Mary Heath Holstein
January 31, 1925 - March 5, 2019
(94 years old)
Mary and Martha Heath were born on January 31, 1925 at their family home in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Their parent's were James Lewis Heath (Born July 31, 1889 / Died June 12, 1952) and Gertrude Emeline Climer (Born April 7, 1889 / Died September 24, 1965). They had 5 daughters: Mary Martha Heath (Born August 16, 1917 / Died at birth), Gertrude Emeline Heath (Born August 5, 1918 / Died at birth), Elizabeth Ann Heath (Born August 21, 1921 / Age 98 and still living as of March 2019) and the twins - Mary + Martha. The girls were raised on a farm in Frankfort, Ohio and taught to work hard for everything they wanted in life. Mary's favorite saying was, "You can be anything you want to be."
Mary and her fraternal twin, Martha, were born January 31, 1925, to James and Gertrude (Climer) Heath. Mary, Martha and their older sister, Elizabeth, grew up on a farm in Frankfort, OH. Mary graduated from Frankfort High School and then went on to earn her nursing degree from Ohio State University. Mary met Curt Edward Holstein (at a birthday party) while she was still in college. Curt was serving in World War II so they had a long distance relationship for several years. On July 7, 1946, she married Curt in Frankfort, OH. They moved to Indianapolis where they had four sons - Bruce, James, Gary, and Curt. Sadly, Curt died shortly after birth.
Mary loved nursing and took care of patients as a registered nurse for over 55 years. She was on the Indiana University Medical Center transplant team when it first began. When they moved to Brown County, she became the Brown County Health Nurse. She earned a Masters degree at Indiana University where she also taught several classes. She went on from there to work for the State of Indiana as the Indiana State Director of Vocational Nursing and was instrumental in developing the curriculum programs for Licensed Practical Nursing and Certified Nurse Assistants. She completed her career at a senior care center in Nashville, IN at the age of 80.
Curt & Mary loved the Lord. They spent their lives serving others in their church and community. They were charter members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. Also, they were charter members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Brown County. Most recently, Curt and Mary were members of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Greenwood.
Mary dedicated her life to her family, church and helping others through nursing work. She loved reading books and had an impeccable memory. She had a quiet demeanor with a gentle laugh. Mary had a stoic mindset. Also, she made the most delicious strawberry + pretzel jello dessert that would leave your mouth watering for 1 more bite. :)
Mary passed away peacefully on March 5, 2019 at 94 years old. Jim was holding her hand when she took her last breath in the early morning hours. Sadly, Martha (her twin) passed away about 2 weeks later. She lived in Texas with her daughter, Gayle Dutcher. Mary and Martha lived in separate states most of their lives, but they had a close bond despite the distance between them. They spoke on the phone on a regular basis. It was not surprising that they left this earth close together because they had such a special relationship as sisters.
