Ann Marie (Soltis) Holliday

Ann Marie Soltis-Holliday – Born: November 4, 1946 – Departed: August 26, 2021 Ann Marie was born and raised in Nanty-Glo, Pennsylvania with beloved sister Marjorie Soltis, and parents Steve and Mary Soltis. In life, Ann Marie was very proud to be a coal-miner’s daughter. In Sept of 1969, Ann Marie was married to her husband, Thomas William Holliday (US Navy Corpsman), for over 50 years. As her husband, Thomas has said, “I could not have been given a better person if I had sent in a description to God for a special delivery.” One of her greatest accomplishments was to get her husband through college (she was the English grammar tutor that got him past freshmen English). As a family, we shared a love of the Catholic Church, though she came from a diverse religious background, which included Russian Orthodox, Roman and Byzantine Catholic. She was always supportive of church functions, donating generously to religious endeavors. For a time, she sang in the church choir. Thomas Michael Holliday was born on February 2, 1972. Ann Marie loved being a mother, and often told her son that, “I’m glad that I had a son and not a daughter. Boys are easier.” Growing up, he went by ‘Mike’ or ‘Michael,’ which he is still known as by close family members today. Thomas Michael is married to Sarah Catherine (Wickline) Holliday (Dec 2002), having two grandchildren for Ann Marie to spoil – Thomas Michael Holliday, Jr. (March 2004) and Alexander Stephen Holliday (March 2007). Ann Marie was active many years in the scouting program, including being the proud mother of an Eagle Scout, and a very supportive grandmother of two grandsons seeking the achievement of their Eagle Scout awards. She was always proud of her “boys,” and always will be. Her sister Margie, and brother-in-law, Robert on trips with them to give Mom and Dad a break. She will always be little sister to Margie … a wonderful big sister. Ann Marie worked for the Federal Government for 40 years. She started her career as an Administrative Assistant, and completed as a Finance Specialist. She regretted not pursuing more education for herself while selflessly supporting the process for others. She accepted all job-related training to gain her retirement goal of GS-13. As a leader, always available to help the new person – she had great friends and good times with the people in her work and personal life. Being a home body by choice, traveling was enjoyed on occasion … especially to the Grand Canyon, Sedona AZ, and Albuquerque NM (the balloon ride was a bust). She traveled to Las Vegas too, though not really her thing at all, she did like playing the penny slots). The trip to the ‘1997 – Ohio State Buckeyes Rose Bowl’ victory was a great tip. Also, a family trip to Hawaii in Dec 1985 thru new year’s 1986, where we watched a volcano erupt miles away from the fan tail of the cruise ship, which later took us to all of the main islands – 10 days of eating and drinking whenever – taking home 10 extra pounds. Ann Marie is proceeded in life by many relatives including her beloved father Steve (July 2004) and mother Mary (July 1981), cousin Skip (Jan 2020) and cousin-in-law Dottie (2015). She is remembered in life by her husband Thomas W. Holliday, son Thomas M. Holliday, Sr., sister Margie Soltis, brother-in-law Bob Trout, daughter-in-law Sarah C. Holliday, grandsons Thomas Michael Holliday, Jr. and Alexander Stephen Holliday, and various cousins, in-laws, friends, work colleagues and church family members. Father Lutz was Ann Marie’s special religious counselor up until the end, reminding her to ask forgiveness for her remaining sins and to call upon the name of Jesus the Christ. She followed his guidance, and was welcomed into the heavenly kingdom with open arms! We will love you always, and will miss you until we meet again in paradise!! Amen!!! (Bob) Trout, gave us many enjoyable times (including trips to Notre Dame for some fun football watching), and even took our son Michael. Visitation will be held Monday from 6-8 PM at the Bowser Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, where Parastas Service will be held at 7:30 PM. Funeral Liturgy will be Tuesday, 10 AM, at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Fr. Robert Oravetz, the Celebrant. Interment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

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