I am an employee at CHKD, and I had the greatest honor of meeting your daughter. She was a beautiful, strong young woman, and although I did not get to know her well; she made a large impact in my life. My sincerest condolences to your family.

Anne,
My heart ached for you when I heard the news of Holly's passing.  Words are never enough at a time like this, but know that caring thoughts are with you.
May time do it's quiet work bringing comfort to your heart.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you at the passing of Holly.  May you find comfort in the arms of family and friends and in the shared memories you have of her.

Leigh, Kenny, Haley & Aidan Stump

Holly was an amazing girl. I am so glad I was able to coach her on the Ultimate Frisbee team. She was a great player and always worked hard and had a smile on her face. Your family is in my prayers. She will be deeply missed.

I'm saddened to hear about Holly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and her friends. I only knew her for a brief period of time but I know she was a wonderful person. 

Connor, I'm so sorry...

Anne,
Ginny just told me about your angel, Holly, and I was struck speechless. You and I have lost touch through these years but that didn't change the deep sadness I felt. In our time together I was always struck by the deep love you had for your children and how you made it clear they were first in your life...even while caring for so many others' children! No one should ever endure the passing of one's child-and Life normally assures us of this. I can clearly see Holly playing in my office while you rocked and nursed newborn Connor-those years are like yesterday to me- so how short the time you must feel you had with your darling girl. There is a Buddist saying:"Death ends a life...not a relationship". And so, may your daughter always be with you.
My profound sympathy to you and your families.

Anne, Brian, Connor and Family,

We were so saddened to hear of Holly's passing.

She was exceptional young lady and such a wonderful role model to her peers!

Please know we are here for you and are thinking of you all during this difficult time!

Sean, Joan, Katie and Emma Hirsekorn

Anne, Brian, Connor and Family,

We were so sad to hear that Holly passed away.  

Holly touched so many and was a great role model for her peers! Quite an exceptional young lady!  

Please know that we are thinking of you all and are here for you if you need anything.

Sean, Joan, Katie and Emma Hirskeorn

Mi niña Holly... God has the most amazing girl by his side... Holly was more than a great student, her smile and attitude were always a light in my classroom, she was a wonderful young lady.  She will be deeply missed.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Profe. Solis (Woodside H.S.)

Incomprehensible how something like this can happen. While we never met Holly, we are close friends with Ira and Jacque and want to extend our sincerest condolences to the whole family.

 Mike,

We are just devastated to hear about Holly.  I vividly recall you talking about how much you cherish your children and how endless proud you are of them.  Our hearts are just breaking for all of you.  Please know you are cared and prayed for.

Nothing consoles the passing of a beloved child.May it give you some small comfort to know friends care.You all are in our prayers.

Dear Shapiro & Martin Family ,

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, Holly. She was a beautiful person inside and out who graciously blessed Woodside's theatre. Holly touched everyone with her humor, striking beauty, strong will, and her ability to light up the biggest room with her huge smiles. I had the honor of acting with her in Drama but wasn't able to visit her in her battle with leukemia. Holly will be greatly missed and continue to be in all of our prayers.

Shapiro family,
The Brothers & Sisters' in Christ at the Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Yorktown,Va. would like you to know that we have been praying for your family during our prayer time while in our church services. Holly's & the families name is written on the Prayer Board so everyone can pray for your family.  We know that on the wings of God's Angels Holly did fly into the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord & Master where she will be cared for untill you meet her in heaven.  God bless you!  
From The Deacons of Yorkminster

Michael and family, we are SO very sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful daughter, your darling rosebud.  You and your family are in our prayers.

Holly was a beautiful person inside and out. She had an amazing smile that could cheer up anybodies day. I wish i would have gotten to know her better because she had a great spirt. I will always remember her and how happy she was.

hi my name is ashley i did not no holly but i have a friend that is fighting the same thing she had and i know how you are feeling god knows whats best and be strong... i am so sorry for your loss this just breaks my heart cause she was so young and pretty and also very smart from what i here but she is now healthy again and in no more pain.i will be praying for the family. god bless you

Anne, Michael, Connor and Family
I was so saddened to read in the paper of Holly's passing.  I did not know she was sick.  I remember her from when I used to babysit Connor when he was a baby.  She was such a beautiful and smart little girl back then.  Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers and take comfort in knowing that God has a plan and He knows best.  Let your memories and the strength of God give you peace.  She is now your angel in heaven and will forever be with you.

