Holly Holliday Hill | Eastern NC Now

    Elizabeth Holliday Hill departed this earthly plane on Saturday, January 2, 2016 in Carlsbad, CA at the home of her loving daughter Katie.

    Holly had fought breast cancer valiantly since 2009 and it finally overtook her this year.

    Born the second daughter of Jack and Mary-Helen Rodman Hill, Holly is survived by her own two daughters, Laura Muhlenbruch of Los Alamitos, CA and Katie Gough of Carlsbad as well as three beloved grandchildren. Her sister, Marcia Rodman Dunn and nephew Kevin Clayton Clancy are residents of Washington; brother John Hill resides in Charlottesville, VA. She is also survived by her stepmother Ann Harrell Hill, one stepsister Bess Chandler of Washington, NC, and two step nephews Josh and Matthew Chandler.

    Holly and her late husband, Don Bockelman, owned and operated The Light Within, a wellness emporium and yoga center in Morehead City for eight years until blown away by a hurricane. This seeming-calamity is what brought her to Washington.

    Holly continued her commitment to natural health and alternative medicine as she taught classes of Energy Management and Stress Relief at the (Vidant) Wellness Center. Hers were the most faithfully attended and most requested classes.

    Holly's light shone as she shared her knowledge and energies with everyone she met. She loved people!

    A 'vision' had directed her to India and eventually to the Bihar School of Yoga in 1992. She enrolled in their year-long course of study and her entire outlook changed. She continued her attitude of service to others when she began learning the principals of NVC (non-violent communication). Holly believed that non-judgmental communications were keys to happiness and clarity. One could learn to "listen with compassion" to understand the other's point of view.

    Holly's idea of "always be open" to whatever life had to offer stemmed from those Eastern experiences and stayed with her the rest of her life. She was a lifelong learner and her light shone on many friends and acquaintances.

    In addition to her husband and parents she is preceded in death by her grandparents (Hon. Justice & Mrs. William B. Rodman, Jr., and step brother Britt Harrell).

    She will be sorely missed by her friends and family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2425 North Market Street Ext., Washington, NC, at 1:00 pm, Sunday January 10, 2016. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

    Flowers are appreciated and donations may be made to Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center.