At Brantford General Hospital on Thursday, April 14th, 2022, Holly Keil of Ayr and formerly of Wingham, passed away peacefully at the age of 76. After a battle with cancer and COVID, Holly is now at rest with our Father in Heaven.
Deeply cherished by her husband of 52 years, Bill Keil. Devoted mother of Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher & Steven Lake, Tharen & David Tapuska, and Marcus & Kerry Keil. Proud Gramma of her nine grandchildren, Kaycie & Knolan Mehlenbacher, Ryanne, Charlotte & Martin Tapuska, Janaya & Taliah Keil, and Lauren & Ryan Lake. Dear sister of Ken and Martha Pagel. Adored and predeceased by her grandfather Albert Pagel. Predeceased by her parents.
Holly had a wildly wonderful zest for life – always ready to share in a new adventure with her family and friends. She was never at a loss for words and always had a funny or heartwarming story at the ready – her favourite being the tale of the time she was certain she could make it up the steepest hill in Old Quebec City on her scooter, only to find herself rolling backwards toward the St. Lawrence River and finally being rescued by a charming group of locals. She was well known for her comforting “Holly Hugs” and could easily be found in a crowd by following the sound of her unique and widely loved laugh.
Holly was an accomplished social worker and therapist. She always knew she had the gift of insight and empathy and the ability to help others navigate difficult circumstances. In her mid-forties, she made the decision to enroll in post-secondary education and obtained both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in social work. Holly established a successful career as a social worker in Wingham and surrounding towns over many years, which led to her appointment as the primary social worker for the PUC during the Walkerton water crisis. Holly was also presented with a special award from Ontario’s Solicitor General for her extensive work in street-proofing children and families.
To Holly, her husband, children, and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she was never more happy than when she was spending time with them at family gatherings or creating special handmade quilted, knitted or stitched gifts with them and for them. When asked what she was most proud of, aside from her family when she looked back on her life, Holly said two things stood out that might surprise people. One was a day long bicycle trip she took as a child with her little brother and their cousin out of the city, which left her feeling happy that she had created a magical memory for the boys. The second one was achieving her Gold Cord in Guiding – something that was a catalyst for many years as a Guider in her community.
Holly was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, and her zeal for all things humorous and new will be missed by many.
“She was a wildflower in the rose garden.”
Visitation will take place at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Friday, April 22nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again at Cedar Creek Community Church, Cambridge on Saturday, April 23rd from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Holly’s Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. Masks would be appreciated by the family but are not necessary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, or any local women and children’s shelters would be appreciated.
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