God Bless You 
Ms. Violet

We are filled with sorrow that Holly has passed, and we offer our deepest condolences and sympathy.  Holly and the entire family have touched so many people that your grief is shared by us all.  It is incomprehensible to know what we could say that would comfort you after the death of a child so full of life.  We only pray that you find strength and support from all those who knew, loved, and will miss Holly.  And, from those in the future who will use Holly’s life as an inspiration to fight and beat this dreaded disease that unfairly takes so many of our loved ones, far too soon.  Let us know if we can help you in any way.

Denise, Scott, and family

Our hearts go out to you and your family for the loss of your daughter.  May you find solace in celebrating her life.

Anne,
  I was truly heartbroken for you and all your family when I was told that Holly had lost her battle with cancer. You have been in my thoughts and I had hoped all was well. I do understand what all of you are going through. I can say that time may never heal the hurt or loss you all feel in your hearts, however, time may help to bring a little acceptance and some understanding to your minds.
  It seems that there is always one more thing we could have said or done if we only had the time. This was not Holly. Anyone can see through the life she lived and the lives she touched she used her time to the fullest. I do not believe she lost any battle, but has won her greatest victory! Keeping you all in my prayers.

                    In Christ love,

I would like to send my deepest sympathies for the loss of your daughter. I have had the pleasure to work with her for a short time. In that time I could see she was an amazing beautiful young lady. I would like to share this poem I have found when I was in loss of my brother it helped me to understand and to belive.

God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be.  So he put his arms around you and whispered, come to me.  With tearful eyes we watched you suffer, and saw you fade away.  Although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.  A golden heart stopped beating, working hands put to rest.  God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best....
Author Unknown

I was so sad to hear about Holly's passing I didn't know her long but she was an exceptional young women. She will be missed.

Michael and Family,

I did not have the privalege of knowing Holly but it is clear that she was an amazing young woman, a beloved daughter, sister and niece.  My heart and prayers go out to all of you during this most difficult time.  May you find peace in her memory.

Shapiro and Martin Family,
     I am so very sorry at the loss of our darling Holly. All of us in the Woodside drama family loved her dearly.  Like everything else she touched, she made an extraordinary contributution to our classes and productions. Her smile was contagious and lit up our theater.  She made me laugh daily and I will miss her dearly.
     Please know that you and your family are in my every prayer.  Trust that though it is difficult, God will watch over you during and after this terrible time. 
All of my love and prayers,
Allison Anderson

I remember Holly when she was in Sixth Grade at Hines Middle School.  She and her friends were a special group of students that a teacher will always remember.  I also was Connor's Sixth Grade Teacher at Washington MS.  My heartfelt sympathy is sent to all of you in the loss of Holly.  I am praying that God will comfort you today and always.  

Anita Becker

The Shepard Family, Ray, Lorrie, Torrie, Alexis and Xavier extend our deepest sympathies for the loss of a beautiful child and lovely young woman.  We are glad that we were amongst those that watched her grow from a happy child to a blossoming young woman.  Also, we're happy to know that we were with you all to share in some of the happiest times of her life, which were middle school and Goal Sister field hockey.  Her quiet unassuming beauty will be missed, but never forgotten. Our thoughts and continual prayer are with your families.

Dear Michael & family,
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences and do know that I will continue to remember you in my thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathies are with you Anne, Brian, and all of Holly's family. There's no words that come to mind that can really bring you comfort in your pain and sorrow. You've made a beautiful tribute to Holly and have really honored the meaningfulness of her life. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope that someday you will find peace. Wishing you all blessings as you struggle through this most difficult time in your lives. ~ Renee & Buddy Hughes

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and all of Holly's many friends.

To the Shapiro and Murphy families,
I have not seen Holly since she and my daughter were much younger and in Girl Scouts together, but I have known about her illness through Lamarr and through a friend who attends my church.  We had been praying for her for the past month or so.  As a mother, I can only imagine your pain, and it breaks my heart for you.  I don't know if there are any words at all that could bring comfort to you right now, but please know that I will continue to lift you and your families in prayer as you go through the coming days.  May the peace of God, which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Holly was my student in 6th grade English/social studies at Hines. She had such a kind and special manner which endeared her to everyone.  She willingly helped other students in her caring/encouraging way. When I think of Holly, I picture her angelic face and loving smile, which just lit up the room! She brought joy everywhere she went, making this world a more beautiful place. With my sympathy and prayers, Jane Miller, Hines Middle Sch.

