Mary Furtado Holloway

Mary Furtado Holloway, 77, a beacon of love and wisdom, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Vitas Hospice in Sunrise, Florida. Born on May 3, 1947, in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Arthur and Lorraine (DaCosta) Furtado, Mary's life was a testament to the power of education and the strength of family bonds.

Mary's journey in education began at Providence College, where she laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for teaching and learning. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Connecticut in Hartford, where she earned a Doctorate in Education, preparing her for a career that would touch the lives of countless students and educators.

Her first teaching position in Hartford, Connecticut, was not only the start of an illustrious career but also the setting for a beautiful love story. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Harry James Holloway. The couple married on August 11, 1990, and together they built a life dedicated to service, education, and family.

Mary's career as a teacher and an administrator was marked by her commitment to excellence and her genuine care for her students. Her intelligence and kindness shone brightly in the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on those she taught. Upon retiring in 2000, Mary and Harry relocated to Worcester, New York, where they enjoyed a well-deserved retirement surrounded by friends, nature, and the communities they loved.

A proud mother to Danny T. Carreira and Christina C. Abreu, Mary's legacy of love and education lives on through her children. She was a cherished sister to Djelicia Vinacco and an adored grandmother to two grandchildren, who will carry forward her spirit of generosity and warmth.

Mary's interests extended beyond her professional life. She was an active member of the Connecticut and New York Bahá'í communities, where her faith and dedication to spiritual principles guided her actions and interactions with others. Her love of the arts was evident in her involvement with the Fenimore Museum and Glimmerglass Theater, where she contributed not only as a member but also as an enthusiastic patron.

Her community engagement was further demonstrated through her support of the Worcester Schenevus Library as a member of the Friends of the Library. Lastly, Mary's faith and commitment to service were embodied in her membership with the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Those who knew Mary would describe her as loving, kind, and intelligent. She lived her life with a gentle grace, always putting others before herself and approaching every challenge with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. Her presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary's passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her compassionate spirit. Yet, her influence will continue to ripple through the many lives she impacted, both through her personal connections and her professional legacy.

As we bid farewell to Mary Furtado Holloway, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a soul that truly made a difference in the world. Her memory will be cherished, and her teachings will remain a guiding light for generations to come.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence.

Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend.   Calling hours will be on Friday, June 7,2024 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME,901 Broadway, East Providence, RI

www.rebellofuneralhome.com.

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