Mary Holt

Mary Baines Rendall Holt, 75, passed away on March 18, 2018, at Attic Angel in Madison, WI. She left this Earth too early, but will be remembered as the best mom, grandma, and friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand and inspire others to do the same.

Mary was born on May 10, 1942 in Chicago, IL to Marguerite and Willard (W.J.) Rendall. She grew up on the east side of Madison on the shores of Lake Mendota, where she spent the summers swimming, boating and sailing. Mary attended Lakewood School and graduated in 1960 from West High School, where she met her future husband, Jim.

Mary attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and followed her mother and sister by joining the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She returned to Madison and married Jim in 1964. His job in the finance industry led them to Green Bay, New York City and Tampa.

They welcomed their daughter, Katie, during a hurricane. The family of three returned to Madison in 1971 where they were quick to reconnect with friends and joined Newcomers, which was the start of many more lifelong friendships. A few years later their son, Bill, arrived.

Mary was able to stay at home while the kids were young. This allowed her to be classroom mom, taxi driver for the kid's activities, and explore a multitude of volunteer activities. She picked up the game of golf during the summer and played tennis when the golf course was closed.

Mary enjoyed working at her brother's store, W.J. Rendall's, during the holiday seasons. She found her calling for volunteer work when she was initiated into the 1979 class at Attic Angel. Over the next 39 years, Mary would volunteer over 5,200 hours to the organization. She was on the Board of Directors and held several Committee Chairperson positions. While she was always involved with the Attic Sales and the House and Garden Tours, her favorite time was spent interacting with the residents. Her family often joked it was her second home.

Mary was not one to sit around. She joined the local P.E.O. Chapter B.C. in 1977 and held positions on numerous committees over the past 41 years. She enjoyed gardening, which included putting down 9 yards of mulch every 2 years, chasing turkeys out of the yard, keeping the birds well fed and trying to keep squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks out of the garden. She spent several nights a month playing bridge, and always looked forward to the ladies movie club. Mary enjoyed entertaining and had enough serving dishes to serve an army.

Golf was something Mary and Jim enjoyed together with friends. Most Friday nights they could be found having dinner with friends at Blackhawk. Mary was active on several committees at Blackhawk and Maple Bluff Country Clubs. Her greatest golfing accomplishment was shooting a hole in one on the 16th hole at Blackhawk.

Mary was known for her plates of Christmas goodies, which included her famous caramels, peanut brittle and toffee. The entire month of December was designated to making 10+ different treats to share with family and friends. The holiday 5 pounds weight gain was easy to accomplish with all of the goodies around the house.

Known as Grammy and Bompy, Mary and Jim loved being grandparents. They created many great memories in their worldwide travels with family and friends. The grandkids will always remember Grammy allowing them to eat ice cream at 11am in Mexico, and start this new vacation tradition. A stop at the Union for Babcock ice cream became a requirement when the grandkids were in town.

The family would like to send thanks to all of the family and friends who helped Mary in her last 8 months at Attic Angel. You were our eyes and ears when we could not be there. A special thank you to the staff at Attic Angel, Agrace Hospice and the UW Carbone Cancer Clinic for the compassionate care and support you provided.

"May you find comfort in and remember- cardinals appear when angels are near. So go now, sit outside and drink your tea. Keep a look out for the little red bird- It is there, your loved ones will be." ~Victoria McGovern

In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Attic Angel Place, Agrace Hospice, UW Carbone Cancer Clinic or a cause near and dear to you.

Mary is survived by her daughter Katie (Bruce) Schneider of Laurel, MD, son Bill (Christine) of Steubenville, OH, four successfully spoiled grandchildren; Ryan and Scott Schneider, Nina and Luca Holt. She is survived by her brother John Rendall of Guttenburg, IA, step sister Ellen (Don) Stichter of Tampa, FL, step brother Tom Stevens of Salem, OR, mother-in-law Helen Baillies of Madison, brother-in-law David (Debra) Holt of Madison, sister-in-law Nan Baillies of Madison, brother-in-law John (Cindy) Rice of Madison. She is survived by numerous nephews; Jay (Penny) Rendall, Steve (Lisa) Rice, Scott (Amy) Baillies, Eric (Kerry) Baillies, Adam (Jennifer) Holt, Ben Holt. Nieces; Jill Rendall, Molly (Dave Otterson) Rice, Angie (Phil) Van Houten

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Marguerite and W.J. Rendall, husband Jim, sister Judy Rendall, brother David Rendall, sister-in-law Joan Rendall, sister-in-law Martha Rice, father-in-law Joseph Holt.

A celebration of life will be held at Blackhawk Country Club on Saturday, March 24 starting at 1:30pm with a short celebration service starting at 2:30pm.

Please share your memories.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434