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Mabel Holle Obituary
Mabel B. Holle
LAKE FOREST - Mabel B. Holle, a member of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and longtime woman's sports advocate, died December 11, 2011, at her home in Lake Forest, IL after a long illness.
Born in Jacksonville, IL on March 21, 1920, she loved to play sports as a child and spent most of her time outdoors. In 1943, she became a member of the original South Bend Blue Sox of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She played third base and outfield and the highlight of her career was when her mother and two younger sisters attended a game when she had the game winning hit. She had a very strong arm and was known for throwing out runners at home plate from the outfield. She also played with the Kenosha Comets for a short period of time. On November 5, 1988, Mabel was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, NY as a member of the All American Girls League.
After professional baseball , Mabel became a physical education teacher. She was coach and athletic administrator in the Waukegan schools for most of her professional career. Mabel was the first person to chair the IHSA Girls Track and Field Advisory Committee. She served as a member of the Advisory Committee during the early years of the girls state series, and then on the Games Committee of the girls state meet. In 2001, she became the Illinois State Girls Track Honorary Referee.
Mabel graduated from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL in 1942. She was inducted in the MacMurray sports hall of fame in 1993 and has an annual award in her honor that goes to the female athlete who exemplifies leadership in the classroom and the playing field.
Mabel is survived by her longtime partner, Linda Hoffman; her sisters: Patricia Patrick, also of Lake Forest, IL and Charlene Hobbie, Waverly, IL; her nieces: Dixie Hanks Richter (John) of Albuquerque, NM; Betty Holder of Houston, TX; Wendy Friedland (Warren) of Rockville, MD; Carrie Carr (Bill), Barrington, IL and nephew, Larry Patrick (Amy) of Gurnee, IL; her two sweet Schnauzers, Maggie and Ellie; her many great and great-great, nieces and nephews; wonderful friends and former teammates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kathryn (Ollie) and Frederick Holle, and sister, Emma and brother, Frederick.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/uncategorized/34/donations) or the Midwest Palliative & Hospice Care Center (http://www.carecenter.org/make-a-gift/honor-a-loved-one). A private memorial will scheduled at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mabel Holle
Judy Musich
December 7, 2019
Mabel was a very nice person in and out of work. I was lucky to be one of her friends.
Marla Arrington
September 4, 2012
I remember Ms. Holle from Waukegan West High School my freshman year 1988-1989 during gym class .She wasn't my teacher but I saw her class everyday at gym.I'll never forget her she stood out, nice but wanted the students in her gym class to do their best. She also coached at West too. I just recently found out about her passing & also that she played for the american girls baseball league during the 1940s. Friends & family of Mable Holle have my best wishes. R.I.P~ Mabel Holle
Deb Ruth
February 2, 2012
Ms. Holle you were such an inspiring influence in my life! When all things were bad for me in HS you were the shining light. Thank you for all that you did for me. class of 75. You are missed!
Linda Hilgenbrinck
January 16, 2012
We met Mabel in Rockford, IL (approximately 2002) at a shopping mall parking lot. In the parking lot, a very long tent was up and the public could come to meet the women the played in the league. We were thrilled to have met Mabel. My partner and I were both MacMurray grads (1981 and 1985) and Ms. Holle graced us with having photos taken together. We hold this photo of all of us together very dear. Our sincere sympathy to Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Holle's entire family. She was a beautiful soul! L & T
Alicia Ogrin Smales
January 8, 2012
I recently found out about the passing of Ms. Holle. Her influence spread farther and wider than one might think. I think for athletes like me that grew up in the title nine era, it was helpful to have someone pushing you to do better than we thought we could do. Ms. Holle's influence and others at Waukegan high inspired me to get good enough in something so that I could get a scholarship to attend college. Those early influences were a springboard to later achievements. Ms. Holle, we will miss you, but for all those Lives you touched, we thank you. Alicia Ogrin Smales '73-'77
Luella Gesky
December 28, 2011
My sincerest sympathies to Ms. Hoffman and family. Ms. Holle was my teacher and coach at Wkgn. West from '86-'90. Her influence has had the profound impact as only great coaches and teachers can on a students life. I have a vivid memory of doing the Jane Fonda workout in P.E. class and Ms. Holle dusting us all. I met her again later in life at an ABL women's basketball game. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to let her know how important she was to me. She will be greatly missed.
