Thursday, July 16, 2009

Holly Baxter 21 December 1964 - 15 July 2009


Holly passed away this evening at 7:30 at home. I've known this was coming for quite some time, but there really is no way to prepare for it. I've lost the love of my life, and our children have lost their wonderful mother. I draw strength and comfort from the knowledge that we have been sealed in the Temple for all eternity. I also find comfort in knowing that she is free from her pain, and that she is in a glorious place free from sorrow. We will have to rely heavily on our faith to be able to get through the rest of our lives without her.

We haven't finalized the funeral plans at this point, but we're anticipating that the funeral will be on Monday, 20 July. We will then fly her out to Salt Lake City for burial. We will conduct a graveside service there. I will update this blog with details when we have them.

16 comments:

Christy Bacon said...

What a loss for you and the boys and Rosie and for so many others. I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and loss you're all feelng but know that my prayers are with you all.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences to you and all your family. I remember Holly from her time in the Yahoo group, Autumn Dreams.

Rachael said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss Robert. Holly was such a wonderful woman. It is comforting to have the knowledge that we do as members of the church although it doesn't take away the pain. I am sorry I didn't get that email to HOlly in time. You are in my prayers.

Todd said...

On behalf of the Vincent family I would also like to offer my heartfelt condolences to you, Robert and your children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children.

Holly was such a ray of sunshine and hope to everyone she came in contact with. I will never forget the support she was to me and my family, when our then two year old daughter Cara was suddenly hospitalized and in very critical condition. As soon as Holly got the news, she immediately dropped everything she was doing and came out to hospital to support us. I'll never forget coming out of the intensive care unit (not knowing whether or not our daughter would survive) and seeing her waiting there with her loving smile. She ran towards us and greeted us with a warm hug and dried our tears and listened to our worries with an open ear. We felt her love and faith so strongly!

Holly - you were a wonderful mother, friend and example of faith and endurance to so many. We love you and miss you.

Robert - may the Lord bless you and your family with strength and comfort during this difficult time. I can't begin to fathom what you and the kids must be going through. We love you and will continue to pray for you and your family.

Love,
Todd, Summer, Luca, Cara and Jana Vincent

Unknown said...

Dear Robert,

I just want you to know that I think Holly is the most amazing person I have ever known in my life. I have never met a stronger, more selfless or more Christ-like person. I have always felt that way since our friendship began in Sterling, VA. She would listen for hours about my struggles, even though she had her own.

May our Heavenly Father give you and your family the comfort you need to endure this loss. I want you and your family to know that I am a better person for having known Holly. She has made a lasting impression on my life.

Much Love to You All,
Sarah Hammond

Anonymous said...

I met Holly when you were adopting from Russia. I enjoyed being around her so much and watched her chase down those two active Russian boys.
One of the boys opened my car door and jumped inside when Holly was looking for him in the parking lot.

Please know that my heart is heavy for your great loss. Holly was a beautiful person, inside and out.
I am just so, so sad for your family.
--debra roach

Melyssa Webb said...

On behalf of the Webb family, I want to give our condolences to you and the children. Your boys were part of a Shakespeare class I taught last year, that is how I know Holly. What wonderful kids the two of you have! Our prayers for you and your family will continue. May Heavenly Father bring you the comfort you need at this time. All our love and prayers.
The Webb Family

Ann said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand it completely having experienced it myself. There is nothing I can say except, stay close to the Lord. He will pull you through when you think you cannot survive another minute without her. It is a hard and long road you are heading down.

If there is anything I can do for you here in Utah, please ask.

My heart is with you.

Ann Herd

AmyO said...

So very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you & your family. I lost my mom in September from ovarian cancer ... it was hard to see her go thru that. Take care. AmyO (Oct 2005 DTC Yahoo Group)

Anonymous said...

I met Holly, through her mother, Judy, who had been our embassy nurse in Brussels. Judy help us when we were adopting our children from Ghana. Holly was one of my huge comforts through the painful adoption process. I am so sad for your loss and for your children. As a member of the same faith as you are, I know your family is eternal. My love to your family and to our friend, Judy. Kind regards, Celeste Knudsen

Much Ado said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers at this difficult time. Jane (Oct DTC Group)

Anonymous said...

Robert, Alexander, Max, Dima and Rosie,

While I never met Holly, we have emailed off and on since you started the road to adopt Max and Dima. We had previously adopted a son through the same program, I helped with the camp when Max and Dima were here and have followed your journey to them, to Rosie and your struggles to bring Anastasia into your family as well.

Sadly I've also followed Holly's fight with cancer. I was always amazed at how she fought, pushed, struggled, remained upbeat almost all the time and just never gave up on anything.

Robert, while I've never met you either, Holly's words have told me what an incredible gentleman you are, what a terrific, loving and supportive husband you have been and what a loving, caring father you are.

Alexander, Max, Dima and Rosie, your mom was truly a Wonder Woman! She loved you all so very much! I can only imagine how sad you are now feeling but always know that your mom's with you, watching over you with pride and love in the fine people you are becoming.

My love, thoughts and prayers go out to you all!

Judy Lomas

Candy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I have just read every word of this blog and must say what a wonderful woman Holly was. Your family is in my thoughts.

Candy
October DTC Group

Rockwell Family said...

Dear Robert, Alexander, Max, Daniel and sweet little Rosie,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and wife. Holly was a special soul who touched many people in her lifetime. I want you to know that we include Holly and your family in our daily prayers and we will continue to pray for God's grace to bless you during this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that now there is a special angel looking down upon you and waiting for you to be together again. Keep the wonderful memories you have of her in your heart and she will never be gone.
If there is anything we can help you with when you come to Utah please let us know. If you need help with the kids or a place to be with friends our door is always open.

With Love,
The Rockwell family. Pam, Joe, Hannah, Elainea and Hayden.

Anonymous said...

I only recently heard about Holly’s story. It is just heartbreaking. She sounded like an incredibly special wife, mother and friend. I am so sorry for your loss. Prior to meeting my husband, he lost his first wife to ovarian cancer. It brings me to tears thinking about him having to go through the pain of her illness and death, but through that pain he still let life go on. That life brought him to me; and us to the children we adopted from Russia 2.5 years ago. At the time of his first wife’s passing, he could never have imagined the joys his future held. We all mourn her loss to this day, but she will always remain in our hearts. I believe that she is the angel that orchestrated putting our beautiful family together.

I hope our story can help you get through the hard times now, by keeping you thinking of the wonders ahead for your family to experience in the future. We live in Alexandria, VA. If you ever need anything please look us up. terriers2@cox.net

Lee

Judy and Don said...

Dear Robert, Alexander, Max, Daniel and Rosie,
I am so sorry to hear this news this morning. I don't get a chance to read blogs as much as I used to. This morning, I wanted to see how Holly was doing...to read she is now home with God. I met Holly in my Sept 2005 DTC Group when we were all waiting for our referrals from China. When we chose the name Marlee, Holly sent me a book, "Miracles for Marlee". It was so thoughtful of her. She has truly touched my life. My heart goes out to you Robert, and your precious children. I will always remember the letter Holly wrote, "Why me". I ask the same question, for Holly was a diamond, sparkling in the lives of so many!
My love and prayers go out to you and your family. Holly...you will forever be remembered!
Love,
The Newsomes
Judy
dh Don
dd Marlee b.1/8/06 a.3/27/07