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In Memory

Constance E. Minzey (Holton) - Class Of 1942 VIEW PROFILE

Constance E. Minzey (Holton)

Constance E. Holton

Apr. 24, 1925 - Oct. 5, 2011

 

CONSTANCE HOLTON OBITUARY

Constance Minzey Holton Community volunteer and world-traveler, died on October 5, 2011, in Oakland, California, of cancer at age 86. Born in South Bend, Indiana, Connie grew up with her extended family on a farm in Green Township. From this quintessentially American start she went on to become a world-traveler, study 3 languages, and become involved in global issues. This was all experienced hand-in-hand with her husband of 58 years -- and love of her life -- Richard H. Holton. The life they created for themselves and their children included passions for public service, music, travel, wilderness, and friends. Connie and Dick met at Miami University, Ohio and were married in 1947. Dick's education and career took them to Puerto Rico (where their first child, Melissa, was born), Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Columbus, Ohio (where their second child, Jane, was born) before making the cross-country trip to Berkeley in 1957, where Dick was assistant professor in the School of Business Administration (later renamed the Haas School of Business). One year later, their son Timothy was born. Berkeley in the 60's and 70's was a rewarding venue for Connie's pro-active and outgoing personality, and her interest in politics. In 1991 she received the Woman of the Year Award from the City of Berkeley's Commission on the Status of Women. In addition to serving on numerous boards of directors, including as Executive VP of the California League of Women Voters, Connie was the consummate academic hostess, making the Holton household a frequent destination for both visiting and local faculty families. The Berkeley experience was enriched by purchasing a vacation home in Inverness (Marin County), in the mid 60's, where happy weekends and summers were spent with family and friends, and new life-long relationships were made. Living abroad became a significant part of Connie's life in the early 60's. Having traveled to Europe for the first time in 1956, Connie was enthusiastic when Dick was offered consulting positions with the Greek and Italian governments in 1961, which he was able to accept by taking a sabbatical from UC Berkeley. This time away from Berkeley was extended from 18 months to three years when an offer came in from the Commerce department to work in the JFK administration. The next travel adventure began in 1980 when Dick became dean of visiting faculty of the newly established National Center for Industrial Science and Technology Management Development, which was part of the Dalian Institute of Technology in the People's Republic of China. Connie was quickly recruited there to teach English. They returned to China nearly every year of that decade, for stays of 2 to 6 months, and were known by their friends and colleagues there as the "dynamic duo in Dalian." In addition to her own contributions to each community she lived in, Connie is described by friends as the quintessential "great woman behind the great man." She was known for her sense of humor, her outspoken nature, and her truly international hospitality. She is survived by her brother Ronald, daughters Melissa Holton of Woodbridge, Jane Kriss of Sausalito, son Timothy Holton of Berkeley, and grandchildren Jesse Kriss, Peter Kriss and Ella Holton-McCoy. If you would like to make a gift, the Holton family asks that donations be sent to the Timothy A. Hodson Scholarship Endowment, The University Foundation at Sacramento State, 6000 J St. Sacramento CA 95819. A memorial is planned for Saturday, November 5, 6:30pm, at the Hillside Club in Berkeley.

 

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2011.
 
04/13/2023 DEC

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