Nancy R. Holley

Nancy Reynolds Holley, 96, A beloved wife, mother and friend passed into her heavenly Father’s arms on June 15, 2024. She was a long-time South Kingstown, RI resident and wife of the late Philip A. Holley. Raised in Cranston, RI, she was the beloved daughter of the late F. Arthur Reynolds and Dorothy (Hathaway) Reynolds.

Nancy is survived by three daughters, Susan and James Vasques, Bethany Holley Fay, Sharon Britton Johnston and Stephen Johnston. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Stanley Codner, Holley Lawson, Jonathan Britton, Kenneth Britton and Matthew Fay, along with 13 great grandchildren. She is aunt to Cynthia Hosley, Priscilla Archambault, Wendy Hosley, David Hosley, and the late Christine Hosley, all children of the late Audrey (Holley) and Roscoe Hosley. Living in her home until her passing, Nancy was cared for by a team of loving, dedicated nurses and helpers led by Sharon and Stephen Johnston.

Throughout her life, Nancy loved her family and friends both 2 and 4 footed, and church participation. She was an avid reader, especially of a good mystery. She loved sacred and classical music and had a beautiful deep mezzo soprano voice. Her undergraduate Home Economics degree was earned at the University of Rhode Island followed by a Master’s Degree in teaching from Tufts University. While she and Phil raised their girls, she returned to Univ. of RI where she earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science. She later joined the South Kingstown RI School Department and enjoyed the position of children’s librarian in Matunuck and Wakefield Elementary schools. For 30 years she served there until her retirement.

Nancy, like her husband, was never known to sit idly. Her bright mind, kind heart and loving spirit were well suited to her role of Mother Advisor in SK order of Rainbow for Girls. She was a co-founder of URI Alpha Delta Pi sorority, was a Member of the Ada Chapter of Eastern Star, SK Forest Fire #3 Women’s Auxilary and served on the boards of the South Kingstown Library Association, Peace Dale Estates and former Pettaquamscutt Historical Society.

For over 60 years, she and Phil served their Lord as members of Peace Dale Congregational Church. There she was a devoted choir member, Sunday school teacher, youth leader and congregation president. As a member of various committees there, she enthusiastically served and encouraged others. Nancy’s gentle, wise and kind life has beautifully influenced many, who by her passing are now saddened.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 6th from 9-10 am in Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia St., Wakefield, RI 02879. Immediately following visiting hours, a funeral service will be held in the church at 10 am. Burial will take place in New Fernwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the South Kingstown Forest Fire Service or South Kingstown Friends of the Library Association and the Peace Dale Congregational Church Music fund.