Obituary and Funeral Liturgy of Sr. Carol Ann Holder, OSU

Sister Carol Ann Holder, OSU (aka Joan), a member of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, died peacefully at Andrus on Hudson, Hastings on Hudson, NY, on August 4, 2023. Born in New York on January 5, 1928, she was the daughter of Mary A. and George B. Holder.

She attended the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula and graduated from St. Simon Stock, College of New Rochelle (History), Fordham University (Religious Education), and Catholic University of America (MA Education and Guidance). She later obtained a Certificate in Bereavement Counseling at Montefiore Med. Center and attended several workshops on Aids and caring for Aids patients.

As an educator, Carol Ann was on the faculty of St. Angela’s, St. Jerome’s, St. Philip Neri, Our Lady of Mercy, Aquinas High School, and the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula. She also taught at the American School in Greece.

Gradually, Carol Ann’s focus turned to health-related ministry. She became a Cancer Care Tech at Calvary Hospital and, ultimately, a caregiver in the Aids ministry working at Reading Medical Center, Berks Hospice. She was instrumental in the foundation of Rainbow Home for Aids Care with two other Sisters.

The 1990s brought Carol Ann to Wilmington, DE, where she became a Rehabilitation Technician at A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital, a Pastoral Care volunteer at Delaware Hospice, Compassionate Care Hospice, Church of the Holy Child, where she also served on the Parish Council and Social Concerns Committee as well as the faith sharing group.

Within the community, she was a member of the Madeleva Social Justice group, the Social Concerns Grant Committee, the Province Planning Committee, the Local House Council, and the Wilmington Associates group (a group of women associated with the Ursuline Sisters). While studying at Catholic University in Washington, she served as the Assistant Superior at the Ursuline House of Studies, a residence for Sisters pursuing their degrees.

She had an extraordinary gift for helping others. She was compassionate and was a wonderful listener without imposing her opinion on others, generous always.

Carol Ann is predeceased by her parents, Mary and George, her sister, Carol Ann, her brothers, George and Martin, and their wives. Survivors include several nephews and nieces, as well as the parish community of the Church of the Holy Child.

Viewing hours will be Sunday, August 13th, 3-5 PM, with a prayer service at 4:15. Funeral Mass will be Monday, August 14, at 10:30 AM. All services will be held at the Ursuline Province Center, 1338 North Ave, New Rochelle, New York 10804.

Gifts in Carol Ann’s memory may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement Fund at the above address. Lloyd Maxcy and Sons oversee the arrangements.

A video of the funeral liturgy is available at Funeral Liturgy for Sr. Carol Ann Holder, OSU

If you cannot view or would rather not view on Facebook, the video of the Mass is available at Funeral Liturgy for Sr. Carol Ann Holder, OSU on Ursuline Website *

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