My yearbook students were very close to Holly and they updated me on her progress after her diagnosis. These girls were amazed at Holly's strength and determination to fight the cancer. Even though I didn't teach her, my students painted a picture of a joyful young woman full of energy and excitement. I am so sorry for your loss. ~Dawn Kanehl, Woodside High School

Dear Michael and Family,

It is with such great sadness and a heavy heart that I write to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Holly.  I cannot imagine the pain you are enduring and can only hope that you will, in time, find peace in your lives.   Lou and I send our love and prayers for strength.

To Mike and all the family...Lorraine and I send our deepest and heartfelt feelings to all of you during this tragic time.Mere words can only ring shallow,so I'll not try to use many.Our best to each of you,now and going forward.Please call on us for anything.You will be in our minds,hearts,and prayers.     Most Sincerely     Hank Hughes

What a beautiful young lady. Please accept my condolences in your loss of Holly. Remember that, The Arms That Welcomed Your Holly Into Heaven Are The Same Arms That Hold Your Hearts Today.

Holly was a super young lady, always happy! I loved having her in the library. My love and sympathy to Holly's family,

Holly was such an amazing girl with such an amazing strength! I can remember her coming down to Hunters room so they could go for a walk in the Butterfly Garden. She was the one person that Hunter couldn't wait to see! I am so sorry that your family is going through this right now. We loved Holly so much and she will always be Hunter's "sister". We are team Holly and forever will be! God Bless You!
Robin

Michael and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss...I did not know Holly but can see by the guest book that she was respected and loved by all.  Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

My prayers are with you...

Woodside Security Officer,
April Hayes

Anne,
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter.  May God hold you and your family close to him and give you strength each and every day.  All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael and family,                                   Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I will always remember Holly's positive outlook and spirit. I can't think of many times when I didn't see her with a smile on her face and something positive to say. She was courageous, kind, loving, hardworking, and thoughtful. She laughed and smiled even during the toughest times in the hospital. I will miss her greatly.

My deepest, heartfelt sympathy and love to Michael, Connor, Anne, and her entire family.

Holly I love you and I always will...you are a very important person to me and I know God is keeping you safe in his arms to watch over all of us...I will never forget you...you will forever be in my heart.

Michael, My heart weeps for you and all of Holly's family and loved ones. with love and hugs, BB

Anne and family,
I am saddened to hear of Holly's passing. Knowing this pain, I can only say that words can't even begin to comfort you but your memories of your sweet girl will carry you through the days ahead. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family.
-Christina Head

I am so sorry for the loss of Holly.  She was a tremendous student but she was an even better person.  I loved having her in my class.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael,  I can only imagine what you are going through. I truely hope God holds your heart in His hands and keeps you close to His. I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I will keep you and your family in our prayers during this very difficult time.
Glenn Alligood

Dear Anne and Family, 
We share our deepest and heartfelt sympathy over the loss of Holly.  The outpouring of testimonies reflects an amazing individual whose gifts, talents, and accomplishments are exceeded only by her heart and spirit.  You remain in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.  We will join you and so many others in commemorating Holly's life in the Team HOLLY Light the Night Walk on October 27. God bless Holly, you, and your family.

Words aren't enough to express how sorry I am.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  I pray that precious memories of your amazing Holly will comfort you and strengthen you.

I was honored to help care for Holly. I am grateful for the time I got to know her.  She is a special spirit and touched us all.

Anne,

I met Holly as a middle schooler and have loved her ever since.  She was a beautiful young lady and now she is one of God's most precious angels.  I pray strength and comfort for you and your family as you go through this difficult time.  Please call on me for anything!  Love you, Stephanie

My deepest sympathies for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers. Ms. Hampton (Woodside High)

To all members of Holly's family:
David and I send our deepest sympathy as each of you grieves the loss of a beloved daughter and sister.  I cannot imagine what you must be experiencing at this time.  Please find strength in the prayers of others who hold your pain in our hearts.
David & Lynda Leech

We are all shocked and saddened to learn of Holly's passing. Words probably can't adequately comfort you at this time, but you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do.

