Hollis ("Holly") Smith French
August 14, 1954 – July 26, 2023
Holly French, 68, a long-time Glen Ellyn resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and her favorite music, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Her family and friends describe her as "fun, smart, beautiful, generous, kind, hilarious, athletic and comfortable in her own skin." Holly attracted a large group of friends who liked to entertain together, who now reminisce about the way she used to light up a room and had a good sense of humor. Her daughter "loves that Mom was this most wonderful mix of thoughtful/considerate and social/fun – she had a big heart and made everyone feel special." Those close to her also note that Holly was a loyal, sincere, and trustworthy person who was very devoted to family and friends. She was also a lifelong cat lover, showering affection on her cats, Daisy, Scamper and then Jasper.
Her family, friends, and the medical community were inspired by her determination and positive attitude as she persevered through a series of health challenges over many years, and especially in the last four months. Holly struggled with a knee injury throughout her adult life and faced escalating issues with her liver, kidney, and hip, but her mantra was to live one day at a time, never give up hope and always maintain a good attitude.
Holly was born August 14, 1954, the daughter of William "Bill" and Mary Smith of West Hartford, CT. After attending both Conard and Hall high schools in West Hartford, CT, she attended Denison University in Ohio, where she graduated in 1976 with BAs in both Mathematics and History. While at Denison, she was active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority and made many lasting friendships on campus. Following graduation, she joined the Hartford National Bank, where she worked in the trust department settling estates.
Holly married T. Bondurant "Bon" French, the love of her life, in 1979. They lived in the Hartford area, but moved one year later to Chicago where Bon took a new job. They settled in Glen Ellyn and made lifelong friends in the community. They had two children.
Raised with a sense of civic responsibility, Holly French volunteered in a number of educational, civic and philanthropic organizations. She spent 23 years working with the Junior League of Chicago ultimately becoming the League's Executive Vice President, the number two person in a group numbering over 2,000 women. She was honored by the Junior League of Chicago with a lifetime achievement award in 1999 and was praised for her work ethic and friendly approach. She also volunteered for 35 years at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois and was president of the Marianjoy Auxiliary Board eight different times. Holly was very active in her children's schools, both in the classroom and fundraising for the PTA and Glenbard West Boosters.
One of the unique social events Holly helped organize was the annual "Santa Believers" party, which she hosted for over 30 years. She created an opportunity for friends to have a wonderful time with each other, while shopping with the local businesses in the community as well as fostering a belief in a little holiday magic.
Holly was an avid sports fan, watching all major sports and every minute of the Olympics. She was an active athlete in high school, winning awards and becoming team captain for gymnastics, field hockey, volleyball, and track and field. Holly was a beautiful skier and never lost her love of skiing. Holly's family built a cabin in Vermont in the mid 1950's where she learned to love winter sports – and she continued that tradition with Bon when they purchased a ski house in Park City that became her favorite place to spend time.
Holly relished learning about our world's many cultures and enjoyed traveling with her immediate and extended family. Together, they traveled to nearly all 50 states and over 43 countries, including China, Turkey, Colombia, New Zealand, Botswana, South Africa, Russia, and many other European destinations. Holly had an eye for beauty and loved to enjoy beautiful vistas and beautiful things.
Holly's legacy looms large. She will be missed as she is loved by many and made a big impact on the people who knew her, as well as the broader community through her volunteer efforts.
There will be a brief burial service for the family only at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn.
August 14, 1954 – July 26, 2023
Holly French, 68, a long-time Glen Ellyn resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and her favorite music, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Her family and friends describe her as "fun, smart, beautiful, generous, kind, hilarious, athletic and comfortable in her own skin." Holly attracted a large group of friends who liked to entertain together, who now reminisce about the way she used to light up a room and had a good sense of humor. Her daughter "loves that Mom was this most wonderful mix of thoughtful/considerate and social/fun – she had a big heart and made everyone feel special." Those close to her also note that Holly was a loyal, sincere, and trustworthy person who was very devoted to family and friends. She was also a lifelong cat lover, showering affection on her cats, Daisy, Scamper and then Jasper.
Her family, friends, and the medical community were inspired by her determination and positive attitude as she persevered through a series of health challenges over many years, and especially in the last four months. Holly struggled with a knee injury throughout her adult life and faced escalating issues with her liver, kidney, and hip, but her mantra was to live one day at a time, never give up hope and always maintain a good attitude.