Mariette Hudson-Cheatam
December 27, 2011
Ms. Hoole us birds will miss you.
BETTY STALEY
December 24, 2011
I FIRST MET MABEL IN 1946 WHEN SHE WAS TEACHING P.EL AT MY FORMER HIGH SCHOOL IN CASEY, IL. WE ATTENDED GRADUATE SCHOOL TOGETHER IN '53-54. SHE HAS REMAINED A LOYAL AND WONDERFUL FRIEND THRU THE YEARS. I WILL MISS KNOWING SHE IS NO LONGER WITH US.
BETTY HOLDER
December 20, 2011
Mabel was a wonderful aunt. She was always warm and welcoming.
sharon storey
December 20, 2011
wow What a legend Ms. Holie was. She will be truly missed.
December 20, 2011
For the kindest freely given; the leadership consistently demostrated; and the dedication to excellence she required - the generations of Waukegan's West High School girls are proud to call you teacher and mentor. Thank you for all that you shared and inspired. We will miss you Ms Holle!!!
Class of 1980
Pat Pierce
December 19, 2011
Ms. Hoffman, Ms. P, and all of Ms. Holle's family and friends, My deepest sympathys to all.
Ms. Holle was my softball coach 77-79 as well as my PE teacher. Although we had our share of butting heads, I finally understood the concept of "there is no I in team". I have always given her major credit in mentoring my softball career of 33 years, 20 of which were on the world-class level. She was absolutely a humble woman as I don't think any of us knew of her baseball career until years after being out of school. I was blessed to have had her in my life. To the family, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, Ms. Holle.
Bette Polletta
December 19, 2011
I enjoyed Miss Holle back in the 60s. She was the person who told us that JFK had been shot. She was very moved by that as we would all eventually understand.
I still love to run. Mary Mivshek Erickson
Erickson Mary
December 19, 2011
When I attended Waukegan Township High School. Miss Holle coached me in track. She was a super inspiration to me and helped me accomplish winning many gold medals in AAU Track Meets and the ulitimate award of Illinois State Champ in the 220 Yard Dash. She was a great coach and will be missed.
Mary(Mivshek)Erickson Monterey, CA
December 19, 2011
What a full life she led. She was the only one who could call me a "pinhead" and I could laugh....RIP to an amazing pioneer.
Marcia R. (Goodyear, AZ)
Martha Holland Winslow-Cole
December 19, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of Miss Holle's passing. Strange, my sister and I were wondering about her just a few days ago. She was my favorite teacher when I was in high school in the late 50's. I spent many after school hours at WTHS participating in Girls Athletic Association (GAA) sports which she sponsored and coached. In those days, girls played basketball by very different, quite limiting, rules than boys. Perhaps my fondest memory of Miss Holle is the couple of times she let us play by the boys rules. I believe we had to keep it on the hush hush. I was surprised to find out she played in the AAGPBL. She was indeed an amazing person. I consider myself fortunate to have had her as a teacher.
A Bruce
December 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Holle family. Ms. Holle was one great PE teacher.
Shirley Ewing-Smith
December 18, 2011
To The Holle Family and Friends. There will never be another Ms. Holle, what a great Lady. It still amazes me that she taught so very many of us, generations in fact. Ms. Holle, you have finally hit the home run of all times, may you rest forever.
Cindy Berent-Creel
December 17, 2011
Had Miss Holle back in high school. She was a awesome teacher. May she rest in peace.
Wanda Valentin (Lugo)
December 17, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Ms Holle was my gym teacher at Waukegan West. I remember her always having a smile. May she rest in peace.
Judy Kutzler Novak
December 17, 2011
To Miss Hollie's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the privilege of having Miss Hollie as my gym teacher at WTHS back in the late 50"s (graduated 1959!) I remember her as a wonderful teacher and example for us!
