Carol Dene Holland, of San Francisco, CA entered the other side of eternity on July 9, 2024 of natural causes with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband Bill Holland, her mother Claudine Mechling, daughter Claudine Forsythe, and grandson Brandon, as well as her five siblings; Cynthia Baeder, Karma Ashton, Hiram Keith Mechling, Jr., Kevin “Bud” Mechling, Dennis Kelly Mechling and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was the oldest of seven children born in Provo, UT to Hiram Keith Mechling and Claudine Mechling soon after Christmas on January 9, 1949. Her mother named her Carol, after the songs of Christmas, an apt name for all the joy, love and comfort she brought people throughout her life.

Until her last breath, she lived for fun and celebration. Whatever Carol did, she did it big. She was a risk taker and loved her family large.

She was extremely generous, and an active member of her community in San Francisco. She and her husband Bill donated to many local charities including The Arc (the world's largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities), Hanna Center, Boys and Girls Town of Italy, the San Francisco food bank, and the Women’s Shelter on Golden Gate Ave.

She also donated abroad. She funded the building of an orphanage in Narsapur, West Godavari District, A. P. in India and continued to contribute funds to its budget for decades. After the fall of the Berlin wall, she went to Poland to encourage and sustain the people of Belarus by bringing material resources for the community, as well as monetary donations for the local hospital.

She was also generous to her immediate and extended family. She was always willing to lend a hand for summer camp, school clothes, trips and outings.

She worked hard. She was extremely intelligent and a talented bookkeeper, financier, and executive administrator for Crown Iron Works and Holland Iron Works of San Francisco. Prior to moving to San Francisco in 1982, she was a secretary for Serface and Company in Colton, CA. She would install an iron hand rail while dripping in gold chains and jewels, looking like a celebrity. She wasn’t too good for any task.

She had remarkable poise. Everywhere Carol went, she turned heads. If you were walking around town with her, get ready to be stared at. She had elegance and class. Even in blue jeans, she could be mistaken for someone famous.

She and Bill loved to travel and bring back gifts for everyone. She was also an excellent hostess who kept a beautiful home. She would bring her nieces and nephews there for the summer where they were treated like royalty. Although she loved to celebrate, she also liked being in the quiet of her home devouring books. She would read a book a day if she could.

Carol modeled for others that every day is a great day for a celebration; to take advantage of every moment, and to actively participate in life. She lived life like a song, a carol, something to bring love and comfort and spread joy.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her honor to the charities above, or the charity of your choice.

The family can be contacted via email at holland.carol24@gmail.com

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