1926-2007

A gathering will be held today, Nov. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m., at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay, for Louise M. Holcombe of Suttons Bay who died Nov. 5 at Tendercare of Leelanau. She was 80.

She was born Dec. 13, 1926, in Traverse City, the daughter of Otto and Julia (Glazier) Strait. On July 23, 1948, in Traverse City, she married Willard Gay Holcombe, who preceded her in death on July 25, 1994.

She worked as a switchboard operator at the Park Place Hotel where she met her husband. The couple moved to Cummings Street in Bingham Township where she spent 57 years in her home. She was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Parish and was an avid dog lover. She also loved crafts and camping.

She is survived by three sons, Gary (Diana) of Traverse City, Dr. John (Cathy) of Suttons Bay and Jim (Sue) Holcombe of Traverse City; and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Strait and Geneva Neumann; and two brothers, Orville and Donald Strait.

Burial will be in the Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leelanau Christian Neighbors Food Pantry, P.O. Box 32, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, and/or Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686, and/or Mass Intentions.