MADISON - Waltraud Margarete Hildegard Holman (“Traudie”), 97, passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, on May 11, 2024, in her own home, surrounded by family. She was born and lived in Pomerania, Germany, until age 18 when she fled by bicycle with her sister Ilse. After two years as refugees in Denmark, the sisters were reunited with the rest of the family in Itzehoe, Germany. Traudie began studying at the University of Göttingen, where she met her future husband. The couple moved to Turkey, Alaska, Florida, Massachusetts, Germany, Japan and Maryland. Traudie continued her studies while abroad at the University of Maryland and then Sophia University in Tokyo, graduating with a BS in psychology. Following the move to Bethesda, Maryland, in 1968, she worked as a computer analyst at the National Institutes of Health. She had been a resident of Madison since 2010.
Traudie was passionate about her family and friends, folk dancing and waltzing, flower gardening, traveling, cultural events and nature, often combining these interests. She is survived by Katrina Holman, Christine Wooddell, Timon Holman, Cliff Holman and their families.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 4:00 PM at the Resurrection Chapel, Oakwood Village, University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to OXFAM to support refugees.
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