Tanya T. Hollenbeck

Tanya Hollenbeck “May I be filled with loving kindness, may I be well, may I be peaceful and at ease, may I be happy”. . . and she was. This mantra of wisdom tattered and taped for decades to her kitchen wall, was in complete harmony with Tanya's fierce independence. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, on the eighth candle of Hanukkah 1919 to Zurich & Liza Yagnatinsky; died on the 9th day of January 2015 Her family fled the Bolshevik Revolution immigrating to Detroit in the early 20's, via Cuba, and then through Ellis Island where immigration mysteriously re-named her Thelma Young. She became a naturalized citizen at the age of thirteen. Though the youngest of six siblings, she bore much of the responsibility for maintaining religious traditions in her Orthodox Jewish family, and was the link to this new world for her beloved mother who never learned English. Enchanted at an early age by theater and film—she fondly remembered riding the bus downtown for matinees with nickels from her Mother. Wed to Roy Hollenbeck in the early 40's, his career took them to Adrian, MI. Her world forever changed in 1955 when she was left to raise alone 3 sons ages 9,5 and 2 months. Luckily for her boys she would not be broken but with deep-rooted determination forged a new life. Finding work as a legal secretary, Thelma became a commanding office presence. She modeled the importance of community service as president of the PTA, Newcomers Club, Adrian Dramatic Club, Croswell Players and was a founding Board Member of The Croswell Opera House. Directing and acting in plays fulfilled her creative passion and annual trips to Stratford restored her. Balancing this full life with motherhood, she became a fair backyard pitcher and a confidante to her boys and their friends who endearingly nick-named her “MamaRoy”. When her youngest son left for college so did she, earning a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Siena Heights College in 1975. She was a member of a traveling troupe of actors a third her age, served in the President's Office as Cultural Coordinator and Executive Secretary of Alumni Affairs, and was known for her tolerance as a dormitory RA in the College's first co-ed year. With her proudly earned degree, she re-claimed her birth name, Tanya, and set off for California spending the next decade working on an MA in theater and teaching speech & drama. Capitalizing on her years of legal expertise, she helped grateful young attorneys set up practice in Sacramento until, weary of the inane bumper stickers & obscene T-shirts, she uprooted to sample the genteel charms of Charleston, SC. When Hurricane Hugo ended her Southern experiment, Tanya settled in Tecumseh, MI. to be near family. Approaching eighty, she replanted to the Plaza in Toledo where from her 6th floor balcony, she oversaw Museum construction, assessed countless bridal parties, and savored her own private sunsets. The Museum was her refuge--volunteering, enjoying concerts, and strolling the galleries. For over 13 years, she was a TARTA warrior, forging a special bond with many of her fellow riders as she championed her city from end to end. Tanya loved adventure, crisscrossing the USA on road trips and taking solo trips to Great Britain and Indonesia. Although hard of hearing she loved the power of words, was a voracious reader, a die-hard Democrat, and had a quip and a smile for almost everyone. The last of her generation, her “glass half-full” philosophy is carried on by her sons: Paul (Pamela), LeRoy (Philomena), John (Cassie) and especially her 6 grandchildren who are scattered from coast to coast as well as 4 great grandchildren. The family thanks the Sunset Manor staff on Indian Road for relishing her chutzpah for the last 3 years. Her clan will honor and celebrate her life in a private ceremony. Coyle Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Tanya or condolence at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Tanya T. Hollenbeck

December 19, 1919 - January 9, 2015