Randolph Center, Vt. —
Holly grew up in Akron, Ohio where a passion for art and drawing emerged at an early age. She began college at Rhode Island School of Design in 1982, and completed her college education at Hunter College in Manhattan with a degree in Education. She had a lifelong love of all kinds of art—from drawing and photography, music to dancing. She spun creativity into many of the things she did—from the simple act of dressing to the never ending quest to inspire her students as a reading teacher at Braintree Elementary School and The Newton School. Holly brought to her work not only a standard of excellence for which she herself never stopped striving, but also playfulness and love so children could experience how enjoyable learning could be. She believed strongly in celebrating the efforts and accomplishments of each child, and doing everything she could to share her own passion for stories and reading.
It is no surprise that she came to live in Vermont. She always loved snow (until winter went on, and on, and on) and water. She was always the last one out of the water when she swam, she was always the last one in from the outdoors when there was snow in which to frolic. That love for nature dovetailed with her love for children and while she had the opportunity to move from New York City to Vermont, she was sharply aware of those for whom no such opportunity existed. From the first time she heard of the Fresh Air Fund, she became a devoted volunteer—working to help place children with country families for a slice of summer, and welcoming children into her home.
She took fresh air to a whole new level—leaving windows open into November, walking or running or riding her bike just about every day. She kept a garden and always offered its bounty to friends and neighbors in the form of vegetables, or her famous tabouli and pesto.
You could not know Holly without knowing about her inquisitiveness and generosity—she had an appetite for learning that was never satiated, and she always made a point of inquiring how you were. She wanted very much for people to know they mattered. Letters, cards, gifts, meals, rides, conversation, time—whatever it was that could make a person’s life better, easier, or just to let them know she cared, if she could provide it, she would give it her best. Her heart overflowed.
She was a source of perpetual motion, boundless energy, curiosity and love, light and laughter. The brightness that was Holly makes it nearly impossible to believe that beneath that light and vibrance, behind that warm smile, was an internal storm that she battled for many years. To that battle against bipolar disorder, she brought no less than everything—it was the only way she knew—apply your whole self and then add some more. She sought help and found some, but the results were transient. Many people loved her and supported her, but in the end, the brilliance with which she lived hid the deep pain she carried, and she finally sought peace and succumbed.
Holly is survived by her beloved daughter, Lindsey Ottilie Schell and her devoted partner, James Noble, both of Randolph Center, Vt.; as well as her parents, Bruce and Marilyn Blackie of San Mateo, Calif.; sisters, Heather Blackie and her children, Curran and Celeste Thompson of Nicasio, Calif., and Heidi Blackie of Seattle, Wash.; cousin, Nancy Smith of Kalamazoo, Mich.; and many dear friends.
Instead of sorrow, share what was so much the life and inspiration of Holly—help someone in need, make a difference in the life of a child, slow down, recognize beauty in all people and things, smile freely and often, read, share stories, dance when you feel like dancing, sing and never mind the key, cuddle with the cat, wear bright colors because the world has enough darkness, pay attention, count your blessings, learn something new, work hard but allow room for play, laugh deeply, celebrate differences, love much and with devotion.
If you would like to make a monetary contribution in Holly’s name: SafeArt, P.O. Box 251, Chelsea, VT 05038.