ASHLEY FALLS, Mass. — Hollis Fay McNulty, 70, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, departed this earth on June 23, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones.

Hollis was born June 26, 1948, in Salisbury, Conn., to Frank & Myrtle Twing. She was the seventh of 11 children and grew up in the town of New Marlborough. Hollis attended Mt. Everett Regional School until embarking on her path to motherhood. 

She was a devoted mother to her six children, always finding time to nurture them with long bike rides and outdoor activities. It was not uncommon to see the children and Hollis peddling toward Canaan, Conn., on a 13-mile bike ride. She also volunteered to coach a local softball team called the Bruisers. Spending time with her children was her greatest joy in life.

As her children reached adulthood, Hollis yearned to serve her friends and neighbors by joining the New Marlborough Volunteer Fire & Rescue Team, where she holds the distinction of being the first female firefighter in the history of that department.

After raising her family, Hollis decided to enter the work force, where she met her future husband Steven and his three children. On June 19, 1993, they joined together in marriage and started the McNulty family. Hollis joined Steven in raising his three children and once they too reached adulthood, she moved on to her next venture as a licensed day care provider; she continued this vocation for 15 years. When Hollis eventually closed her daycare, she and Steve filled that void by becoming foster parents to many fortunate children. After a few years had passed, they had grown to love two of their foster children so deeply that they decided to adopt and raise them as their own.

Hollis joined the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, where she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher. Hollis’s deep faith allowed her to face every challenge with courage and grace. She will be missed by all of those whose lives she touched in her gentle way.

Hollis leaves behind her husband Steven; children Kimberly and husband Robert, Bridget and husband Joseph, Becky and husband Daniel, April and husband Edward, Shannon and husband Donald, Douglas, Joseph and Dasoni; stepchildren Nicholas and wife Lindsey, Hollie, and Heather and fiancé Matthew; sisters Roberta, Gloria, Beverly, Priscilla and Janice; brothers Robert, Reginald and Gilbert; as well as 18 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Hollis was predeceased by her parents Frank & Myrtle; sister Eleanor; and brother Frank.

Hollis’s life was an example to all. She lived and loved with all of her heart and her presence enriched us all. We will always love her. 

Funeral notice: A celebration of Hollis’s life will take place Friday, June 28, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, Great Barrington, with burial to follow at Ashley Falls Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 27, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Relay For Life in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.