Marianne Johnson
December 16, 2011
Dear Ms. Hoffman and family I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I had Miss Hole as the PE teacher throughout high school I graduated from Waukegan West In 1976.
Monica Moreno-OBerto
December 16, 2011
Ms. Holle was my gym teacher and freshman volleyball coach at Waukegan West...she would call the girls by their numbers instead of their names even out of class, we all loved it, rest in peace Ms. Holle. Love, #15
T. Gillespie
December 15, 2011
She was an inspiration to all of us Lady Bulldogs. Thank you, for all your hard work and dedication in both fields; sports and education. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. Rest in peace, Ms. Holle.
Valiza Nash
December 15, 2011
Awesome woman!!! Always kept me in check on the B-ball court and the softball field! Thank you for believing in me....I just googled your name last week because you were so heavy on my mind...R.I.P. Ms. Holle, you have been an inspiration to many. God Bless You! 83'
December 15, 2011
LIKE ALL GREAT TEACHERS WHO CARED ABOUT THEIR STUDENTS, SHE NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY LIVES SHE TOUCHED AND ENRICHED. NOW SHE JOINS HER FELLOW TEACHERS. JOAN JOHNSTON TOMKOVICK
PAT THACKER
December 15, 2011
I HAD MISS HOLLE AS MY PE TEACHER WHEN SHE TAUGHT AT HINSDALE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL, HINSDALE, ILLINOIS IN 1949 AND 1950. SHE WAS A LOT OF FUN...AND HATED TO SEE HER LEAVE.
Barb Pilon
December 15, 2011
Ms. Holle was my PE teacher and softball coach during my years attending Waukegan High School 1980-1984. What a great lady. I have many fond memories of my years at Waukegan High School and experiences shared with Mabel as my coach. Rest in Peace Ms. Holle and thank you.
Mary Deilke-Hickey
December 15, 2011
I had Ms. Holle in high school in the 60s. I really enjoyed her as a teacher. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. May God bless her family at this time.
Janice Bratel
December 15, 2011
My deepest sympathies to all. Mabel was such a great person!
Pat Duncan
December 14, 2011
Ms. Holle was such fun. A wonderful role model for anyone planning to be a teacher. She did her job. She will be missed. She was my teacher at Daniel Webster JHS. That was 1957 I believe. I think she went on to WTHS after that.
Peggy Petropoulos-Kiriazs
December 14, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mabel, Patty and Jackson
December 14, 2011
Baseball card back
Carrie Carr
December 14, 2011
Baseball card front
Carrie Carr
December 14, 2011
Sweet Mabel
Carrie Carr
December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011
Ellie
December 14, 2011
Mabel
December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011
Birthday Celebration - Mabel and Carrie
December 14, 2011
Mabel and Jackson
December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011
Linda and Pat and family. Sorry to her about Mabel's passing. She was a great lady and I enjoyed working with her in the Athletic Office. My sympathies to all of you. Judy Musich
Anne Clark
December 14, 2011
I am proud to have been a colleague of Mabel Holle's at Waukegan West High School. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She was a true friend and wonderful boss. She led by example. She will be truly missed.
Suzann Weigel Carnick
December 14, 2011
Miss Holle was a great teacher for many years and will surely be missed. It was a pleasure to be her student and my prayers go out to her freinds and family. May God bless you and keep you safe in His arms, Miss Holle.
December 14, 2011
My sincerest condolences to all on the passing of Miss Holle. I graduated from Waukegan in 1976 and Miss Holle was my PE teacher throughout. Coming from a Catholic School background, PE in High School was quite a change. I will always remember and appreciate her kindness, patience and understanding. She was a remarkable woman. Miss Holle, rest in peace.
Nicole Bach-Sullivan
December 14, 2011
As a girl who preferred baseball over softball, I would have loved having conversations with Ms. Holle about her experiences. She was very good at keeping us under control, yet keeping the attitude light and full of laughter. All I can think at learning so much more about her is, "Why are we so surprise when we find out our best leaders are HUMBLE?"
