Winifred Georgette Holliday

On Wednesday October 30, 2019 at the age of 94. Beloved wife of 75 years to Jack Holliday, fond sister-in-law to Gwen Paget, loving mother to Heather, Christine (Don), John (Carol), Karen (Maurice), Scott (Carol) and proud and cherished grandmother to Christine (Guy), Heidi, Kylie, David (Katie), Jon, Melissa, Alex and great grandmother to Troy, Isabelle, Grayson, Nova and Michael. Dear aunt to the Newman's and their spouses.

Born in Toronto, ON the daughter of Eric Starrup and Winifred Park, she moved with her mother to Ottawa in 1933. A top student at Ottawa Commerce high school, which she loved dearly, she had to leave before graduation to get a job through necessity. During the war she lost her brother Victor (Bud) Starrup while herself contributing to the war efforts as a stenographer for Officials of the Royal Canadian Navy in Ottawa & Montreal. She married RCAF Flying Officer John “Jack” Holliday on Christmas Eve 1943. She then saved every penny so that when Jack returned from England in 1945, she was able to put a down payment on the house which they raised their 5 kids and lived in for 73 years. Winifred also served as an “Owl” to a Brownie Pack at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church for over 10 years, where she was a devoted mother to all. She was always smiling and singing, we will miss her dearly, and she will always be in our dreams and hearts.

Thanks to all the staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and the geriatric team for all their help in keeping her comfortable. Special thanks for son Scott and Colin Skene for staying with mom overnight.

Friends are invited to visit the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. on Thursday November 7^th after 1 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. followed by interment at the National military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. Mom’s favourite colour was red, please feel free to wear that colour if you care to. In lieu of flowers donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute are appreciated.