Obituary of Joan M. (Crawford) Holihan

Joan M. (Crawford) Holihan, born in Syracuse, N.Y. on September 22, 1930, passed away on August 12, 2017 after a long illness. Joan was the devoted wife of William F. (Bill) Holihan who preceded her in death in 1996. Joan was the daughter of Lilian Otis Crawford and Harry Lybrun Crawford, who spent their entire lives in the Syracuse area. Joan is survived by her sons, Russ Holihan (Sue) of Doylestown PA, Tim Holihan (Sandy) of Tully, and daughters, Mali Tarala (Dave) of Tully, and Sheila Boyle of Syracuse, as well as 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, William F. (Billy) Holihan of Auburn. Joan was the quintessential traditional wife, mother and grandmother, whose priorities were always focused on family, friends, and pretty much everyone but herself. Being in the presence of her grandchildren and great grandchild were her happiest moments later in life. While she will be dearly missed by her family, much of who we are today is a reflection of her heart and soul. In addition to her family, Joan was devoted to the various churches to which she belonged over the course of her life, and when possible, working on her paintings, so that each family member could have one of their own. She was a talented artist and her artwork will live with her family for generations to come. Calling hours for Joan Holihan will be held at the Edward J. Ryan & Sons Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Avenue in Syracuse on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 4-6pm. A service will be held immediately after the calling hours at 6pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at 11am on Thursday August 17th at the Onondaga County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to the Amber Fire Department, 2223 Amber Rd, Marietta, NY 13110