Dawn Hampton
December 14, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. God bless you Miss Holle. She was my Softball coach in High School. Class of 1990.
Pensacola Beach 2006
December 14, 2011
At Pensacola Beach Zoo
December 14, 2011
Cinde Dixon-Aaron
December 14, 2011
Miss Holle - You will be missed! So sorry I didn't know about you baseball career when I was one of your PE students! Condolences to your family and loved ones!
Sue (Rose) Sassone
December 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Family and Friends of Ms. Holle. She was truly the force behind the recognition of Girls Sports at the competitive level at Waukegan High School. Thank you for all that you did, all of the antics you put up with, but most of all THANK YOU for being the person you were.
December 14, 2011
I graduated in 1974 and Miss Holle was my teacher. I didn't want to swim and she said "Just do it you will love it" and I did and now my children love it.
Velma Mitchell-Quinn Waukegan,Il
Cindy Drasler
December 14, 2011
I can't think back on my high school years in Waukegan without remembering Ms Holle. She was a wonderful coach and teacher and boss. She gave me my very first job ever - teaching swimming in the Learn To Swim program at the High School on Saturdays during the school year and weekdays during the summer starting when I was 14.
I'm sorry to hear of her passing and send my sympathy to her family.
Carrie Carr
December 13, 2011
I am so amazed at all the accomplishments that my Aunt Mabel had in her life. She paved the way for myself and my daughters to play sports in high school. She always had tip for the girls to improve their softball game. My only wish is that she could have seen the Cubs win a World Series. I know she is in the Fields of Dreams playing ball again.
Signing autographs
Carrie Carr
December 13, 2011
Birthday in Florida
Carrie Carr
December 13, 2011
Mabel and family at Caitlyn's 8th grade graduation.
Carrie Carr
December 13, 2011
Cheryl Harold
December 13, 2011
May Ms Holle Rest in Peace I had her as a gym teacher my condolences to her family
December 13, 2011
Wendy and Mabel
December 13, 2011
Maggie
December 13, 2011
December 13, 2011
Tricia Pierce Davis
December 13, 2011
I remember Ms. Holle as my P.E. teacher and JV basketball coach in 1978/79. She was full of energy and very encouraging. So great to hear about her early days as a baseball player. Rest in peace.
Stacey Williams
December 13, 2011
It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Godmother Holle. I had the pleasure of getting to know Holle through my ex-husband, Bennett Wiliams, who was her God-son. She took that role in his life seriously and was indeed a blessing in the Williams family. My daughter, Kennedy, and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Linda, Pat, Larry and the rest of the family. Holle was a legend and will be fondly remembered.
Stacey & Kennedy Williams
Lin Lindemann
December 13, 2011
Miss Holle was the best PE teacher I had while at Waukegan HS. She was kind, funny, and really cared about all of us girls. I graduated in 1970, but still have very warm memories of her as an educator. Lin (Shanks) Lindemann
December 13, 2011
I remember Ms Holle as my PC teacher and she was one of the best
Bonnie Perry class of 1970
Lynn Spuler
December 13, 2011
Ms. Holle I wish I had met you. Besides being a pioneer, it sounds like you were a great gal. My condolences to Ms. Hoffman
Penny O'Donnell
December 13, 2011
We all loved Ms Holle at Waukegan Township High School. I can still see her prancing across the floor with her skinny legs in Modern Dance Class. She was so funny, energetic, encouraging, and good to us. I'm glad that she had a long life, and I wish I could have told her how much she meant to us. To her friends and family, my deep sympathy at your loss. Class of '65 Penny (Winters) O'Donnell
Steve Nosek
December 13, 2011
Some of my earliest memories are of Miss Holle working with Dad at the Waukegan Learn to Swim Program, what great memories of fun they are. I loved Mabel as a kid and was honored when she asked me to get a crew to unload the lumber for the house in Lake Forest. Mabel, you touched many lives and we are the lucky ones for it. May God Bless you.