Holly was a cool breeze on a hot day, she brought comfort and joy to all who were fortunate enough to have her in their life....She was my little snow bunny....I miss her smile....

Michael, Jackie, Ann and Brian,

As one of our neighborhood kids, Holly will always be remembered for her bright smile and awesome spirit. We know you all have wonderful memories to treasure and that the joy she brought to your lives will live on forever. If there's anything we can do for any of you, please know that we are here. 

With deepest sympathy, 

Elisa, Pat, Alex and Carly Finneran

Anne,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

We have nothing but wonderful memories of Holly, what an amazing girl! Always so positive, selfless, willing & good natured. Peace be with each of you, particularly Holly. We love Holly & will continue to keep her in our hearts & prayers. 
Susanne & Sally Raiszadeh

Dear Michael and family.  There are no words to soften the loss of Holly.  It never seems fair or right when a child dies ... it is so hard to understand.  Treasure your memories and make every day a special day because every day is a gift.   With sympathy and friendship,

Please accept our most heartfelt condolences for your loss. We are saddended by the passing of your beautiful daughter and will keep all of you in our prayers.

As a nursing student at ODU, I was able to intern at CHKD. Iwas often scared and nervous to walk into patients rooms. I met Holly and she welcomed me into her room with a huge smile on her face. It only took moments for her to start talking to me and asking questions while I stood amazed at the artwork on her wall. Holly was a beautiful young girl and a pleasure to meet. Many prayers with her family at this time.

Dear Michael & Shapiro family,
May God continue to bless & keep you at this hour. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Eric W. Rogers

We are so sorry for your loss.  The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike, 
We're so sorry for your loss. We're thinking of you in this difficult time. 
Jay and Julia Comfort

Anne and Family,

Holly's spirit is eternal.  Her presence will be known and felt in the lives of family and friends forever.

With deepest regards,
Jennifer Ericsson

Holly was an amazing person. I feel honored to have known her! I know my daughter Marissa was truly blessed to have been a part of Holly's life and to be able to call her a close friend. I will alaways remember Holly's bright smile and courage. I will continue to pray for Holly's friends and family as they begin the journey of remembering Holly. With every sunset,sunrise, rainbow and unique cloud I will look up and smile and know that Holly gave those to us...I look forward to being a part of Team Holly and honoring such an amazing person!
RIP Holly SUPERHERO!

I am so sorry for your loss.  I cannot imagine the grief your family is going through right now, but I can extend my hand, my faith and my heartfelt support to assist in any way as you find your way through this difficult time.  My deepest sympathy to you and your family.  - Fellow Rotarian

Holly was such an amazing girl and the first person I truly became best friends w at CHKD. She was the only reason I loved going to doctors appointments, just to see her smile. We were only friends for several months, but meeting her was one of the most treasured memories of my life. Holly, you're forever in my heart. I love you.

Anne, Brian, Conner, and Mike and family, 
We are so sorry for your loss.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers as is Holly.  We wish you comfort and peace of mind and heart.

My heart is with you ALL. Holly was my "other" daughter and I am going to miss her terribly. She will always have a special place in my heart. I know nothing will fill the void left behind but we will always have the memories to reflect on. Know you all are in my thoughts.

Diamond, Tony, and I wish to express our deepest sympathy.  Please know that we are here for anything you may need.  
The Turner Family, Newport News, Va.

Impossible for me to know the pain you and your family are in.  I do know that all of the love and prayers you are receiving will help to lift you up.  God's peace be with you all.  I continue to pray for your strength.

Holly graced our lives with her smile, humor, and compassion. Her influence on all of us is eternal. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. She will forever be a part of our hearts and memories. 

John, Liz, Jessica, and Christian Bryant

  I knew Holly for just a few short years, but in knowing her found Holly as a special young lady.  Caring, thoughtful, generous, sweet and loving.  Holly spread joy with whomever she met and will be remembered for this.  Michael, Jackie and family, my prayers and thoughts are with you on this difficult journey.  God Bless you all.
with love,  MaryLouise Davis   Elizabeth City, NC

Anne, Brian and Connor, my heart aches for each of you right now and I pray that as time passes the pain will get easier. Holly was such a fighter!  After reading the story Holly wrote and your friend Debbbie listed, I could hear it in her words then too! Maybe this was the finish line that God needed her to cross, maybe she won this race because we all know that she is in a better place than we are but we will all miss her so much until we cross that finish line too. You know I am here for you Anne, and always will be!! Please let me know what I can do!

