SARATOGA SPRINGS – In the morning hours of May 5, 2021, Leona DeGroff Holstein, left this world to join her husband on the dance floor in heaven.
Born June 21, 1928, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late George S. and Eva (Buck) DeGroff. Leona graduated from Castleton Union High School in 1945 and then attended Albany Business College where she graduated in 1946. She held a variety of administrative secretarial positions before she married E. Joseph Holstein on June 6, 1953 at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Rensselaer. Together they had three daughters and built their life in Hudson Falls where they were active members of the community. She retired from the Washington County Board of Elections in 1994.
Leona was a lifelong parishioner of the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir and a worship leader. She also volunteered with the Glens Falls Hospital Guild and at one time was a local Girl Scout Leader. Leona was the past Treasurer of the Washington County Republican Women’s Club. At the age of 91, she changed her political affiliation and enrolled in the Democratic party!
Along with her parents, George and Eva DeGroff, Leona was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, E. Joseph Holstein.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Bill) Stronge of Westford, MA, Gail (Russell) Danforth of Saratoga Springs and Lisa (Michael) Wells of Corinth; six grandchildren, Aaron (Lisa) Stronge, Devin Stronge, Joel (Michelle) Danforth, Ian Danforth, Phoebe Wells and Nolan Wells; and two great-grandchildren, Henry Stronge and Levi Stronge.
Summing up 93 years of a life well lived into a few paragraphs is incredibly difficult, but her memory will live on through her family with each moment spent with Leona forever etched in their hearts.
A special thank you to Patricia, Beth and her team on Springs 2 and Yvonne and Val on Victoria 3 at Wesley Nursing Home for taking such good care of Leona.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations in memory of Leona may be made to Hudson Falls Free Library, 220 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
Sending so much love to her family! I am a better person because she came into my life!
Such a wonderful and vibrant woman. Lisa, I am so happy that I had a chance to meet and know your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a beautiful photo! Such a lovely lady indeed. But even more importantly, what a beautiful life spent so well. She sowed seeds of love that will live on for generations to come. Those are the true riches.
I know she was a truly special lady because every time Phoebe would speak of her Mimi, her eyes would sparkle and a happiness would consume her whole being in that moment. I do believe that the magnitude of the sorrow you feel from her leaving you now is a reflection of the love and beauty she brought to everyone’s lives while she was here. From my family to yours, we are truly sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much, Jen. Your words touched my heart.
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful human being. It always hurts when a loved one passes, but she will live on for many years through the people she has touched.
My heartfelt condolences to every member of the family.
Dear Lisa and family I am so sorry for the loss of Mimi. She was a wonderful person. My thoughts amd prayers are with you all.😓🙏♥️
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends. She was a wonderful person to have in my congregation
I am a student of Mrs.Holstein’s daughter Lisa and I came here to say I may have not known Mrs. Holstein but I know through my classes the Lisa aka. Mrs. Wells has mentioned many positive things about her mother and the thought of her always seems to brighten her day. So I send my dearest condolences to her and all of the people who were connected to Mrs. Holstein for your loss yesterday morning and I hope everyone stays safe with these tragic times were in.
I loved this lady
She was such a lady. I really enjoyed sharing thing in loud life at are bible class. Dance well Leona. Sally Gleason.
It was in the early 2000s when my family and I met Leona for the first time. We were relatives that were finally connected by chance. Right away we knew that Leona was a classy lady who loved life and loved her family even more. We will always remember her in our hearts.
Linda, Gail and Lisa, we will miss her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Thank you so much, Jim. She certainly enjoyed connecting with you and your family. She loved to tell us about your children and how they were doing.
We sincerely appreciate your condolences.
Leona was very proud of her grandchildren. Being friends with her daughter Lisa, for many years, I always remember Leona smiling at Phoebe’s and Nolan’s concerts, drama productions, school and family celebrations💜
She had a very kind heart and I know that’s where Lisa, Phoebe and Nolan inherited it from 💜
Seventeen years ago she lost her husband and I’m sure they are dancing in heaven 💜 as I type.
As much as I know she’s so happy in heaven, I know she wouldn’t want us here saddened by her departure.
Praying for peace for Lisa, Mike, Phoebe’s, Noland and family…
💜💜💜🙏🏼
I don’t know if any of Mrs. Holestein’s daughters will remember me. My name is Kathy Irvine Burke. My grandparents, Gerald and Catherine Rivers, lived across the street from your family when you lived on LaClair Street in Hudson Falls. I remember both of your parents with fondness and am so sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I remember your grandparents and their home. We lived across street. I was around 5 when we moved to feeder street, so the memories are a little fuzzy. Thank you for sharing your memories
I’ve missed Leona over the past year with the restrictions and am sad to hear that she’s passed. She was always an elegant presence. May she and her husband and family that have gone before enjoy heavenly bliss.
Thank you so much.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I loved Leona such a good friend I will miss her
We have many fond memories of Leona from our days at the County Building. Please accept our deepest condolences; we are so sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much.
She would open the door whenever I knocked to ask if the girls could come out and play. I loved the way she always greeted me, and I’ll never forget her kindness to me as an adolescent when we lived with my grandparents across the street, Dar and Molly Rivers. It was always fun to play in their yard, an escape from my 3 brothers! Sending love, gratitude, and warm thoughts to Linda, Gail, and Lisa. Thank you Mrs. Holstein, you made me feel loved. Lynne Measeck McCrann
Thank you for sharing that❤️
My deepest sympathies to you all .
I was Extremely fond of your mom , she reminded me of my mother .
Prayers are with your entire family .
She will be missed greatly , but she is always here with us all She isn’t about to miss anything ! Loved her for that !
Remember she hasn’t left us , she is
“Just away “‘
What a sweet sentiment. She spoke so fondly of you
Leona was one of my spiritual Moms. She always had a smile, hug and encouraging word! Sad to hear of her passing, rejoicing that she is with our Lord Jesus Christ in paradise. Prayers for comfort and peace for her family!
I got to know Leona and Joe many years ago. As gracious and charming as Leona was, she was a strong willed advocate for Joe. I always enjoyed seeing their names on my office schedule, and it brought a smile to my face.
Linda And Family, Sorry for the loss of your Mother. i will remember her fondly. Hugs and sympathy