Obituary of Samuel Holland

Samuel Holland passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at the age of 79, at home surrounded by his family. Mr. Holland was born June 5, 1930, in Port Isabel, Texas to John and Maria Holland. His mother died when Sam was 5 years old, and he was raised by an aunt and uncle, Damaso and Maggie Gonzales. He attended public school in Port Isabel from kindergarten to high school. As valedictorian from Port Isabel High, he was awarded a scholarship to University of Texas in Austin. In 1952, he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Math. His first teaching assignment was at Trinity High School in Trinity, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. He then taught at Palm Dale, CA for four years. Sam received a Masters in Spanish from UOP in 1972, and a Masters in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento in 1976. He taught at Lodi High School for 10 years and then worked as a social worker in the Head Start program in Sacramento School District for 20 years. After retirement he taught English as a second language in Linden for 11 years. He married Eunice "Bonnie" Woehl in 1965. They had two children, Nora and Steven. He was an active member of New Hope Community Church. Sam loved books, gardening, painting, music, writing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a very compassionate man who was always eager to help others less fortunate. In his early years as a teacher, he headed up the MECHA club at Lodi High. He also worked and supported the Mexican Farm Workers. Sam taught Sunday School , helped start several children's programs and served on numerous committees in his church. He enjoyed being involved with the Tokay Players, an acting group. Sam had a reputation for his kindness, integrity and compassion. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. His family will miss his love, advice, and his listening ear. We have been very fortunate to have Sam in our lives. Sam is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eunice "Bonnie" Holland; his daughter, Nora Rowland (Mark) of Lodi, CA; his son, Steven Holland (Maggie) of Wilmington, DE; three grandchildren, Julia and Jake Rowland and Sienna Holland; two sisters, Margaret Torres and Ester Garza and one brother, Johnny Holland, all of Port, Isabel, TX. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dora Sanchez; Noe Gonzalez and Lulu Martinez, cousins that Sam grew up with. Friends are invited to visit Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Monday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held on Tuesday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Committal will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Holland's name to New Hope Community Church, 330 S. Fairmont Ave., Ste. 1, Lodi, CA 95240.