Jan. 25, 1927-April 11, 2007
Fernie Holliday peacefully completed her journey here on earth in her home on Wednesday, April 11, 2007. She was surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. Fernie was born and raised in Lakeport, on Jan. 25, 1927 to Thomas and Lydia Lynn. She graduated from Clear Lake High School and Miss Woods Secretarial School.
She moved to Vallejo where she commenced her career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and retired in 1992 after working for the government for 41 years. She began her career in the Supply Department in 1951, then transferred to the Benicia Arsenal for 2 years, returning to Mare Island in the Design Department, then to the Nuclear Power Department, ultimately working in Radiological Controls Department until retirement.
While working in the Supply Department she met her husband Joseph Holliday. They married in 1954 and had 11 happy years until his sudden death in 1965. Fernie stated “she had the love of her life” and never considered remarrying. She filled her life with her numerous friends and became a Mom/Grandma to Gene and Gail Barrett”s family and an Auntie to the Keithlys of Lake County.
Fernie was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for more than 50 years. During that time she acted as vice president, secretary, treasurer and social chairman and loved helping the many charitable organizations the sorority assisted. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed their outings. She enjoyed her weekly Bingo games and monthly card game with her lady friends.
Fernie loved to travel, especially the motor home traveling she did throughout most of the United States with her family. She became a whitewater rafter in the 90s and enjoyed the beauty of every river, especially the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, which she rafted three times. Fernie was an avid 49ers fan and loved going to the games, tailgating and the Super Bowls during the “Team of the Decade” era.
Fernie is survived by her family Gene and Gail Barrett of Martinez; Kristin Barrett of Van Nuys, Brandon (Kimberly) Barrett; grandchildren, Torrey, Kaya and Abree Barrett of Vallejo; Mike (Dena) Keithly and Allen Keithly and families of Lake County; best friend, Val Pappas of Vallejo. She will be greatly missed by her numerous friends and all whose lives she touched.
A mass will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 2420 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo, with a Celebration of her Life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be sent to Christian Help Center in Vallejo, Cancer Research or to the charity of your choice.
Care was entrusted to Struble Family Funeral Services.
Published Tuesday, April 17, 2007 in the Lake County Record-Bee
