Anne Holland

Anne Alexandra Holland passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. She was born on March 13, 1936 at Flower Fifth Ave Hospital, New York City the first child of Irving Hanson and Elizabeth Joyce (Holland) Blatz. She grew up in Freeport, Rockville Centre, and Long Beach NY accompanied by her partners in crime, Edward “Nils” and Elizabeth. She and her family summered at Conesus Lake, NY where, it has been reported, Anne was the champion, amongst her family and friends, at collecting the most night crawlers. Anne had a storied educational history. She attended secondary school, Stratford Hall, in Virginia, where she ultimately was graduated. From there, she graduated from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. She received her B.A. there, followed by her masters degree, both in education. During her career, she took many continuing education courses, mostly at night, and earned dozens and dozens more credits. In her spare time, she researched her genealogical roots and was able to positively identify ancestors of hers from as far back as the 15th century. After graduating, she was promptly hired by the Lindenhurst school district where she taught English for several years. After her tenure at Lindenhurst, she was retained by The Valley Stream school district (District 24) where she taught various elementary grades for 27 years. Upon retiring from Valley Stream, Anne relocated to the Upper West Side of Manhattan and continued teaching as a part time teacher at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine. During her career she received a multitude of accolades. She was most proud of receiving the Fulbright-Hays scholarship which awarded her a teaching position in India. She also received the coveted NEH grant to study at Columbia University. In 1959, Anne wed Robert John Trapani, a union that produced Robert Timothy ’61, Christopher John ’63 and Philip Bruce ’65. Though her marriage to Bob wouldn’t last, Anne was eminently proud of her three sons. Anne was a world traveler. She has been to England, Norway, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Portugal and many more countries. Her passports have been stamped repeatedly. One of her favorite passport stamps was from Mexico where, along with her sister Liz, and many friends old and new, she resided as an ex-pat in the lovely city of Mérida Mexico. She was also an avid reader and a great fan of theater, especially in NY and London. Though she loved the hustle and bustle of living in The Big Apple, Anne found serenity in Vermont and, for many years, maintained residences in both states. In Vermont, Anne bought a lakefront house next door to her dearest friend, a fellow teacher, Barbara Dellamonte. Anne and Barbara were trouble personified. They had an enviable friendship, one that never dimmed over a period of more half a century. In Vermont, Anne, Barbara and a host of other women formed a club, “The Turtles” and their mission was to swim across the lake every morning (weather permitting, of course.) And they did just that for years and years. They also kept the wineries in business. Also in Vermont, and well in to her golden years, Anne went to work again, this time as the assistant town clerk for the town of Hubbardton. Anne is survived by Robert Timothy, Christopher John (Kristine), Philip Bruce (Cathy), grandchildren Erin, Katie (Billy) Johnson, Tara (fiancé Steve), Alexandra and Danielle (boyfriend Matt). Also surviving are great grandchildren, Trey and George (and one on the way!) Anne also leaves behind her dear sister, Liz, Sister-In-Law, Leslie, and many nieces and nephews as well as friends the world over. Predeceasing her were her parents, brother, Rev. Nils Blatz, goddaughter Lisa, and nephew Douglas Trapani. This obituary would not be complete without the following statement from granddaughter Alexandra: “We called her Annie because she never liked to admit she was old enough to be anyone’s grandma. But anyone who knew her knew that her five granddaughters were the absolute light of her life. We were her pride and joy, and she made sure we never doubted it for a second. She’s the reason I have such a deep sense of wanderlust. There was always another trip on the horizon for her, always somewhere new she was dreaming about. My childhood is filled with stories from all the places she had been and, of course, a judgmental stare whenever she asked what trip I was planning and I told her I was going to Disney…again. She’s also the reason I fell in love with live theater. Every Christmas she gave us Broadway tickets. It wasn’t just about the shows, it was her way of opening our eyes to something magical, and more than anything, it was her way of making time for us to spend together. She helped shape the person I am today…a proud bleeding-heart liberal, just like her. She was a fierce, independent woman and a true feminist icon long before it was fashionable. She taught us to care deeply, speak up, and stand strong in what we believe in, even if that meant putting a Donald Trump piñata in our Vermont House window for all to see. I can just picture her now talking up a storm in the afterlife, captivating everyone around her with her stories. Her hair dyed electric blue, showing off the tattoo she got at 80, and doing a keg stand, held up by all of our loved ones who have gone before her. And I have no doubt she’s already the most interesting person in the room.

Anne Holland

March 13, 1936 - March 11, 2026