Vivian M. Holman

Vivian M. Holman, 94, formerly of South Massey Street, passed away peacefully October 27, 2023 at Samaritan Summit Village where she had resided since November 2022.

Vivian was born December 15, 1928, in Watertown, a daughter of William Wesley and Mina (White) Quackenbush. She graduated from Watertown High School and attended Jefferson Community College later in life.  Her former husband, Charles L. Holman, died on December 19, 2022.  Her dear sister and only sibling, June Richie, passed away on November 15, 2014, and surely welcomed Vivian with open arms into Heaven, where they can now resume their life-long close relationship.

Vivian was a proud employee of New York State.  She began her service to the citizens of New York at the Department of Health before working for many years as the assistant to the then head of the New York State Parks and Recreation Commission.  She ended her working career as the head of personnel at the Watertown Correctional Facility, and retired in 1991.  She was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she for decades enjoyed singing in the Choir.

Vivian was an exceptionally kind and devoted sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbor, and would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help even a stranger.  She was a phenomenal cook and baker, and made sure that everyone remotely connected to her had a home-made birthday cake every year, gladly delivered by her – or better yet enjoyed at her dining room table, which she loved to fill with family and friends for every occasion or no occasion at all.  In addition to her children, she also raised, loved and cared for many dogs and cats over the years. 

Vivian is survived by a daughter, Deborah L. (Dean) Gillan, Watertown, and three sons, Wesley T. (Jennifer)  Holman, Baldwinsville, NY, Charles K. “Chaz” (Julie) Holman, Pillar Point, NY,  and Timothy J. (Jennifer) Holman, Wayne, PA.  She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Devon Gillan, Marc and Ryan Holman, Alexander and Nicholas Langdon, Jade and Zoe Holman, and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Connor Holman and Bryce Parker and Hudson Holman.  She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and great-nieces and nephews. A daughter Charlene died at birth in 1955.

Calling hours will be Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 3-5 pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral service will be held Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Brookside Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Vivian’s honor to the Jefferson County SPCA, 25056 Water Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or to the Jefferson County Historical Society, 228 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

Due to construction on Keyes Avenue the funeral home parking lot may be accessed through the rear parking lot of First Presbyterian Church off Academy Street.

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