Mary Holly Blalock

Mary Holly Blalock of Austin, Texas passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the age of 61. She was born on September 23, 1962, in Westerly, Rhode Island where she grew up in the neighboring town of Pawcatuck, Connecticut and enjoyed time on the Crowley family farm in Wequetequock, Connecticut.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Charles Holly, mother, Elizabeth Crowley Holly, and brother, Danny Holly.

Mary is survived by her husband, Michael, and son Charles of Austin, Texas, brother John Holly and wife Laura of Westerly, Rhode Island, and Patrick Holly of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Mother-In-Law, Sarah Blalock of Willow Spring, North Carolina, brothers-in-laws, Ricky (Lynne) Blalock and Tony (Jamye) Blalock, nieces Tara (Jared) Johnson and Kristen (Devin) Callahan, nephew Spencer (Brittany) Blalock, great niece Gaby Johnson and great nephew Rian Callahan, along with over 150 New England genesis cousins that were part of the heritage of the 13 brothers and sisters from her mom’s generation.

Mary graduated Summa Cum Laude from Springfield College, the home of the YMCA, basketball and volleyball, in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.

Mary worked for the YMCA for 38 years in Manchester, New Hampshire; Atlanta, Georgia; Plainville, Connecticut and Austin, Texas locations in a variety of positions. She culminated her career as the Membership Director for the entire Austin YMCA. She volunteered her time for the YMCA Youth in Government Program, traveled to places like the Dominican Republic and the Indian reservations of South Dakota to help build homes for those in need with the YMCA.

Mary was actively involved in the Catholic Church in her communities as her career with the YMCA moved her around the country. She last served St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church as a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Engaged Couples Sponsor and a multitude of volunteer church activities.

Mary passionately guarded her Monday golf date with other women of the church after her retirement from the YMCA. This wonderful group of women opened the door to fellowship on and off the course with their spouses and families since her recent retirement. Margarita Tuesdays became another ritual. Mary enjoyed the fellowship with her beverage of choice, fountain Diet Coke.

Mary was only the fourth female in the United States to become an FIVB Certified International Volleyball Official. She was a National Volleyball Official for the United States Volleyball Association and the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials. Her career included refereeing at 10 Final Four appearances, the US Open Championships and the Junior National Championships. She also served as a Line Judge for the Volleyball competition at the Atlanta Olympics. She was awarded the George J. Fisher, Glen Davies, Silver Whistle and Gold Whistle Awards from USA Volleyball.

Mary was a diehard New England Patriot and Red Sox fan. She claimed the birth of son, Charles, was the real reason that the Red Sox captured their first World Series championship in 2004, breaking the curse of the Bambino. She endured the shame of being married to a Yankee fan each year at the annual July 4th party on the Crowley family farm in New England. The family goal to see a baseball game in every park will be carried on in her memory.

Mary’s happy place was on a cruise ship, unpacking once and letting the ship take her to see the wonders of this wonderful world with family and friends. The choice to make memories in Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, the Vatican, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Barcelona, France, Germany, Egypt, Tanzania, England, Scotland, Wales, Portugal, Ireland, Ecuador, Peru, multiple islands of the Caribbean and the Galapagos were priceless and bonded the family ever closer. The ships’ supply of shrimp cocktail and lobster was severely reduced after each of her adventures.

Mary’s greatest joy was being a true Christian wife and mother. The magic of Fenway Park as a first date started a magical journey that encompassed her Disney passion, travel bug, and desire to sink her toes in the sand. The birth of her son, Charles, began the journey that she was born to serve.

Those formative years for Charles were filled with the sights and sounds of experiences of every park, playground, museum and aquarium around Austin, all 50 states, and even the globe. Her volunteer days as a classroom mom, at all special school events and the pinnacle of sacrifice as a Band Mom and Band Uniform Chair were met with passion and the exuberance of her personality being shared with everyone that felt her aura.

Mary made my house our home. We have been blessed with the love and kindness of our Connecticut and North Carolina families, our neighborhood family, the YMCA family, our Volleyball family, our school families, and our Church family as we sometimes traveled that road less traveled with so many that colored our lives a brilliant tapestry of God’s wonders.

Mary lived life to the fullest, living, loving and laughing. Her philosophy was “if you are not going to snort, why even laugh.” Have a good laugh in her honor thinking of her 25 days of Christmas sweaters and by all means snort.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin, TX 78749 on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. A reception with the family will begin immediately after the service in Johnson Hall at the church.

Family and friends as an alternative are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Michael the Archangel Church at 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, with burial to follow.

Family and friends in and around North Carolina are invited to a reception at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 8001 Mt. Pleasant Road, Willow Spring, NC, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Austin, Texas or St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Pawcatuck, Connecticut.