Diann E. Holland, 89

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Diann E. Holland, of New Canaan, CT, a caring and kind-hearted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on February 28th, 2023. She was 89 years old.

Diann E. Holland

She was born in Newton, MA in 1933 to the late Raymond and Althea (Sears) Eldredge. After graduating from Cape Cod’s Barnstable High School, Diann attended Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. It was at a dance in Cambridge where she met her future husband, Alexander J. Holland, who was attending Harvard Law School.  Diann and Alex were married for over 50 years until his passing in 2005. 

After working as a grade school teacher and raising their three children in Greenwich, CT, Diann spent over 40 years as the beautiful, blue-eyed office manager at the law firm of Holland, Kaufman & Bartels (formerly Pierson, Duel & Holland).  Diann’s warm, ever-present smile and calm demeanor left an impression on all who passed through the firm.

Diann was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Grandy”. She was adored for her loving personality, her blue eyeshadow, classic red lipstick and ever-present oversized pocketbook.  She frequently inquired about the well-being of others and enjoyed sending cards and gifts to brighten the lives of those she loved.  She was a grateful and ebullient spirit who always enjoyed a good laugh, even if it was at her own expense! 

Diann loved spending time on the island of Nantucket at her seaside cottage with her family, enjoying blueberry pancakes, lobster rolls, and a good margarita, and never forgot her Cape Cod roots. In fact, she maintained life-long friendships with many of her grade school classmates from the Cape.

Diann is survived by her three children and their spouses, Jeffrey R. Holland (Kathleen), Stephen A. Holland (NiColle), Cynthia H. DeNatale (John); her eight grandchildren – Jack, Charlie, Cajun, Zuzu, Christina, Jimmy, Ottoli and Clementine; her dear cousin Shari Sears of Hyannis; her niece Robin Regan (Ray) and her grand-niece Kristen Goelz (Mike).  

The family requests those that knew her to please keep her memory in their hearts.  

If you were fortunate enough to have been a friend of Diann’s, you are her friend forever.  We are blessed beyond measure to have had her in our lives.

A private family memorial ceremony will take place on Nantucket Island later this spring

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support her lifelong friend’s charity Alice’s Classroom, payable to:

Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation
c/o Alice’s Classroom
PO Box 370 
Hyannis, Mass 02601

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