(Left to Right) Sarah Holder, Rita Holder, Doug Holder, Josh Holder, Donald Holder, and Phil Segal.

Rita Baum Holder
(March 16, 1926 to December 30, 2020)

Rita Baum Holder – wife of the late Lawrence J. Holder, beloved mother of Don and Doug Holder, grandmother to Josh and Sarah Holder, and mother-in law to Evan Yionoulis and Dianne Robitaille, passed away December 30, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Center, NY due to complications from cancer.

Holder was born in the Bronx, attended James Monroe High School, and later graduated from Brooklyn College. For many years Holder was a high school biology teacher in the New York City School System. Holder was passionate about the arts – theatre, literature, opera, and film, and instilled this sensibility in her two sons. Later she was proud to attend the Tony Awards, where her son Donald, a noted theatrical lighting designer was honored on several occasions. She also attended many poetry readings that her son Doug was involved in, and even made former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky laugh. For many years Holder was an active member of the Arts Guild of Rockville Centre and received an award for her many contributions. Holder and her late husband Lawrence were world-travelers, and she often documented her trips with wonderful photographs and storytelling. Holder was a volunteer at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, a position she was very passionate about.

She will be missed by many – friends, former students, and family. She was a devoted wife, friend, and grandmother. May she rest in peace.