STERLING – Maria N. (Cristy) Holland, 84, of Sterling, formerly of Worcester, died Friday, June 18, 2021 at Sterling Village.
She leaves a son, Kevin A. Dyier of Clinton, a daughter-in-law, Barbara Cote of Worcester; nieces and nephews. Her son Kenneth Dyier died one week ago. The father of her boys, Kenneth C. Dyer, Sr, died in March, 2019. Her husband Gene L. Holland died in 1996. She was also predeceased by three sisters, Carmengloria Ramos, Isabel Maria Cruz, and Ramona Martinez. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, daughter of Rufino and Victoria (Jimenez) Cristy. She came to the United States just after WWII and lived in Florida until moving to Worcester in 2007. Spanish was always her first language.
Maria received her Master Degree in Clinical Psychology at Southern Florida University. She worked for 20 years for the City of Ocala as a school counselor. She also taught some college courses in Florida. She enjoyed reading and crocheting. She loved politics and staying up on current events, including watching MSNBC. She also enjoyed disassembling computers and repairing them.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 22, 2021 from 5 – 7 pm at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 200 Ivy St, Brookline, MA 02446 (mabvi.org).