A woman known for her philanthropy and community involvement over the years died on Sunday, July 22 at her Abbotsford home.
Lee Holmberg, who was otherwise in good health, died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep, less than a month shy of her 81st birthday.
Her passing falls just over a year after the death of her husband, Dave, on Jan. 23, 2017 at the age of 75 after a five-year battle with cancer.
The Holmberg family is best known for their support of the Abbotsford Hospice Society, to which they have donated more than $1 million of their own money over the years.
The Holmberg House hospice is named in memory of their son, Dave Holmberg Jr., who died in 2011 at the age of 48, also of cancer.
Lee is described in her obituary as a “woman of infinite grace and consummate beauty.”
“She lived life to the fullest, even to the very last day,” the obituary reads.
Lee was born in Clive, Alta., on Aug. 18, 1937 and moved with Dave and family to Abbotsford in 1975, establishing what became the successful Bobcat Country equipment dealership.
Throughout the years, Lee was heavily involved with Ledgeview Golf Club, particularly with junior golfers and the ladies’ club, as well as helping to write the history of the course.
She was also active with the Abbotsford Hospice Society, its board and the development of Holmberg House.
The family also donated $100,000 in 2012 to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Lee was honoured in 2013 with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her significant role in the philanthropy of the Holmberg family over the years.
She is survived by son Michael Hardie (wife Marina), daughter Dee Gorrell, son Phil Holmberg (wife Michelle), daughter-in-law Wanda Holmberg, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Abbotsford Hospice Society (abbotsfordhospice.org/donate).
