Holland Lucille Wallace died Friday, April 1 at UNC Hospitals. She was 56 years old.
Holly was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala. Following her graduation from Birmingham-Southern College, she moved to Chapel Hill to attend political science graduate school at the University of North Carolina. After contracting severe rheumatoid arthritis, she became an advocate for disability rights, traveling across the country educating physicians about how to recognize the full humanity of their patients. She was also a publisher at Menasha Ridge Press for many years.
Holly married her high school sweetheart, William Nealy, who was an outdoor adventurer, artist and author. William died in 2001. Thereafter, she was cared for by Raquel and Miguel Landa.
Holly’s struggles with arthritis and other afflictions were borne with a courageous and indomitable spirit, unbelievable strength and a beguiling sense of humor. She was an inspiration to everyone who met her, and she will be sorely missed.
She is survived by her sister Rangeley Wallace of Bethesda, Md.; her brother, Daniel Wallace, of Chapel Hill; her sister Barrie Wallace of Hillsborough; her nephews, Basie Settle, Daniel Denvir, Jamie Denvir, Jack Denvir and Henry Wallace; her nieces, Emma Denvir and Lillian Hoover; her caregivers, Raquel and Miguel Landa; and her beloved dog, Ernest.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UNC Palliative Care Program, med.unc.edu/pcare/make-a-gift. A memorial service will be held April 23 in Chapel Hill. For additional information, please email Daniel at dwallace@mindspring.com