is survived by her nephews, Kurt (Josie) Anderson and Christopher Holman; great nephews and nieces: Jenna Anderson, Ronald (Heather) Anderson, Jared (Amber) Anderson, Kurt Anderson and Amanda Holman; great great nieces and nephews, Eiler, Gavin and Elsie Anderson; stepdaughter, Lori (Mary Engels) Durant and grandson, Daniel Durant; and dear friends Susan Heythaler, Ingrid (Bill) Stafford, Alex (Shari) Jokipii, Eileen Rojas, Kenny Larson, Cindy Reichel, and the Sponberg and Siik families. She was preceded in death by her father, Clifton (Kip) Holman; mother, Betty Holman; sisters, Caroline Anderson and Patty Holman; nephews, Randy (Lois) Anderson and Michael Anderson, and significant other, Donald S. Durant.
Joy was born on September 9, 1940, in Ishpeming, Michigan. She graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1962 with a degree in Education, and later obtained her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. She spent nearly four decades of her career in education working as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, middle school principal and high school principal at Fitzgerald Public Schools. When reflecting on her career, Joy said "I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world. I've spent 37 years doing something I love!" She stated that some of her best memories include "Having kids come back that are successful, that some people didn't think would amount to much you'll never know how much it means to a teacher for a student to come back and say, 'I'm ok, I'm doing well.'"
Joy will be remembered as the world's greatest teacher, counselor, listener and advice giver. She embodied a spirit of compassion, helping every individual she touched feel like the most special person in the world. Joy stated that her priority was, "Giving kids an ear to listen and a place where they could be where they knew someone cared about them." Joy loved the theatre and was also an avid sports fan, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey, and was a Spartan devotee. She loved outdoor sports – even during her last summer on the Dead River Basin, she enjoyed afternoon pontoon rides with family and friends, always sporting a glass of wine on ice. Joy loved to boast about her almost 50-year-old pontoon, which was rebuilt twice by her nephew Michael. She was a passionate blueberry picker, always welcoming visitors with a fresh homemade blueberry pie. She loved being at her camp with her family and friends, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Dead River Basin every season of the year.
Joy recently shared, "I hope at the end of my life people will say that I was the kind of person that you are better for having known. I hope that I have done for others what so many others have done for me. Then you can say my life was a success."
The fact she was named "Joy" was no mistake, as this was what she brought to all of us. Those of us who were lucky enough to know Joy have been changed forever with the positive imprint she has left on our lives and in our hearts. We will carry her memory and her teachings forward, forever united as #TeamJoy!
A celebration of life service will be scheduled during the summer months. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Vista Theatre, 300 Iron St., Negaunee, Michigan, 49866.
Joy's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lorene Brooks (Bullis)
February 8, 2025
Such a powerful role model to SO many students over the years. We're all incredibly lucky just to have known her. She truly cared about every one of us and will be missed.
Vaughn Bratten
January 25, 2024
What can I say about her that you don´t already know? She was my Princi-PAL for all four years of High School. Like many guys have on Graduation night over the years, I gave her a big Bear Hug and picked her up because she was so special. She always wore a beautiful smile. Her and I often talked about Yooper things, because we were both transplanted Yoopers. Her heart was so big, and held so much love for all of us that I´m surprised it could fit in that little body. I will never forget her. My deepest condolences to her family. - Vaughn `97
James Hall
January 25, 2024
She was a great Principal. She was my middle school Principal then she became my High school Principal. I remember her always out in the halls talking to all the students. She was also the one who handed me my diploma in "98". When she handed them out it was always with a photo and a hug. Going through life you always want to be remembered. She has put her fingerprint on all the students that she coached in life. I will never forget her as my principal. May God bless her family.
Robert Montroy
January 24, 2024
So sad to hear about this. Joy Holman was assistant principal when I was in Fitzgerald High. She helped me stay on through out my school days and was very close with my parents and my God father Don Durant. You will be truly missed.
Robert Montroy
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Lisa Zientek
January 24, 2024
What a great tribute to an awesome person. Joy found the good in everyone regardless of what trouble or situation you were in. She made such and impact on those at Fitz. Truly a one of a kind!!
Karen (Ostrosky) DeLange
January 24, 2024
Always a be professional and loved the students at Fitz. One of the best!
