Sissel Nilsen Holland passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Tuesday morning, May 29th, at the age of 71. She is survived by her former husband, Rusty Holland, her two children, Jan-Erik “Bud” Holland and Tasha Holland, and their families. Sissel was the youngest of 5 children born in Misvaer, Norway to Ulrik Johannes Nilsen and Anna Mary Johnsen.
At the age of 18, upon completion of her education, she immigrated to the US to be near her sister, Norma Castellano, and to learn English. She ultimately made her home in Momeyer, NC, where she raised her 2 children. She served the State of North Carolina as the Assistant Clerk of Superior Court for Nash County for over 30 years and obtained the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
During that time she made lasting friendships in the community; friendships that are as strong now as ever. Sissel retired in 2008 and moved to Brevard, NC, to be near her son and grandchildren. She was always there for them in whatever capacity was required: dog walking, babysitting, cooking, cleaning, sleepovers, horse shows, after school pick-up and the list goes on.
She did everything with a smile and enthusiasm, but she did not like to sit still unless coffee and cake were involved. She loved to travel and did so, extensively, with family and friends; always looking forward to her next trip. She travelled to Norway often to visit family.
She also travelled to abroad to England, Greece, Germany, Mexico and Italy. In the US, she was up and down the East and West Coasts. And as recently as this Spring, she made a road trip to San Antonio and another to Virginia Beach to visit her sister.
She was hard to keep up with. While in Brevard, she joined the Brevard First United Methodist Church. She was actively involved with the Church and the community and was always looking for a way to help others: prayer circle, knitting, Wednesday night supper.
In addition to her activities within the church, she volunteered at the Transylvania Regional Hospital, Bread of Life, Silvermont, The Haven and others. In her 10 years in Brevard, she made an impact in the community and the lives of her many friends that will continue for years to come. Sissel was loved by many and she will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at Brevard First United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 2nd at 10:00 am with a reception to follow. Sissel asked that donations be made to the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club in lieu of flowers. You can mail contributions to the club at PO Box 1360, Brevard, NC 28712.
You may also contribute online and leave a tribute. interland3. donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.
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