Christine R. Holian, 91

LEE, Mass. — Christine Dunbar Holian, 91, died Monday, December 11, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Christine Rose was the daughter of Ray Dunbar and Amelia Naomi Costantino. She was born and raised in Boston, Ma. and graduated from Girl’s High School in 1943. After high school, she went to work at the Charlestown Navy Yard ,when many young women joined the work force due to the shortage of male workers, as World War II was raging. Shortly after, she married James Holian, and together they moved to the Berkshires, settling in Lee to start their family, and where he then joined the Lee Police Force.

Moving to the Berkshires from Beacon Hill in Boston, as a 19-year-old bride, was a big adjustment for her as she missed the ethnic diversity and richness of her Boston neighborhood. However she grew to love the small town friendliness of Lee.

Throughout her lifetime, the love and wisdom of her two sisters Muriel Parker of Harwich, Mass., and Barbara Kimrey of Arlington, Va., remained a constant source of inspiration. Christine drew much of her strength and values from her widowed mother, who worked tirelessly to raise her children on her own during the Great Depression. She also followed her faith in Christian Science for spiritual support.

Christine’s family was the heart and soul of her life and she enjoyed being a homemaker for many years. She was known as a second mother to many and her home and amazing home made dinners are still fondly recalled. In her later years, she worked outside the home and enjoyed her work at the iconic Joe's Diner.

Christine enjoyed reading and writing poetry, sewing, challenging crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.

She leaves her five children, Patricia, Christina, James , Barbara and Susan; her grandchildren, Tucker and Kip Beacco, Kristi LaMalfa, Megan Smith, Seamus Holian, Natasha Ryan and Colleen Surprise Jones; her nine great-grandchildren; and her great-great-granddaughter.

She was predeceased by her two grandchildren, Daniel Holian and Nathan Jones; her sister, Barbara Kimrey; brother Morgan Dunbar; and her beloved husband, James.

Funeral notice: Christine's life will be honored at a service this Saturday, December 16, 2017, at 2 p.m at the Lee Congregational Church, and all are welcome. Her gentle, compassionate ways will be missed by all of her beloved friends and family, and her two cats, Houdini and Ginsu.

Donations made be made in her memory to the Berkshire Humane Society, in c/o Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.