Jennifer versace
January 24, 2024
Ms holeman was a nice sweet person will be missed dearly
Jeff Benzing
January 24, 2024
One of my cherished possessions is a classic book of quotes Ms. Holman gave to me upon graduation. I have carried it throughout my life and often sought guidance from it. With all the famous quotes in that book, my favorite comes from her inscription to me: "Despite all the atoms in the world, it still comes down to shaping one individual at a time." This has been an inspiration to me especially when teaching JA classes. If I can touch just one child, I have been successful. Joy was beyond successful, as she shaped so many of us who attended Fitzgerald Schools. I'm glad I got the chance to thank her in person. God Bless You Joy Homan.
Laura Johnson
January 24, 2024
This is a lot to take in because even after all the years of not being in constant contact a part of her lives strong in my heart. Kind and firm, respectful principal and strong leader.
We ALL have a Joy Holman story.
From her personalized notes on EVERYONE'S REPORT card to the way she very kindly looked after all of us especially when we might not have had our best judgements.
She was my father's student counselor at Fitz then my principal.
She has made an impact in all of our lives for the better. I hope we all have taken the lessons she's given us and asked her kindness like seeds in the wind in hopes others will also spread her kindness and love.
Ms. Holman will truly be missed on this earth but has definitely earned a few sets of wings.
Adam gadowski
January 23, 2024
Not only did I get to have her as a principle but so did my father, the 1st time I met her she said I hope I don't have problems like I did with your dad...from there on she called me Andy, that there shows she knew each and every student from all generations....
Jackie Meldrum
January 23, 2024
Miss Holman touched the lives of everyone she came into contact with! She was my principal throughout middle and high school and truly cared about her job, the students, each of our lives, and it truly showed. Reading various posts on fb about how she touched so many has been amazing! She was truly a one of a kind person and will leave the world a little dimmer without her light. I hope she realized how truly amazing she was!
Sign Craft
January 23, 2024
I really loved that Lady, she was great with the kids and loved her job and it showed. As Sign Craft, Barry never failed to supply the art classes or anything else he could help with..
Brian Zech
January 23, 2024
She absolutely saw a flame that nobody else could see. She overrode the vice principal to keep me in school my senior year, I had crappy attendance. The night I walked across the stage to get my diploma, I picked her up off of her feet and hugged the stuffings out of her. We brought the house down!!! After I left the stage she received another ovation. She deserved every bit of it and more!!! May she rest in eternal peace.
Monique Kollmorgen
January 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to have Ms. Holman all 3 years in middle school then she was promoted to high school principal when I was a freshman,. So 7 wonderful years. In fact our middle school choir surprised her in her office and sang friends for her before she went to fitz. We were all so blessed to have known her . She was always there for any of us. A friendly wave and beautifu caring smile in the hallways. You made a difference in all of our lives. And you'll be remembered as one of the kindest and most compassionate people I've ever meet. Thank you for touching of hearts and lives and letting us know someone cared. I'm in a position now where I help people every day. And I send out that message of light and love. Thank you Ms. Holman. We were all better for having known you. You have always been talked about fondly be all of your former students. We love you and always will
Spring
January 23, 2024
My middle school and high school principal. She was a amazing lady. Helped me thru so much... truly good soul. Gonna miss her.
Tracy Demars
January 23, 2024
Mrs Holman pour love into her students. I remember walking the stage in graduation and she´d a tear when she hugged me. She always listened. She also signed every single report card for students. She always had something positive to say. She will be missed. RIP
Lisa Girimonte
January 23, 2024
I can´t think of Fitzgerald memories without her!!! Her name is exactly who she was, "Joy" ~
Rest in Heaven you sweet lady!!!
Tina Hickey (Edwards)
January 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to know Ms. Holman since the 6th grade when she was principal at Chatterton, then when I continued to Fitzgerald High School she became principal there. She was always a warm, caring person with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. There were many times I sat in her office and talked with her about my life and high school drama. Later on in my career I was lucky enough to take care of her as a patient when she would come into the clinic I worked at. She had said she was proud of me and knew I would grow up to do great things. She was such an amazing woman. I will never forget her. May she rest in Heaven. Amen
Renee (Yousif) Farlow
January 23, 2024
Ms. Holman was the absolute best high school principal. She was kind, always there for the students and brought so much greatness to our school building! My favorite memory of her is when our senior class TPed the whole outside of the school building and although she tried to seem upset that we would do such a thing, as an administrator would do, she had the most wonderful, heartwarming grin on her face and even took a picture with us in front of the mess we created (don´t worry, she made us clean it up too)!! She is one of the reasons I obtained my Master´s Degree in Administration. She definitely made a positive impact on all that had the privilege of knowing her! May she rest in peace.
