Siobhan Holman Obituary

Siobhan Gabrielle Holman

Siobhan Gabrielle Holman of Alvada, 65, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, at her home. Siobhan was born in Fostoria June 22, 1959, to Dr. S.R. Markey M.D. and Helen L. Matthews Markey, two former U.S. Army officers who served in World War II.

Siobhan graduated from St. Wendelin High School in Fostoria in 1977. She married Terry Holman on June 18, 2011, and he survives. Siobhan is also survived by her son, Colin Gatrell (Gladys Castillo) of Los Angeles, California, and son, Seamas (Emily) Markey; and granddaughter, Winnie of Portland, Oregon.

Siobhan was the 10th child of Dr. and Mrs. Markey, and one of their 14 children. Siobhan joined all 13 of her siblings for a family reunion on South Bass Island in the summer of 2022, the last time the entire group would be together.

She is also survived by 11 of her siblings, Camille (Rich) Crawford of Lothian, Maryland, Maureen Markey (Peter Rose) of San Diego, California, Patrick (Deirdre Quinn) of Bozeman, Montana, Melissa (Garry) Whitmer of Fostoria, Anne Markey Risner of Fostoria, Kathryn of Portland, Oregon, Matthew (Linda) of Port Clinton, Colleen Markey Rowe (Steve) of Fostoria, Brian (Gina Willis) of Big Sandy, Montana, Shannon of Milford, Connecticut, and Amy Markey (William Everding) of Tiffin.

She is also survived by Terry's son, Chase, and his daughter, Lauren; son-in-law, Jaryd, and their children, Elise, Esme, Enoch, Eden, and Ellie. Siobhan is also survived by sister-in-law, Trish Markey of St. Helena, California; and sister-in-law, Constance Kinslow of Lincoln, California, and nearly three dozen nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; and her brothers, Sean and Seamas.

Siobhan worked as a receptionist/clerk at her dad's office, then worked in a regional administrative role for American Poolplayers Association. She also served as managing editor of Fostoria Focus newspaper and Findlay Now magazine before working for more than a decade as property manager for Holman Rentals.

Whether she was greeting patients in the waiting room at her dad's Main Street office in Fostoria, explaining the complex tournament schedule to pool players, fine-tuning the content of the local paper, or addressing the concerns of tenants, Siobhan opened every conversation with her trademark smile.

She had an innate kindness about her that immediately won over everyone she met. There was a twinkle in her eyes that was equal parts soothing and charming.

Her name – which has its origins in the Irish language – was chosen by her mother, who somehow must have known the life her daughter would lead. The name Siobhan denotes divine grace, and in Irish mythology, Siobhan is associated with loveliness, beauty, and blessedness. Although the name has become more popular recently, she was the first Siobhan anyone knew.

Siobhan had a curiosity about the world around us that took her on many journeys to see what was out there, beyond the horizon. She took numerous international trips with her mother, her sisters and her sisters-in-law.

She saw Ireland, where her name is spoken with a melodious reverence, bringing Colin along when he was not old enough to walk, but he was certainly the featured attraction in every pub the Markey women visited. She also saw England, where her mother had served during World War II, and Scotland and Wales.

Other adventures took Siobhan to Spain, the Greek Islands, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and a couple of trips to Italy. In Turkey, the group of sisters and sisters-in-law donned hijabs and toured the historic Blue Mosque.

Siobhan, her mother, her sisters, and sisters-in-law created quite a stir across the countryside in the south of France one summer when they ventured down the rivers and canals on a large houseboat. As they meandered through the watery network, word quickly spread among the villagers along the way that "those American women" would soon be navigating the locks and visiting the small towns.

Siobhan also cruised the Mediterranean with sister Colleen, her closest sibling and lifelong confidante, and her family friend, Jeannie Cuellar.

Siobhan and Terry had a wonderful marriage and found the happiness in each other that they both deserved. Seeing them together was a true delight for everyone who knew them. If there was ever a couple who truly brought out the best in their spouse, and provided them with an abundant source of joy, Siobhan and Terry did that to an exceptional level.

Siobhan gave Terry the travel bug, and they would see Costa Rica and Turkey on trips with large family parties, and experience the Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, Palm Springs, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Arizona desert. They took a few trips to Canada, made a memorable visit to the Morelli family dairy in California, and toured Michigan's Upper Peninsula together. They visited 30 states, enjoying the landscape, history, and scenery of each place, but no matter the location, it was the joy that they brought to each other that made the experiences so priceless.

It became obvious very early on in their relationship that she and Terry clearly were both partners and soulmates. They shared good times working in their huge country garden, discovering new recipes that merged homegrown and healthy with flavorful, and enjoying new experiences.

Siobhan and Terry traveled to the Atlanta area to visit the set where the Netflix series "Ozark" was being filmed. Siobhan's brother, Patrick, who produced the series, had them dressed as extras in one scene of the show.

Her boys provided Siobhan with an endless source of pride and happiness as her years of solo parenting, nurturing and direction showed them the pathway to becoming the kind, successful and supportive young men that they are today.

It was certainly cruel and unfair that someone as sweet and loving as Siobhan would go through a lengthy illness filled with a rollercoaster ride of small gains and persistent setbacks. But besides the limitless love and support from Terry, her boys, and her siblings, there was another somewhat miraculous blessing hidden in her lengthy ordeal -- Siobhan did get to experience that timely gift from above – Winnie.

Her granddaughter provided Siobhan with so much joy and so many smiles, even on some of the toughest days. Siobhan's exceptional care team at Ohio State's medical facilities cheerfully admitted recently that a regular dose of Winnie did much more for their patient than all of the latest drugs and treatments could accomplish.

Siobhan will not be there in person to see Winnie's first day of school, to console her when Winnie loses a tooth, to applaud her graduation, or cry at Winnie's wedding, but it does not take an abundance of faith to be certain that Siobhan will be watching.

Siobhan's rich legacy lives on in Colin and Seamas. Their devotion to their mother was evident long before their multiple transcontinental trips home to see her during her lengthy struggle with cancer. It was fortuitous that Siobhan spent some of her final hours on this planet with Colin, Seamas, and Winnie. That kind of serendipity can't be planned or orchestrated – it just happened because that is the way fate intended it.

During Siobhan's lengthy health challenges, Terry gave her every ounce of energy he could muster to support her, care for her, and be that one constant source of love during the most trying time of her life. We have all heard the vow of "in sickness and in health" spoken many times at weddings . . . Terry gave us a living example of how to be true to those words.

For everyone who knew Siobhan and loved her, there is an overwhelming feeling of sadness at this time. The sense of loss is unbearable, but Siobhan also leaves us with such strong admiration for her abundance of love, and for the incredible resilience she demonstrated throughout her life.

According to Siobhan's wishes, there will be no services. Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home in Fostoria is assisting the family with her arrangements.

Online condolences can be submitted to www.hffh.net

Memorial donations may be made to Bridge Hospice.