Holly was an inspiration to all of us.  A lovely girl with the brightest smile.  We all loved Holly and will miss her dearly.

Michael,

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Please let us know if you need anything during this difficult time.  Scott and I have joined your team for LLS Light the Night.  We are thinking of you all.

Love and Strength during this difficult time.

Amanda Wroten and Scott Rumpf

Anne and Family,
A special person remembered and a beautiful life honored.  My sincerest sympathies are extended to you during this difficult time.  I will continue to pray for God's comfort as you walk this difficult road.
With deepest regards,
Linda Stewart

It has been a longtime since our daughters were little girls and we shuttled them back and forth between Newport News and Hampton for play dates.  Since my memories of Holly are from about the age of 4 and 7 years old, when playing dolls, coloring and running on the playground at Gloria Dei during recess were the order of the day, I wondered who she had become over the last 10 years. So I  Goggled her name and found out about her continued passion for running, now as a member of her school Track and Field team versus the playground, her interest in drama, commitment to academic excellence, and her volunteer work as a member of the Key Club at Woodside High School.  But it was the following story Holly wrote last September that allowed me see what a beautiful young women she had become. 


Holly Shapiro  Wed, 08 Sep 2010 
"After arriving at the meet, jogging a few laps to warm up my muscles, and then stretching, I am about ready to go. I made sure that I had enough water to drink, and that I ate enough nutritious food before my race. I am physically ready. Next comes my mental preparation, as long as I think positive, push myself to do the best I can, and don't give up, I will be happy with myself. My friend once said to me, "The only thing worse than losing is quitting." I completely agree, I expect myself to give all I have until I sprint across that finish line.

Now I am standing under the tent. I hear my name so I walk up to the man at the table and get my number. I peel off the back and put the sticker on my left leg of my shorts. I know our race is about to start, so I take off my sweats and put on my spikes. I stretch yet again. Next I hear my heat being called over the loudspeaker. My heart starts beating faster, the butterflies arise in my stomach. I start my interminable walk to the starting line. When we get there we line up in numerical order. I feel my nerves and my heart continues to pound like bass. The starter says, "On your mark," and we crouch down and put our weight on our toes, ready to take off. He shoots the gun, BANG! We take off and my adrenaline is pumping. Four laps and then I'm done. Run hard and don't give up.

Finally I am coming around the last corner of the track. I can see the finish line. Now I know it is time for my kick, I need to pick up the speed. I sprint as fast as I can all the way through that finish line. I walk to the side to catch my breath. That felt good, I think. Now it is time for more stretching and water...

People say my sport is others sport's punishment, and that's what I used to think too. I used to not like running at all, but now I love it. I love the feeling of being in shape, running for fun, running long distances, running without a clock, and the feeling of going fast. I was inspired to run but the people I now run with. I've met so many people through track and cross country that now I am close with. These people made running enjoyable. 
I do enjoy running, but I know I'm not going to go anywhere in life with it. I know I am not good enough to come in first place in all my races, to get into college with a running scholarship, or go professional, and I am perfectly fine with that. There will always be other people better than me and worse than me. I run purely for enjoyment, fun, exercise, to have a good time, and because it makes me happy."

The last sentence says it all, "I run purely for enjoyment, fun, exercise, to have a good time, and because it makes me happy."  This brief glimpse into the teenage Holly tells me she grew up to be a daughter that made her parents smile and know they had done their parenting job well. 

Anne and Brian, Mike and Jackie, Connor, Olivia,  Samantha, Vincent, Jack and Matt, and Patti, may the time come soon where you can smile and laugh again as you remember all of the funny, quirky, unexpected, and sweet moments and events of Holly's life and may the stories you hear from others remind you that Holly touched the lives of so many and that she will be forever a part of every life she touched.

You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

-Preston, Scotty, Raquel, and Peyton Loving

Love all of you sooo soooo much<3 You're my second family and that will never change. Holly is the best friend I've ever had and I'm so happy that I've gotten to spend these past 10 years with her :)<33

Dear Shapiro Family, Were sorry to hear about Holly.Please know your in our thoughts and prayers

Michael and family,

I am so sorry to hear about Holly. Please take care and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Amy Brenner Romer

OBITUARY

Holly Nicole Shapiro

March 13, 1994 – July 27, 2011

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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