Shannon Morgan
January 23, 2024
Ms Holman was my Jr High Principal at Chatterton Middle School and an amazing lady that celebrated the successes of her students. I have many handwritten notes from her, always encouraging me to be the best I could be. She was a lovely lady and will be remembered fondly.
Pat Howard
January 23, 2024
First person that, through her words and actions. Convinced me that some people in Education, actually do care.
William Shepherd
January 22, 2024
One of the absolute best people in FHS. A very special and gifted woman. She impacted so many in the best way possible. Greatful to have known her.
Christina Ulewicz
January 22, 2024
Mrs. Holman was my principal at Fitz and she was the absolute best and one of kind! She will be so missed!
Neil Lollar
January 22, 2024
My sincerest and deepest condolences to Ms. Holman's family, friends, and all her students she had over the years. I spent many times sitting outside her office at Chatterton and no matter what I did she showed patience and kindness when "correcting" my behavior. She was one of those people that made an impact on me at a young age that made me believe I could always do better if I wanted too. Ms. Holman made a positive impact on so many of our young lives. She was one of the best. Rest easy now Ms. Holman, and thank you.
Neil Lollar
Theresa Scott
January 22, 2024
My name is Theresa Krull Scott,
I was sent to Mrs.Homans office when I was in 7th grade at Chatterton Middle school. I was in BIG trouble. A boy had been teasing me constantly and I had a terribly difficult childhood at home. One morning I walked into class and he called me a dizzy dizzy dinosaur and I had enough. He was sitting in his desk and I flipped his desk over with him in it. Blood squirted everywhere. He broke his thumb. I was Scared of being punished, sent to Mr.Hunters office and Mrs. Holmans.
With such compassion she sat next to me and said " I know you didn´t mean it". It was such a comforting relief.
I felt terrible full of guilt and shame.
I was a very kind and passive student. This wasn´t in my character and she knew it. What a relief. I apologized to the boy and his parents for what I had done. I felt terrible. Thank you Mrs. Holman for your kindness and compassion during difficult circumstances. God Bless Mrs.Holman and all that loved her and that will miss her dearly.
-Theresa Krull Scott
Steve Owczarek
January 22, 2024
Ms. Holman did more for me than she ever would have known. She will be missed. Such a wonderful woman.
Crystal Smith
January 22, 2024
I met Joy at Chatterton middle school she was my principal and at Fitzgerald. She will be dearly missed. She always stayed in contact with me and she was one of the few people who I told that I was pregnant in highschool. She guided me and checked up on me. From me and many people we will always be missed and our angel
Shauna Kenyon (Gray)
January 22, 2024
I will never forget being a high school freshman at Fitzgerald and being amazed that the principal not only knew who I was but also knew about my academic standing at the school. I loved that she took the time to make sure to write notes on report cards and really connect with her students. She was an inspiring leader and educator and so many will remember the impact she had on them throughout their days. She most absolutely was the kind of person you were better for having known and she really did shine a bright light on everyone she encountered. May all the wonderful memories that folks share be solace in this tough time that she had a life well-lived.
LINDA GOFF
January 22, 2024
I spent many years associated with Joy as all 3 of my children went through the Fitzgerald System, she was a great teacher, counsler,and Principal. Always available to children and parents alike whenever one needed her sage advice, God Bless Joy. , RIP
Tiffany Snowden (Lesosky)
January 22, 2024
Ms. Holman was my high school principal. I graduated in 1994. I remember her as a kind fair person. She was very proud of me when I chose to join the Army
Heather Holloway Redmon
January 22, 2024
Miss Holman was my junior high school principal. All the way up to my graduating class of 96. She was an amazing lady with an amazing heart and she is going to be missed. May she rest peaceably. Sending prayers to her family and friends
Tracy Tiller (Burgess)
January 22, 2024
Her obituary says it all! She truly made every kid feel special & although tiny, she gave mighty good hugs!!!! She definitely left a mark on this Earth. RIP
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