1929
2016
Erna Marian Gohde-Holley-Beesley
July 6, 1929 – October 2, 2016
It was July 6, 1929 when Erna Marian was born to Alexander and Anna Spicka Gohde and joining her 2 brothers George and Frederick on Pine Street in Dumont, New Jersey. The Gohde family moved to a dairy farm in Millbrook – Randolph Township, New Jersey in 1946 when Marian's "traveling" began. In 1947, Marian graduated from Dover High School, Dover New Jersey. Marian attended Dover Business College where she learned the language of Short Hand which she used all her life.
Following a courtship, Marian was married to John G. Holley of Dover, New Jersey on October 1, 1949 at 1st Methodist Church of Dover. Marian's traveling took her first to living in New Providence where daughter Joyce was born, then moving to Cedar Knolls where son David was born, then moving to the family farm in Millbrook where son John was born.
Marian enjoyed travel and family camping "Marian Style" in the little yellow Cox pop up camper. No sleeping on the ground for Marian! She drove her family from upper NY State and the Finger Lakes, to Florida and across the country to Disneyland with her travel motto fully intact: "never take the same road twice." The Holley children saw the country. Marian did all the driving because she would not let John drive with his being totally blind.
Committed to see her children further their education and the ability to financially afford such an undertaking the family loaded a few boxes, packed the Cox camper and headed west. Searching for a new family home they settle in on 18th street in Tucson. It was there that her son David blessed her with her first daughter-in-law MaryAnn as he married the girl next door.
Marian, realized her dream for her children when each of her children achieved education beyond High School.
As a small business owner and partner with husband John they shared many adventures. It all started with supplying cabinet makers and carpenters with varnishes and Formica glue. They traveled to parts of New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Following the family move to Arizona she and John invested in the "Model A Restorer Store" and Star Auto Parts an auto recycling business.
Returning to travel upon retirement Marian and John spent 6 weeks in New Zealand "camping" their way through the country in a van type motor home. Seeing the county all while driving on the wrong side of the road. In all her travels Marian's light of love shined, making lifelong friends.
Marian's traveling included an important outreach. She would travel to TMM Family Services here in Tucson where she served as a volunteer receptionist. She would greet all who come through the door with love and acceptance.
Making lifelong friends was Marian's style. Her soft gentle demeanor, smile, and beam of light just drew you in. In her deepest being she knew the love and light of God was her center and presence. Growing up Lutheran and marrying a Methodist she always seemed to know there was a path of eternal love and light to follow. She taught her children and others at the Millbrook Methodist Church that God is Love and God is everywhere and in everyone.
Following John's passing in 1989 she and longtime family friend George C Beesley grieved the loss of their spouses together. From their sharing and caring together they fell in love and were married on May 24, 1992 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Tucson. A favorite annual event for Marian and George was spending the hot Tucson summers in Prescott, Arizona for about 5 years then moving to Burro Mountain, Silver City for 19 years. Marian loved Burro Mountain and the friendships made there. A highlight for her were the tea parties, 4 wheeling on her bright red 4 wheeler and hiking. This was "camping"!
Traveling and camping came hand in hand as Marian and George joined a Square Dance Club, "Marian Style" camping trips across the country, family gatherings and reunions and traveling to her land of ancestry, Czechoslovakia.
Marian's spirit will continue to soar in all the lives she has touched especially in her husband George, daughter, Joyce Holley, son David Holley and wife MaryAnn, son John Holley and wife Melody, Grandchildren: Kim Beason, husband Wesley, Sara Luster, husband Conner, Alex Holley, Aimee Holley, Ethan Holley, Jessica Young, Great grandchildren: April, Emilie, Hailie, Liam, Asher, Corban, Evan, Arya,
Transitioning before her: Husband John, Parents, Alexander and Anna Gohde, Brothers: Alexander, George and Frederick, Nieces: Nancy Gohde, Galen Gohde, Nephew: Tom Gohde
A Gathering in Gratitude for the Life of Erna Marian Gohde-Holley-Beesley will be held at grave side in East Lawn Palms Mortuary Friday, October 7, 2016 at 10:30AM. Rev. Joyce Holley, Officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages a donation in her memory to
TMM Family Services Inc.1550 N Country Club Road, Tucson AZ 65716
http://www.tmmfs.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
October 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your mother.
October 6, 2016
Don and Deblen Sawyer
She was such a dear friend. Will miss her terribly!
October 6, 2016
Linda Gail Smith
What a wonderful tribute to a God given life "God is so Good." I know you will miss her,
October 6, 2016
Debbie Houck
Rest in peace Mom B. You truly were a light to many.
October 6, 2016
Joyce, you have so many lovely memories of your mother. May they be a comfort to you now. Dean Hokel
October 3, 2016
Naomi
Sincere condolences for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of Isaiah 57:15 provide you with much comfort.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Funeral services provided by:
East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more