Holly was born August 14, 1954, the daughter of William "Bill" and Mary Smith of West Hartford, CT. After attending both Conard and Hall high schools in West Hartford, CT, she attended Denison University in Ohio, where she graduated in 1976 with BAs in both Mathematics and History. While at Denison, she was active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority and made many lasting friendships on campus. Following graduation, she joined the Hartford National Bank, where she worked in the trust department settling estates.
Holly married T. Bondurant "Bon" French, the love of her life, in 1979. They lived in the Hartford area, but moved one year later to Chicago where Bon took a new job. They settled in Glen Ellyn and made lifelong friends in the community. They had two children.
Raised with a sense of civic responsibility, Holly French volunteered in a number of educational, civic and philanthropic organizations. She spent 23 years working with the Junior League of Chicago ultimately becoming the League's Executive Vice President, the number two person in a group numbering over 2,000 women. She was honored by the Junior League of Chicago with a lifetime achievement award in 1999 and was praised for her work ethic and friendly approach. She also volunteered for 35 years at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois and was president of the Marianjoy Auxiliary Board eight different times. Holly was very active in her children's schools, both in the classroom and fundraising for the PTA and Glenbard West Boosters.
One of the unique social events Holly helped organize was the annual "Santa Believers" party, which she hosted for over 30 years. She created an opportunity for friends to have a wonderful time with each other, while shopping with the local businesses in the community as well as fostering a belief in a little holiday magic.
Holly was an avid sports fan, watching all major sports and every minute of the Olympics. She was an active athlete in high school, winning awards and becoming team captain for gymnastics, field hockey, volleyball, and track and field. Holly was a beautiful skier and never lost her love of skiing. Holly's family built a cabin in Vermont in the mid 1950's where she learned to love winter sports – and she continued that tradition with Bon when they purchased a ski house in Park City that became her favorite place to spend time.
Holly relished learning about our world's many cultures and enjoyed traveling with her immediate and extended family. Together, they traveled to nearly all 50 states and over 43 countries, including China, Turkey, Colombia, New Zealand, Botswana, South Africa, Russia, and many other European destinations. Holly had an eye for beauty and loved to enjoy beautiful vistas and beautiful things.
Holly's legacy looms large. She will be missed as she is loved by many and made a big impact on the people who knew her, as well as the broader community through her volunteer efforts.
There will be a brief burial service for the family only at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn.
Hollis ("Holly") Smith French
August 14, 1954 – July 26, 2023
Holly French, 68, a long-time Glen Ellyn resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and her favorite music, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Her family and friends describe her as "fun, smart, beautiful, generous, kind, hilarious, athletic and comfortable in her own skin." Holly attracted a large group of friends who liked to entertain together, who now reminisce about the way she used to light up a room and had a good sense of humor. Her daughter "loves that Mom was this most wonderful mix of thoughtful/considerate and social/fun – she had a big heart and made everyone feel special." Those close to her also note that Holly was a loyal, sincere, and trustworthy person who was very devoted to family and friends. She was also a lifelong cat lover, showering affection on her cats, Daisy, Scamper and then Jasper.
Her family, friends, and the medical community were inspired by her determination and positive attitude as she persevered through a series of health challenges over many years, and especially in the last four months. Holly struggled with a knee injury throughout her adult life and faced escalating issues with her liver, kidney, and hip, but her mantra was to live one day at a time, never give up hope and always maintain a good attitude.
Holly was born August 14, 1954, the daughter of William "Bill" and Mary Smith of West Hartford, CT. After attending both Conard and Hall high schools in West Hartford, CT, she attended Denison University in Ohio, where she graduated in 1976 with BAs in both Mathematics and History. While at Denison, she was active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority and made many lasting friendships on campus. Following graduation, she joined the Hartford National Bank, where she worked in the trust department settling estates.
Holly married T. Bondurant "Bon" French, the love of her life, in 1979. They lived in the Hartford area, but moved one year later to Chicago where Bon took a new job. They settled in Glen Ellyn and made lifelong friends in the community. They had two children.
Raised with a sense of civic responsibility, Holly French volunteered in a number of educational, civic and philanthropic organizations. She spent 23 years working with the Junior League of Chicago ultimately becoming the League's Executive Vice President, the number two person in a group numbering over 2,000 women. She was honored by the Junior League of Chicago with a lifetime achievement award in 1999 and was praised for her work ethic and friendly approach. She also volunteered for 35 years at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois and was president of the Marianjoy Auxiliary Board eight different times. Holly was very active in her children's schools, both in the classroom and fundraising for the PTA and Glenbard West Boosters.
