Gertrude “Marie” Holland, aged 57, passed away on March 30th 2023 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Marie was recently and suddenly diagnosed with liver failure. We are grateful that in her last moments she had her sister Guynuth holding her hand and gently caressing her hair while singing Amazing Grace.

Marie was born on March 20, 1966 in Dallas, TX to Charles “Chuck” Pilkinton and Mary Holland. She had six children including daughters Memary, Angel, & Shannon; and sons Daniel, Jacob, & Joseph.

An avid freelancer of life; she had many interests and talents. Most notably, singing was a constant passion throughout most of Marie’s adult life. From gospel hymns in leading song service on Sunday morning to the charismatic host of Thursday night karaoke, she had a true passion for healing. Through the gift of song or by lending an ear she wanted nothing more than to help people and felt great comfort in being a confidant to those in need.

Marie was a magnetic soul and being with her could bring the most unpredictable and unfathomable good time. She might challenge who could say the tiniest goodbye to laughing hysterically – and reenacting repeatedly – at a guy loudly ordering a “sour lime coke” with an extremely southern accent. Which turns out was just a cherry limeade. She found humor in everything and if you knew her well you know this was a talent and a gift she bestowed on those closest to her. Giggling to the point of tears and a “you had to be there” recollection. Laughter was the best part of Marie and how endearing her laughter was.

Marie joins her grandparents Ruth, Gertrude, Charles, and Oliver, father “Chuck”, stepfather Jon, brother Robert, sisters Michelle & Heather, daughter Angel, nephew Michael, niece Alli, uncles Frankie & Ronnie, aunts Edith, Betty, Charlotte, Marilyn and Georgia in peace.

Marie is survived by her daughters Memary & Shannon, sons Daniel, Jacob, and Joseph, grandchildren Caleb, Sofia, Mikhaya, and Morgan, her mother Mary, stepfather Guy, sisters Denise, Guynuth, and Laura, uncles Donald, Daniel, Grady, and David, aunts Dorothy, Doris, Brenda, Annie, and Loretta, and other extended family and many caring friends. Marie loved deeply and this extended beyond immediate family and often increased her “chosen” family wherever she went. While her passing was an unexpected one, we acknowledge Marie touched so many lives and was a beloved friend for countless people.