Natalie Pierce-Cepeda
December 13, 2011
I had the pleasure of having Miss Holle as a PE teacher as well as a softball and basketball coach each year until my graduation in 1978. She accomplished so much in her lifetime. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and Miss Hoffman. God Bless you all.
December 13, 2011
I remember Ms Holle as a firm fair never give in person. She was a tribute to our schools legacy.
Kim Ball
December 13, 2011
As a member of the Waukegan West High School - Class of 1981, I have fond memories of Ms. Holle. She was always fair and I really enjoyed PE class with her. I played softball one year and learned a lot! What an amazing, long life. Blessings to Ms. Hoffman and the other members of Ms. Holle's family. Rest In Peace.
dornaya williams
December 13, 2011
ms. holle was my p.e. teacher and track & field coach in the 80's. i will always remember her for being stern and pushing me to do my best out on the field during a competition. my condolences to the family.
Sue VanHove-Grousd
December 13, 2011
Miss Holle was one of my favorite high school teachers and I loved her. She was funny and caring and an outstanding role model for young women. May she rest in peace. What a wonderful life she lived!
kathleen murphy-faust
December 13, 2011
I had the pleasure of having Ms. Holle for a PE teacher in the 1960's . I adored her, and had a lot of laughs with her. She was a great teacher, and a wonderful woman.
December 13, 2011
I graduated in 1981 from Waukegan West High School. I remember her as being a kind person. God bless her and her family.
Diane Daniels
Zion, IL
Bonnie Beach
December 13, 2011
Dear Mable...our memories of Girls' Sports in Illinois are wrapped so tightly around you and all you did! What an incredible legacy you leave. So many stories, so many opportunities for girls and women in this state and throughout the land. All thanks to you and so many like you. Linda, our hearts go out to you. With much love and appreciation.
Susan Richards
December 13, 2011
Miss Holle was always a huge part of my life, from about age 4 through HS. I took swimming lessons under her direction when I couldn't reach the bottom the shallow end. Although always a little intimidating, she always showed true leadership in the PE department. Thank you Miss Holle.
cecilia morner
December 13, 2011
Thank-you Mabel for your lifetime commitment to women's sports. I will miss your wit and kindness to others. God bless. Cis Sedona, Az.
Kristen Vedder
December 13, 2011
Ms Holle, taught me how to swim when I was 5 years old. She was my softball coach in High School. She was full of spunk and will be greatly missed. My mom worked with her many years at West Campus. I had the pleasure of seeing her and Miss Hoffman in Pensacola Beach, FL a few years ago!
She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and Miss Hoffman.
Kristen (Larsen) Vedder, Rosemary & Donald Larsen and Family
Janet Higginbotham-Wingler
December 13, 2011
I am a graduate of the class of 1978. She was my PE teacher all through High School. I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Hollie's passing. What a wonderful and accomplished life she had. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She was quite a remarkable woman.
December 13, 2011
Wow, she sounds like a wonderful person! I am sorry for your loss.
Love the Patrick Family of Gurnee
Larry Patrick
December 13, 2011
Aunt Mabel was a great American. She was a ground breaker and made a positive impact in the world. Mabel was a great person that always lent a helping hand to all in in need. She was an outstanding hitting coach! A great Cubs fan too! We will all miss her. Rest in peace Mabel
Patricia Jones
December 13, 2011
What a wonderful PE teacher you were at good old Waukegan High. You were always tough but more than fair. Many young women who passed through the halls looked to you as a role model and mentor. We all loved Ms. Holle. Rest in peace dear lady. You have earned it. God's blessings to the family and loved ones.
Pat Zudonyi
December 13, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of your passing. May god help your family through this time of sorrow. You will be missed. I remember you from being my PE teacher at Waukegan High School in the 80's.
December 13, 2011
I'll remember Miss Holle forever. She was my junior high P.E. teacher and dance club sponsor. "My mother didn't have time to iron it" was no excuse for a wrinkled gymsuit at Monday inspection. She let us have it. To this day I quote her to others, and to myself, when I say, "OFF your seat and on your feet!" My prayers and condolences to all her loved ones.
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