Mary Alice Holtz-Elias

HOLTZ-ELIAS, MARY ALICE, 55, DuBois, formerly of Northern Cambria and Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Born July 22, 1968, in Spangler, the beloved daughter of Charles and Barbara (Dumm) Holtz, of Northern Cambria.  Preceded in death by her brother, Matthew Holtz.  In addition to her parents, she is survived by the “treasures of her heart” sons, Brian Elias Jr., Harrisburg; Caleb Elias, Zanesville, OH; Matthew Elias, Nanty Glo; and daughter, Juliet Elias, Nanty Glo.  dearly loved sister of Ann (James) Pawlikowski, Aspinwall; Quentin (Charlotte) Holtz, Sahuarita, AZ; James “Jim” Holtz, Northern Cambria; Barbara (John) Myers, Dallastown; and Theresa (Bill) Yoder, Mt. Joy.  Also 12 nieces and nephews & 10 great-nieces and nephews.  Mary, or “Sweet Pea” to her father, was always happiest surrounded by family.  She was a 1986 graduate of Northern Cambria High School where she was an outstanding athlete in both basketball and softball.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Penn State University in 1990 and then worked for M.S.A. in Pittsburgh for 12 years.  After relocating to DuBois, she was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and a volunteer at DuBois Central Catholic Schools. She was a member of the DuBois Rotary and a Cub Scout Den Mother.  Raising her children was the greatest joy in her life and she welcomed everyone into her home, as her door was always open for family and friends.  She fought with courage and optimism through a 12 ½ year battle with cancer leaning on her tremendous faith, her love of family, and loyalty of friends.  Mary was an inspiration and joy to everyone, never losing her sense of humor, her generous nature and her compassion for others.  She lived every moment of each day to the fullest and continued to be a source of strength to others.  When her illness made it necessary for her to enter a nursing facility, she embraced the residents and staff of Christ the King Manor and lived there finding ways to stay positive and encourage those around her.  There she attended daily mass and led the daily praying of the rosary.  She participated in Holy Hours and was a member of the Resident’s Council, Activity Committee, and served as Resident Council Vice-President then President.  She was a beneficiary of the “Care & Compassion Fund”, a program at Christ the King Manor to help staff or residents who may need special help or assistance and provide “make a wish” activities for residents.  The success of this program has helped many and in 2022 Mary and her children were chosen to be the recipient of a Christmas weekend away with all the assistance she needed for a special holiday she could share with her children out of the nursing home.  Mary was sometimes asked how she remained so cheerful when it would be understandable for her to feel otherwise.  Mary’s response was always, “There are others who have it worse than me and I want to make their day as happy and positive as I can.”  This spirit was with her throughout her life.  Family and friends will be received Tuesday, July 2, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Moriconi Funeral Home, Inc., Northern Cambria.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.  Fr. Mark Groeger officiating.  Committal, Holy Cross Cemetery.  Mary’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and physicians of Christ the King Manor for the outstanding love, care, and compassion that was provided during her stay.  In lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to Christ the King Manor “Care & Compassion Fund” 1100 W. Long Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Alice Holtz-Elias, please visit our floral store.