Violette (née Kanner) Holland passed away after a short illness on June 12, 2019 at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Stewart Holland, whom she married in 1949, and her cherished sons Dirk Holland and Darryl Boyd Holland.
Violette was born in the Bronx to Morris and Leah (née Pazow) Kanner. Violette had many happy memories, even in the dark days of the Depression and World War II, of growing up with her treasured younger brother, Elliott, in neighborhoods in the West Bronx and Washington Heights. She attended Hunter College after graduating from Morris High School. Following the early years of marriage in today’s Hell’s Kitchen, Violette and Stewart moved to Marble Hill in 1954 and then to Riverdale in a 1968.
She was an active member of the Riverdale community, and she will be remembered for her warm and cheerful interactions with many friends and acquaintances. She was especially involved as a member of Riverdale Senior Services. The community at the senior center truly was dear to her heart, and she derived much joy from the many strong relationships she had there.
For many years, Violette worked at the Yearling Nursery School. She delighted in the young students there and thrilled to hear news of their endeavors as they grew up. She was also an expressive actress, appearing on the Today Show in 1994, in commercials, and as an extra in multiple episodes of Law and Order. Fluent in French and Yiddish, she loved languages and literature. Even at age 91, she could recite both English-language and French-language poems that she had memorized in elementary school.
Violette will be remembered for her effusive manner, sweet demeanor, colorful personality, and zest for life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Riverdale Senior Services, 2600 Netherland Avenue, Bronx, New York 10463.
Violette is survived by sons Bart and Brian, daughters-in-law Jean Donahue and Leann Keefe, and grandchildren Keenan, Alicia, and Charlie. “How she enjoyed!”
Family will gather 10:30 am Friday at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY for a chapel service at 11:00 am. Rabbi Tobin will officiate. Interment Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, New Jersey.