Holly McCarthy-Biolo

She was born on Sept. 23, 1953, in Norway, the daughter of the late Bill and Irene (Ray) McCarthy.

Holly graduated from Norway High School in 1972. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Northern Michigan University in Marquette in 1997.

Holly married James Mortier in 1971, and would remarry to Dan Flynn in 1986, before eventually she and Tony Biolo wed in 2012.

She was a Caregiver and Community Living Support Specialist for many years through Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System, as well as a Substance Abuse Counselor through Community Substance Abuse, and Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters. She devoted herself to that public service, having felt it was a key ingredient toward achieving success in her life, as well as in a career considered to be one of the most challenging that our nation has to offer. Along with unparalleled patience, her innate ability to connect with every client by treating them with dignity and decency allowed her to achieve this goal.

This was something that carried over into her personal life as well. She had a zest for life and a glow about her that drew a person in. She was fun loving, good natured, and simply a joy to be around. A love for arts and crafts natural to childhood carried on to her last day. A passion of constructing – among other things – sailboats, and original paintings on anything from canvas to driftwood, which told a story from each concept’s inception to the last stroke of the brush. Incorporating, at times, her lifelong love for flowers and animals, at one point in time, would all be on display and merged its way into an antique store she once owned called, “Shabby Chic” in Paducah, Ky.

Holidays and family get-togethers, whether it be intimate for a televised sporting event, a reunion at Hamilton Lakes, or a formal wedding, were always something she cherished. She touched us all in these moments, verbally, or even with a look from her emerald-green eyes, which spoke volumes. She had a joy and admiration for music, particularly live bands – it was always evident in her body language.

While residing in Florida, strolling the beautiful beaches, collecting an array of seashells under the warm sun, was something that provided a sense of contentment. She also loved going out on boats with special Florida friends both gained and had, which produced experiences substantial in her life.

In recent years she looked forward to spending annual summer gatherings with high school female cohorts, aka “the outies” (a playful moniker more than an intentional social distinction), which affirmed their bond – through the best or worst of times – they always had each other. The eclectic blend of personalities included, Teresa McCarthy (sister), Joanne Costantino (cousin), Karin Richards, Loni Pietrantonio, and Nancy Carlson, a group deemed to be nothing short of invaluable to her.

As a proud organ donor, she was able to save the lives of two individuals, reaffirming her lifelong dedication to helping others. The Gulf Coast Medical Center staff and LifeLink of Southwest Florida personnel held a gracious and admirable Flag Ceremony and Honor Walk on her behalf.

Holly is survived by husband, Tony; beloved sons, Anthony (Jodi) Mortier of Iron Mountain, and Reid (Robin) Mortier of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; a treasured daughter, Shainna (Matt) Szwet of Sobieski, Wis.; grandchildren, Clark and Hadleigh Szwet – “her babies” who she adored beyond what words can articulate; brother, Francis (Marianne) McCarthy of Hamilton Lakes, and their children Matt (April) McCarthy and Erin (Scott) Hoffman; sister Mary McCarthy-Bray of Norway, “with whom she also shared the rare gift of being her twin,” and her children, RaeAnne (Kevin) Seat and Taylor McCarthy-Teasley; sister, Teresa (Jon) McCarthy of Prior Lake, Minn., and her children, Megan (James) Rosati, Dan (Jane) DeJaeger and Sydnie (Rae) McCarthy; half-brother, Mike McCarthy and stepmother Delores “Dee” McCarthy of Livonia.

She also leaves behind her in-laws Alex and Barb Biolo; sisters-in-law Amy Biolo and Mary Tonge, and her children, Trevor and Greg; aunt-in-law, Mary Hoffmann; stepgrandchildren, Peyton, Kendall and Hailey; great-nieces and -nephews, Zach, Mac, Maggie, Mae, Jimmy, Lucy and Jaylynn, who she had great fondness for; as well as extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Irene; her first husband James Mortier; as well as a brother-in-law, Brian Tonge; and many special aunts, uncles and cousins.

She will be missed tremendously, and forever loved and remembered.

Family will greet friends on from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 23 at St. Mary Church in Norway.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday the church, with Fr. Marty Flynn, officiating.

Condolences to the family of Holly may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.