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Holly A. McIlree Obituary

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Holly A. McIlree

Pittsburgh, PA

February 24, 1970 - January 20, 2021

Holly A. McIlree Obituary

Holly A. McIlree         February 24, 1970 - January 20, 2021

With family and friends by her side, on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, Holly A. McIlree (nee Wright), age 50, of Collier Twp. after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Beloved wife of the late Michael D. McIlree Sr.; loving mother of Michael Jr. and Alexander McIlree; cherished granddaughter of the late Elvin P. "Al" Becker and Elaine Becker; cherished daughter of the late Elaine Wright; dearest sister of Roland E. Wright (USAF); dear sister-in-law of Robert W. (Joyce) McIlree Jr., Kathleen (Timothy) McAloon, Mary (Anthony) Franzetta, Andrew (the late Cherie) McIlree, Archie (fiancée Nancy Rodriguez) McIlree and Amy McIlree; also numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Holly grew up in Coos Bay, Oregon. She was an excellent student and graduated from Marshfield High School with honors. She attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon before life brought her to Pittsburgh. She met and married the love of her life Michael McIlree, and they were married in September 1992 and settled in Collier Township.

Holly worked for nearly 30 years as an administrative specialist with Architectural Products Corporation in Bridgeville. However, she considered her raising her two sons Michael and Alex, both Eagle Scouts her greatest accomplishment. She volunteered in every facet of their school, sports and extra-curricular activities. She loved to bake, but left the cooking to Mike Sr., who was a master in the kitchen. Together they held many soirees and picnics for family and friends whether in their backyard, the cabin or the beach.

Holly was also patriotic and civic minded. She supported public television, taught Sunday school and enjoyed volunteering with Collier Township and the Historical Society. She had great taste in music ranging from Jimmy Buffet to classical. Through Mike Sr., she grew to love all things Pittsburgh including the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers.

Despite living with Multiple Sclerosis, Holly lived her life purposefully and with passion. She hiked the Golden Circle (Iceland), toured Irish castles, climbed the Mayan steps at Chichen Itza, and visited Jamaica, Niagara Falls, Key West Florida, the Grand Canyon, and Sandbridge, Virginia, To celebrate her 50th birthday last year, she traveled to Belize and participated in a deep-sea diving expedition one year after c-spine surgery.

Holly’s family would like to thank AHN Hospice, and church friends and many neighbors who made her comfortable at home with her beloved cats Midnight and Sapphire. While we wished we could have spent more time with her, in the end Holly was surrounded by numerous friends and family.

Friends received at the HERSHBERGER-STOVER, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 170 Noble Avenue, Crafton, on Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Due to the current pandemic restrictions, the funeral service, in Church of the Nativity, will regrettably be private. If desired, memorials may be made to Friends of Collier Parks and Recreation, 2418 Hilltop Rd., Presto, PA 15142. www.hershberger-stoverfh.com <http://www.hershberger-stoverfh.com/>.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Holly A. McIlree hosted by Hershberger-Stover Inc. Funeral Home.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Holly A. McIlree.