Obituary of Kathleen Hollar

Kathleen Seaman Hollar Kathleen Hollar, 78, of Pogany Street, Norwalk, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 20th. Kathy was born on April 19, 1943 at Bridgeport Hospital and lived the majority of her life on Pogany Street. She married the love of her life and lifelong partner, John Palmer Hollar, on May 27, 1961, after John’s family moved to Pogany Street with his family in the late 1950s. John and Kathy were married at Saint Ladislaus R.C. Church and a move to Colorado followed during John’s service in the US Army. They were stationed at Fort Carson, CO. Kathy and John were blessed to have just celebrated 60 years of marriage with their family. Kathy is survived by her husband John and their three children, John (Jay) P. Hollar Jr. and his wife Laura Devore Hollar of Marietta, GA, Diane McCallum and her husband Robert of Wilton, CT, and David S. Hollar and his partner Ava Abreu of Rye Brook, NY; a brother, Joseph Seaman and his wife Joan of Wilton, CT; a brother-in-law, James R. Hollar and wife Barbara (née Pascarelli) of Punta Gorda, FL; grandchildren, Taylor Tomas, Caroline Sims and her husband Dylan, Natalie Hollar and William Hollar; great-grandson Andrew Hollar Sims (who all referred to her as their “Mema”); and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many others who also considered Kathy their “Mema” . Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Joseph James (Zeb) and Helen Veronica Seaman (née Pogany), a sister, Diane O’Malley and grandparents Mary and Joseph Seaman of Bridgeport and Louis and Mary Pogany (née Slavik) of Norwalk. Pogany Street is named after the family and many of Kathy’s relatives lived on Pogany Street, including the Kery and Miklos families. Kathy was immediately loved by all who met her. Her beautiful smile and words of warmth and welcome were all people needed to see to know how special a person she was. She was completely selfless, always offering advice and support to anyone that needed it. She had a keen perception of the emotions of others and was able to put a smile on anyone’s face through her wit, charm, and contagious laughter. She was a pillar of strength who helped those she loved face even their darkest times. She treated everyone she met like family with open arms. Her creativity and imaginative spirit made the world feel like a brighter and more magical place. Kathy was extremely protective of those she loved and was always in your corner, ready to fight for you like the true warrior she was. She would frequently remind people to “remember where they came from,” and, through this concept, passed down a legacy that can never be broken. She will be carried and kept forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Kathy was a natural chef who loved to feed her family, making many of her favorite Hungarian dishes and pastries (kifli and many others). She was always in the kitchen doing what she loved. Not only did her immediate family reap the benefits of her cooking, but more times than not Kathy prepared care packages for extended family and friends. It seemed everyone wanted to be on that list. Kathy was an avid reader, expert at crossword puzzles and was rarely defeated by her many Words with Friends partners. She was a lifelong member of The Connecticut Audubon Society and she fully supported their cause and research. Another memorable place where she entertained numerous friends and family was Lake Luzerne, NY. She often hosted Thanksgiving feasts for 10-20 people where the food was exquisite and drink was plenty. Her family and friends learned quickly with Kathy at the helm, the meaning of laughter and how to create memories that would last a lifetime. The family would like to thank Davita Dialysis for being so caring over the many years Kathy was treated by this incredible team. They were her second family. No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned in keeping with Kathy’s wishes. A memorial service at a future date will be held. In lieu of flowers or food, please consider making donations to The American Kidney Foundation or The Connecticut Audubon Society.