Mary Louise Hollin

Mary Louise (Colyer) Hollin passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on December 19th, 2024 at the age of 93. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a devoted follower of Christ. Her faith and family were central to her life. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother (Nana), Great Grandmother, Aunt to her many nieces and nephews, and a cherished Friend. Anyone who knew her loved her.

She was born in Gervais, Oregon on May 3, 1931 to Andrew and Addie Marie (Ellison) Colyer. Mary Louise was the fourth youngest of fourteen children: eight sisters and five brothers.

She graduated from Gervais High School, where she was selected for "Cherryland" Festival Royal Court, active in student groups and activities serving as president of the FHA, secretary of the senior class, song leader, and reporter for her junior year. She was a member of the student council, volleyball team, band, the FHA Pep Club, Glee Club, and Girl's Letter Club during her high school years as well as sophomore and junior plays. In future years she loved attending the Gervais High School annual reunions.

After graduation from Gervais High School, Mary Louise attended OCE, now Western Oregon University, and Chemeketa Community College. She worked for 10-years at Salem General Hospital in the NICU and then retired after 33-years of service at Fairview Hospital and Training Center. After retirement, she enjoyed serving the community as a Marion County elections worker counting ballots for several elections. She wanted to fill her patriotic duty to the American people and our democracy.

Mary Louise loved spending time with her grandchildren, enriching their lives with her love of travel and her knowledge. She made sure to attend their sporting events, school activities, birthdays, and spend regular, quality, personal time with each of them as they were growing up. Family traditions and family time were so important to her and were the lifeblood of her family.

She attended church activities, enjoyed many social events, and thrived in caring for her beautiful flowers and landscape, keeping it all so beautiful. She loved her daily one-hour walks, driving long distances in her car, going on bus tours and interesting cruises, and traveling to other states with her siblings and close friends, as well as in Oregon. Her love of dancing began at high school age and she continued to enjoy it later in life. She enjoyed going to water aerobics classes at The Courthouse Athletic Club, making long-time dear friends. Reading books and the Statesman Journal newspaper daily were so important to her; as well as doing crossword puzzles will into her 90s. Mary Louise was a long-time member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Salem.

Mary Louise had a caring heart, was positive, compassionate, considerate, understanding, and empathetic. Her family and close friends experienced her showing genuine care and concern for their well being. She would go out of her way to help them with whatever they needed. It brought her great joy. Her actions spread warmth and positivity in their times of need.

Above all, her greatest love was her faith in God and her family; the quality time she spent with them brought her great joy! She was "Nana" to her grandchildren. She will forever be remembered for her genuine kindness, pure heart, angelic personality, giving spirit, charming smile, and for being a role model of how to live life, putting Jesus and family first. Mary Louise truly was the heart of her family and will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Her happiness and positive attitude was her profound gift to all. Her influence and unconditional love were profound gifts we were all blessed with. She was the heart and soul of her family. God took her home, but she lives on in our hearts. Our sweet Mother, Nana, Aunt, and Friend: you will forever be cherished. We love you! Until we meet again...

Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Addie Marie Colyer, eight sisters, and five brothers.

She was blessed with and is survived by her two daughters, Rebecca Rabe and Suzanne Procter; three grandchildren, Matthew Rabe, Michael Rabe, and Nichole Procter; and one great-granddaughter, Juniper Rabe. Mary Louise was the last survivor of 14 children. She leaves numerous nieces and nephews, all very dear to her.

Mary Louise's interests, time, and energy were devoted to her good Lord above, her daily devotions, her family, gardening, flowers, dancing, and her daily walks. She always wanted the memory of her to be a "Happy One."

There will be an opportunity for her beloved family and friends to come together and share memories of Mom. A beautiful time to spend together to remember the good times and feel connected. Please join us in honoring her with a "Heavenly Birthday Celebration" memorial, which will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at The Oak Grove Grange Hall, 2670 Oak Grove Rd, Rickreall, OR 97371. Pastor Gary Sims will be officiating. This will be a beautiful time for family and friends to spend time together to remember and share stories of the good times with Mary Louise and to feel connected. Refreshments, light snacks, and birthday cake will be available for everyone.

In remembrance of Mary Louise's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Union Gospel Mission https://www.ugmsalem.org/>