- Date Of Birth: June 9, 1946
- Date Of Death: October 20, 2022
- State: Massachusetts
Reverend Holly Elizabeth Johnston, formerly of Whitinsville, died peacefully Thursday, October 20, 2022, in Life Care Center of Auburn, where she had resided since 2020. Holly is predeceased by her longtime partner and best friend, Irving F. Orrell, Jr. Together they enjoyed traveling to Europe, especially Scotland.
Holly was born in Waterbury, CT, a daughter of the late David and Elizabeth (Murgatroy) Johnston. A graduate of Wolcott High School, in Wolcott, CT, Holly continued her education at the University of Connecticut and Connecticut Central State University, graduating in 1969 with a degree in Philosophy and Psychology and in 1971 she completed a certification in counseling and Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University. While working her way through college, Holly worked for the Southbury Connecticut Training School, providing training and therapy for the program’s students.
In 1971 she began working for the Department of Defense, in the overseas State Department traveling throughout Middle Eastern, Pacific and European countries counselling military and embassy families, providing emotional and physical support, and developing individualized programing for developmentally disabled individuals.
After stepping down from the pulpit, Holly continued working with and caring for people. She worked as a CNA at Beaumont in Northbridge and Westborough, and for many years was a library assistant and the Childrens’ Librarian at the Whitinsville Social Library.
