Holly M. Clary

HALLOWELL – Holly M. Clary, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister in law, aunt and friend, passed away on Feb. 29, 2024, in Hallowell. She was born on Dec. 16, 1935, on Cross Hill Rd in Vassalboro, to Howard and Clara Merrill.

Holly’s life was marked by dedication and love for her family and community. She attended Vassalboro schools and graduated from Erskine Academy in 1954, where she met the love of her life, Wayne Douglas “Gus” Clary. They were married on Nov. 7, 1955, in Vassalboro, and shared a deeply loving partnership until Gus’s passing.

While she worked and raised her five children, she earned her college degree and became a licensed social worker for the State of Maine at AMHI. Holly had a remarkable career in social work. For nearly 50 years, she dedicated herself to helping others at Augusta State Hospital, later known as Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI), and Riverview. Her compassion, empathy, and dedication touched countless lives, earning her the admiration and gratitude of colleagues, patients, and friends alike.

Beyond her professional achievements, Holly was known as an avid reader and gardener, she found solace and joy in the pages of books and the vibrant beauty of her garden. Holly’s home in Augusta was not only a place of love and laughter but also a sanctuary of relaxation and flourishing blooms, reflecting her nurturing spirit and passion for life. Her hand-stitched embroidery and quilts, crafted with love and skill, adorned the lives of those she cherished, serving as enduring reminders of her creativity and thoughtfulness.

Holly will be fondly remembered for her love of children, birds and animals, especially cardinals, and her delicious homemade treats, including whoopie pies, peanut butter balls, and Christmas cookies. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Many of those memories involve not just Holly’s personal interests, but the years of support she lent to other people’s passions. She spent a great deal of time cheering on Gus’s horse racing and her children and grandchildren’s sporting and artistic endeavors. She always encouraged those around her to grow and get better, and took great pleasure in cheering on others.

Holly is predeceased by her beloved husband, Gus, her parents, Howard and Clara Merrill, sisters Sylvia, Muriel, sister-cousin Alice and several in-laws.

She is survived by her devoted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Wayne Clary Jr. and his wife Cher, Howard Clary and his wife Tina, Leslie Clary and his wife Kathy, daughters Karen Hughes and her partner Tim and Llewella Hallett and her partner Ron. Her grandchildren Michael Hughes and his wife Aimee, Greg Clary and his wife Caitlin, Jon Clary and his wife Mandy, Joe Hallett and his partner Miranda, Amy Hughes and her husband Matthew, and Holly Hallett and her partner Zack. Her great grandchildren Rose, Patrick, Ellalynn, and Ryker, who she stitched her last quilt for, and her sister Norma.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Woodlands staff and Androscoggin Health and Hospice for their compassionate care during Holly’s final days.

Holly’s family will gather for a Celebration of Life at a later date, honoring her vibrant spirit. In honoring her wishes, they will wait until the warmth of spring arrives, symbolizing her love for gardening and the beauty she nurtured from seed to blossom. Holly’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, blooming like the flowers she tended with such care.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta, where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Holly’s memory to a cause

of your choice.



L;Funeral Familiy First