Karen A. Holland

Karen Ann Holland, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on September 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in her hometown of Wakefield, RI.

Born on September 3, 1938, at South County Hospital, she was the beloved wife of Dr. William R. Holland, who predeceased her on September 10, 2025. The two just recently celebrated their 65th anniversary on September 3, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Colonel Elisha O. Peckham and Elenor Boyd Peckham .

She leaves a son, Kevin and his wife Jennifer; daughter, Kathleen Holland Meringolo and husband, Richard; and son Steven and wife, Catherine. She was a compassionate caregiver and cherished her grandchildren, Kara Meringolo Lurio and her husband, Ben; Katie Meringolo Miller and her husband Jack; Zachary Holland and his wife Dr. Alexis Holland; Maxwell, Madison, Cameron, Braden, and Jade Holland, and her cherished great grandchildren, Drew, Ellie and James Lurio, and Owen and Frankie Miller. She was the sister of the late Kenneth and Geoffrey Peckham.

Karen graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1960. She began her career as a teacher in Holyoke, MA, and continued to support children’s developmental and educational programs as a paraprofessional in the South Kingstown School System and Child Outreach programs throughout Rhode Island.

Throughout her life Karen actively, gently and joyfully shared her faith by leading and supporting programs such as Women’s Bible Studies, Stephen Ministries, and Alpha Ministries. She loved the beach and the ocean; however, her greatest passions were her faith, family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Karen’s life at a memorial service on September 29, 2025 at 12:00pm at the Narragansett Towers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Harmony Women’s Care or to the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter. The link to donate is https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18882&pg=personal&px=16643274

Karen’s legacy is one of faith, love, compassion, and the countless lives she touched. Her family offers heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:23