One of the unique social events Holly helped organize was the annual "Santa Believers" party, which she hosted for over 30 years. She created an opportunity for friends to have a wonderful time with each other, while shopping with the local businesses in the community as well as fostering a belief in a little holiday magic.
Holly was an avid sports fan, watching all major sports and every minute of the Olympics. She was an active athlete in high school, winning awards and becoming team captain for gymnastics, field hockey, volleyball, and track and field. Holly was a beautiful skier and never lost her love of skiing. Holly's family built a cabin in Vermont in the mid 1950's where she learned to love winter sports – and she continued that tradition with Bon when they purchased a ski house in Park City that became her favorite place to spend time.
Holly relished learning about our world's many cultures and enjoyed traveling with her immediate and extended family. Together, they traveled to nearly all 50 states and over 43 countries, including China, Turkey, Colombia, New Zealand, Botswana, South Africa, Russia, and many other European destinations. Holly had an eye for beauty and loved to enjoy beautiful vistas and beautiful things.
Holly's legacy looms large. She will be missed as she is loved by many and made a big impact on the people who knew her, as well as the broader community through her volunteer efforts.
There will be a brief burial service for the family only at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn.
August 14, 1954 – July 26, 2023
Holly French, 68, a long-time Glen Ellyn resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and her favorite music, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Her family and friends describe her as "fun, smart, beautiful, generous, kind, hilarious, athletic and comfortable in her own skin." Holly attracted a large group of friends who liked to entertain together, who now reminisce about the way she used to light up a room and had a good sense of humor. Her daughter "loves that Mom was this most wonderful mix of thoughtful/considerate and social/fun – she had a big heart and made everyone feel special." Those close to her also note that Holly was a loyal, sincere, and trustworthy person who was very devoted to family and friends. She was also a lifelong cat lover, showering affection on her cats, Daisy, Scamper and then Jasper.
Her family, friends, and the medical community were inspired by her determination and positive attitude as she persevered through a series of health challenges over many years, and especially in the last four months. Holly struggled with a knee injury throughout her adult life and faced escalating issues with her liver, kidney, and hip, but her mantra was to live one day at a time, never give up hope and always maintain a good attitude.
Holly was born August 14, 1954, the daughter of William "Bill" and Mary Smith of West Hartford, CT. After attending both Conard and Hall high schools in West Hartford, CT, she attended Denison University in Ohio, where she graduated in 1976 with BAs in both Mathematics and History. While at Denison, she was active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority and made many lasting friendships on campus. Following graduation, she joined the Hartford National Bank, where she worked in the trust department settling estates.
Holly married T. Bondurant "Bon" French, the love of her life, in 1979. They lived in the Hartford area, but moved one year later to Chicago where Bon took a new job. They settled in Glen Ellyn and made lifelong friends in the community. They had two children.
Raised with a sense of civic responsibility, Holly French volunteered in a number of educational, civic and philanthropic organizations. She spent 23 years working with the Junior League of Chicago ultimately becoming the League's Executive Vice President, the number two person in a group numbering over 2,000 women. She was honored by the Junior League of Chicago with a lifetime achievement award in 1999 and was praised for her work ethic and friendly approach. She also volunteered for 35 years at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois and was president of the Marianjoy Auxiliary Board eight different times. Holly was very active in her children's schools, both in the classroom and fundraising for the PTA and Glenbard West Boosters.
One of the unique social events Holly helped organize was the annual "Santa Believers" party, which she hosted for over 30 years. She created an opportunity for friends to have a wonderful time with each other, while shopping with the local businesses in the community as well as fostering a belief in a little holiday magic.
Holly was an avid sports fan, watching all major sports and every minute of the Olympics. She was an active athlete in high school, winning awards and becoming team captain for gymnastics, field hockey, volleyball, and track and field. Holly was a beautiful skier and never lost her love of skiing. Holly's family built a cabin in Vermont in the mid 1950's where she learned to love winter sports – and she continued that tradition with Bon when they purchased a ski house in Park City that became her favorite place to spend time.
Holly relished learning about our world's many cultures and enjoyed traveling with her immediate and extended family. Together, they traveled to nearly all 50 states and over 43 countries, including China, Turkey, Colombia, New Zealand, Botswana, South Africa, Russia, and many other European destinations. Holly had an eye for beauty and loved to enjoy beautiful vistas and beautiful things.
Holly's legacy looms large. She will be missed as she is loved by many and made a big impact on the people who knew her, as well as the broader community through her volunteer efforts.
There will be a brief burial service for the family only at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn.
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