Miriam Holbek Obituary

Durango resident Miriam Heathcote Holbek died at Four Corners Health Care Center on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. She was 85.

Known as "Mimi," she was born in Galveston, Texas, on June 18, 1924, but moved and attended grade school with her sisters in Baltimore. Her mother died when she was about 10, and she lived with numerous relatives afterward.

She attended Washington College Secretary School.

Ms. Holbek moved to the West Coast and worked for several law firms before marrying and moving to Santa Rosa in 1960 to raise her family.

She later returned to work at the library and as a teacher's aide, eventually retiring as a secretary in the Santa Rosa Fire Department in 1985.

Ms. Holbek enjoyed reading, writing, gardening and nature. She loved her dachshunds, her son Suren Holbek said.

Ms. Holbek volunteered at the Peace and Justice Center in Sonoma County and also gave of her time to help several single mothers and friends.

"She always gave a lot of herself to others in need," her son wrote. "She was their support in rough times."

Ms. Holbek was preceded in death by her son Lars Holbek in March.

She is survived by her son Suren Holbek of Mount Shasta, Calif., and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation will occur. A private service will be held at a later date.