Mary Louise (Bourne) Holland

Mary Louise (Bourne) Holland peacefully went to heaven on May 24, 2021 at the age of 92 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Louise was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 6, 1928. She was preceded in death by her loving husband John M. Holland, her parents Norvin Lee and Viola Bourne, her sister Jane, and her brother Norvin Lee Jr.

Louise’s beautiful life will be forever cherished by her son John David – wife Margaret of Chatham, IL; son Stephen Lee – companion Lois Walsh of Saratoga Springs, NY; and daughter Nancy Louise Pickett – husband Randy of Chatham, IL. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren: Andrew (Hannah Moore) Holland, Peter (Leanne) Holland, Charissa (Lucas) Motley, Rebecca Holland, Brent (Ashley) Pickett, Matt Pickett, and Melissa (Chris) Cook. Louise adored her 16 great grandchildren: Ethan, Gavin, Audrey, Greta, Lucy, Vivienne, Olivia, Evie, Marilynn, Dineo, Lyla, Wesley, Samuel, Susanna, Emma, and Reagan. Louise is also survived by her sister Cora Ann Lewis and her nieces Charlotte and Linda.

Louise lived in and loved Kentucky. She attended a small schoolhouse in Owen County during her early years. She graduated at the top of her class from Harrodsburg High School. Louise met John at Eastern Kentucky University where she earned her degree in business. She worked as a secretary to the chemistry professor while attending school. John was a pre-med student. The professor told Louise she should date John because “He would be a fine doctor someday.” She wasn’t interested at first, but they continued to see each other at the Baptist Student Union and the Photo Club. Love prevailed when John caught the ball that Louise hit in a friendly game of baseball.

John and Louise were married in 1950 at the First Baptist Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. They had their first son, Dave, while John attended medical school at the University of Louisville. Their second son, Steve, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania while John served as an Air Force physician. Their daughter Nancy was born in Springfield, Illinois after John accepted a position with The Physicians Group as a family doctor. Louise was a homemaker who supported her husband in his every medical endeavor. She was a woman of great faith in God and a prayer warrior. Louise covered her family in daily prayer. She prayed for missionaries, pastors, government leaders, and any request made known to her.

Louise taught children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Cherry Hills Church. She enjoyed her small groups, Bible studies, ladies circles, and Kingdom Builders Class. Louise loved to read – especially her Bible, daily devotionals, and Christian historical fiction. John and Louise enjoyed church potlucks, Sunday School parties, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Muni, family holidays, and homemade vanilla ice cream together.

A family gathering and celebration of life will occur at a later date. Louise will be buried with her husband of almost 60 years at the Oak Ridge Cemetery. Staab Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to Cherry Hills Church at 2125 Woodside Rd. Springfield, IL 62711 designated for church missions.