In loving memory of Leslie Jayne Holland, born on September 19, 1951, who passed peacefully at home in Nashua, NH, on October 19, 2024. Leslie was the beloved daughter of the late Rosemary (Zetta) and William Brackett Holland of Andover, MA. She was a proud graduate of Andover High School class of 1969, attended Merrimack College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and received her Master of Education from Cambridge College. Leslie’s teaching career included work at Lawrence Public Schools, Lawrence, MA; Strong Foundations in Concord, NH; Pittsfield, NH Public Schools; Easter Seals in Southern NH; and Literacy Learning Solutions in Nashua, NH.
She is survived by her aunt Virginia Zetta, sister of Rosemary Holland; her uncle George Holland, brother of William B. Holland; her twin sister Linda Jean (Holland) Meltzer and husband Dale; her sisters Judith Lee (Holland) Williams and husband Lynn, and Elizabeth (Holland) St. Amand and husband Rodman; and her brother William B. Holland Jr. and late wife Gail. Leslie was a cherished aunt to Sarah Williams Elliott and husband Ryan, Nathan Meltzer, Dustin Meltzer and wife Tong Fei, Craig St. Amand and fiancé Karina Garcia, and Eric St. Amand and fiancé Cait Downes. She is also survived by her great-nephews, Landon, Brody, and Julian (children of Sarah and Ryan) and great-niece Delia (daughter of Dustin and Tong).
A devoted special needs and reading teacher, Leslie enjoyed helping children succeed in school. Known for her beautiful, giving, and loving spirit, she was always supportive and welcoming to everyone, especially her family and friends. Leslie loved to travel, go boating, kayaking, hiking, and bike riding in the summer, and hang out with family and friends. Leslie had a deep love for animals and leaves behind her cherished miniature pinscher, Rosie, who accompanied her everywhere.
An accomplished artist and entrepreneur in her early life, Leslie created stunning sterling silver jewelry and stained-glass art pieces, selling them to clients up and down the East Coast. She believed in life-long learning and took many classes in a variety of fields, as her interests were far and wide.
She will be sorely missed by the many people she has touched in her lifetime.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, or a charity of choice.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 24th at the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, MA from 5-7 pm. A graveside service will take place on Friday, October 25th at Countryside Cemetery in Enfield, NH at 11 am for family and friends.
Leslie's spirit and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.