ADAMS, Mass. — With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we share the passing of Carla Denise Holmstrom (Pony), who left this world unexpectedly and much too soon on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 

Born in Newport Beach, California on Sept. 6, 1975, to Bruce J. Holmstrom and Deborah S. Ciempa and Stepdad Robert J. Ciempa, Pony spent his childhood in Massachusetts, California, and Japan.

He graduated from Drury High School, and attended Boston University, MCLA and BCC.

Pony will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and the light he brought into the lives of those around him. His greatest joy was his dog Charlie.

Pony's presence illuminated passion in everything he did whether through music, reading, drawing, writing, and photography. Pony's passions spread like wildfire from his heart as he inspired and encouraged those around him to be creative and stand up for others in need. Pony will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for friends, family and anyone they had come across in his life.

Pony was often found creating many different types of artistic media with hopes in the future to have a gallery to display his artwork. Pony worked in the home improvement field and was starting his own painting business.

Pony always had a hunger for knowledge and education both formerly through his college courses and informally through his own studies.

Pony is survived by his parents Deborah and Robert Ciempa; Grandmother Sandra Page; sisters, Michelle Kaiser of Adams and Tanelle Ciempa of Dalton; his brothers Trevor Ciempa and his Fiancée (Jamie) of Pittsfield, Travis McCarthy and husband (Justin) of Adams and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew and grand-nephews.

Pony's Intelligence, creativity, and compassion for others will be missed more than words can express. Though he left this world too soon, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

There will be no funeral services. Calling hours will be private for the family.

Donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental illness Berkshire County at 141 North Street #301, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 413-443-1666 or Living in Recovery at 75 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 570-8243.