Obituary: Rosemary Holland, 82
Rosemary Orsi Holland, 82, of Mashpee, MA, died peacefully at home on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 2026, after a long and remarkable life, one that ended with the same grace and strength she carried throughout, following a journey with ovarian cancer. She is the beloved wife of Clinton Holland with whom she shared 59 wonderful years together.
Obituary information for Rosemary Holland
Rosemary was born November 5, 1943, the daughter of William E. Orsi, Sr., and Catherine L. (Fitzsimmons) Orsi, in Fall River, MA. She grew up in Taunton, MA, and attended St. Mary’s High School. Her life was shaped early by both loss and love. After losing her father at age seven, she was raised by her mother within a close-knit circle of family, friends, and church; a foundation that shaped her lifelong devotion to caring for others. After graduating, she answered her call to become a nurse and caregiver. Rosemary attended nursing school in Boston and blossomed into a career that perfectly matched her spirit. From emergency room night shifts to GI outpatient care, and later as a parish nurse, Rosemary did not simply treat patients; she cared for people. Her career spanned several states and specialties including pediatrics, ER, and GI nursing. She was deeply admired and lauded by her patients and her fellow nurses and physicians.
It was during her time as a student nurse that she met her husband, Clint Holland, then a college student and her patient; a meeting that grew into a 60-year love story defined by compassion, humor, and a lifelong partnership. Rosemary’s life took her and her family to Wellesley in 1984. She built many special connections with co-workers and patients as a Newton-Wellesley Hospital GI Nurse. After retirement, Rosemary and Clint settled in Mashpee on Cape Cod near family in Cotuit, where she found a deep sense of peace and belonging.
Rosemary remained deeply involved in her community. She volunteered her time in many ways, including as a nurse supporting runners at both the Boston Marathon and the Falmouth Road Race for many years, continuing her commitment to helping others in every way she could. She supported Cotuit Library fundraisers as an active member of their book club, was a passionate bridge player involved in several local groups and was a devoted member of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. Her faith guided her to lead the parish nursing program, where she continued caring for others in a meaningful, lasting way.
She was known for being both a remarkable nurse and an unforgettable presence, equally at home, offering care in a hospital room, or lighting up a gathering with stories and laughter. She was a loyal friend, generous beyond measure, and someone who treated strangers with the same warmth she gave to family. If you complimented her on something she was wearing, there was a real chance she would take it off and hand it to you, insisting it now belonged to you.
The light of every room, Rosemary was full of laughter, conversation, and possessed a legendary gift of storytelling that made everyone feel special. She was truly an everyday angel whose kindness touched more lives than we will ever know. She had a rare ability to put people at ease, offering comfort through a story and a smile, even in the most difficult moments.
Rosemary will be remembered as an angel, a storyteller, a caregiver, and a friend, someone who showed, every day, what it meant to live a life of giving.
At the center of everything was her family. Rosemary is survived by her beloved husband, Clinton Holland; her sons, Jeffrey Holland, and Peter Holland and his wife Laura Holland; her cherished granddaughters, Jules Holland and Jenna Holland; and her brother, William Orsi, Jr.
Rosemary once answered the question, “What is your definition of perfect happiness?” by saying, “My idea of perfect happiness is to be in good health, have a job that I love, be married to a wonderful husband, be blessed with children and grandchildren that we are proud of, and have enough resources to travel and maintain our home until it is time to go to Heaven. I have it all—but I haven’t experienced Heaven yet.” Her faith in God was strong, and she looked forward to Heaven and her funeral with peace and grace.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church, 5 Job’s Fishing Rd., in Mashpee. For those unable to attend the mass, livestreaming will be available by visiting www.christthekingparish.com/li
Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, in Taunton, MA at a later date where Rosemary will be laid to rest alongside her mother, father, and other family members.
In lieu of flowers, Rosemary requested donations to the Matthew 25 Fund at her church. Gifts will support the charitable works of Christ the King Parish. Gifts can be made by sending to Christ the King Parish, PO Box 1800, Mashpee MA 02649, or online at www.christthekingparish.com/on
Obituary also published at the Chapman Funeral Home website.
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