Maria K. Holley

Maria Hildegard Kritchman Holley

Born Oct. 9, 1935, in Stewartville, MN.

She is survived by: Rebecca Holley Guzman (Ed), Henry (Hank) Guzman, Alyssa Maria Young (Anthony) and their daughter Holly Lou, Tony Sciortino (Rachel), Benjamin Sciortino (Kelly), Jon Sciortino

Preceded in death by: Henry Newell Holley (June 1998), Rachel Holley Sciortino (Oct 2017), Duane Kritchman, John and Elfrieda Miller Kritchman (parents), Hildegard Germann and Herman Miller (godparents).

Maria was blessed by Christian parents, and a lively, loving older brother, Duane, who was her mentor and guide. Maria’s early childhood was challenging because of her father’s illnesses and many moves. She was dubbed “Mitz” by her grandfather when she lived with her grandparents. Many teachers encouraged Maria through the years. She credited teachers Ralph Swantz and Eric Seifert and First Lutheran School with being powerful influences morally and intellectually. All throughout her years of schooling Maria was blessed by kind, loving and encouraging teachers. Her parents, who faced many challenges, were courageous, strong spirited and hard working. She was gifted by their enduring love and support. She was especially grateful for their strong loving influence on her children Rebecca and Rachel. Her lively aunt Hildegard was an ever-loving mentor and guide.

Maria met her beloved Hank (Cracker) Holley when she was a senior at Central High School. This lively and kind-hearted young man became her partner in marriage on Nov. 16, 1957. He was in many ways her hero, greatest influencer, friend and strong partner. They shared love of God, family, nature and country. She often credited him as the wind beneath her wings. His death in 1998, after 40 years of marriage broke her heart. Her beloved daughters and grandchildren gave her a sense of purpose and their love nourished her life after this profound loss.

Maria’s life was filled with many friends and activities. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA degree in 1957. Education was a passion for her and she earned a Masters Degree from UW La Crosse in School Psychology in 1973. Additional graduate work gave her credentials in teaching Learning Disabilities.

Her 33 year teaching career included teaching in Rapid City, SD many schools in La Crosse including Congregational Nursery, Hintgen, State Road, Erickson and 18 years at Central High School. She was proud of being on the team that initiated the first preschool screenings in La Crosse and LaFarge. The success of that first endeavor led to subsequent screenings. After retirement she taught part time in the reading lab at WWTC. She enjoyed teaching at every level and remembered her students fondly.

She was active in the LaCrosse community serving as Sunday school Teacher at Christ Episcopal and Good Shepherd. She was VP on the United Campus Ministry Board. She was active in many areas at Good Shepherd including the counsel and the ELCA Women’s Board. She served as secretary and board member of UW Alumni Association and AAUW. She was also a board member of Kiwanis and helped initiated a student Kiwanis group at UWL.

She was a longtime member of the Central Alumni Board, with a focus on scholarships. She was proud of establishing scholarships at Central in her husband’s and daughter’s memory. She was a volunteer at the Gundersen Lutheran Clinic and the La Crosse Library Bookshop. Volunteer jobs in many organizations usually were in support of scholarships and education. While she was living in La Crosse she was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, AAUW, PEO, DKG, Kiwanis, Red Hats, LAREA and Moose Club. She was a member of LakeView Church in Stoughton. Maria liked work and enjoyed helping others in many areas. She had received many scholarships as a student and believed in paying forward the help she had received.

Her father, brother and husband were all veterans. She supported many veteran’s organizations and was passionately patriotic. Her children Becky Guzman and Rachel Sciortino were her ever growing joy. Her grandchildren Hank and Alyssa Guzman and Benjamin and Jon Sciortino were dearly loved and their lives and accomplishments were a source of deep happiness. Her family was always the most important part of her life. She was blessed with a loving husband and her children and their husbands and her grandchildren sustained her in her later years.

Maria liked all kinds of music, art, literature and continuing education. She was passionately patriotic and enjoyed life and people of all kinds and ages and never had a bored moment. She was eternally grateful for all the good people in her life.

Losing beloved daughter Rachie was a deep unending heart ache. Rachel lived a life of purpose and love. People were her treasure. Her husband Tony and sons Ben and Jon lovingly carry her spirit and strength forward. Maria’s family brought her much joy. Many friends have been dear and she looked forward to seeing her loved ones once again when we meet at Jesus’ feet. God be with you till we meet again.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 9th St N, La Crosse, WI. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery following the service.

The family extends thanks to the staff at Milestone Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for their care and compassion in Mitz’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations close to Mitz’s heart; Central High School scholarship in memory of Rachel,Central High School scholarship in memory of Maria K. Holley, Veteran Organizations of your choosing, or Menomonee Falls- “New Hope” scholarship.