Marjorie C. HOLS

1936 - 2022

Age 86, amid an active productive life was suddenly overtaken by an aggressive, fast-moving cancer. She died at home on June 18, 2022, with her loving husband of 58 years David at her side. She was born 1936 in Northampton Massachusetts to John and Helen Schmidt who predeceased her. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother John Schmidt, Skillman, New Jersey, a son Brian Hols (Susan), Minneapolis, a daughter Jennifer Hols, Owatonna, and grand daughters Olivia Hols and Shavon Hodges. She received a BA degree from the University of Connecticut in 1957 and worked most of her life in journalism and communications positions, serving as director of communications for the Metropolitan Council from 1984 to 1993. In retirement she pursued her true passion: gardening. She obtained Master Gardener certification from the University of Minnesota in 1996 and wrote a popular weekly gardening column for the St. Paul Pioneer Press from 1998 to 2008. She devoted time to improving the environment for everyone volunteering to maintain public parks, serving as a director for the St. Paul Parks Conservancy and the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences Conservatory. She was past president of the St. Paul Garden Club. Her home garden was a show place frequently opened to organized tours and featured in several publications. In 2021 her garden was accepted into the Smithsonian Institute Archive of American Gardens. Memorial Service 11AM on Tuesday, July 19 at the Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. Private interment. In lieu of flowers donations are preferred to the Minnesota State Horticultural Society or the Second Harvest Food Bank.