Obituaries

I am Steve Fram, a former student of Mrs. Holmquist at BHS. I just heard some advice to make sure to thank the teachers who had provided an immense personal impact and decided to follow the advice, sadly finding I was just barely too late. As one of the pretty-smart kids at BHS, I was shocked when in Mrs. Holmquist's 'Mythology and Modern Man' class, she returned a paper with a C+ grade. Frustrated and somewhat angered, I asked her to explain the grade to me. Rather than pointing out the various grammatical and rhetorical shortcomings of my work, she simply said 'You can do better.' The gauntlet thrown, for the remainder of the semester I endeavored to improve my prose. First achieving a B- (well, at least a B). Later a B+. And culminating in my proudest academic achievement, an A- paper. Throughout, she was encouraging, but left it to me to to and request help and support. I never forgot that lesson and it served me well in later education and life. At the University of Michigan, it gave me the confidence to forge an independent major and engage in neuroscience research (rare for an undergrade at the time). After Michigan, I eventually moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I have founded or led at four different social ventures. More importantly, over the last two decades, I never have fogotten her admonishment that I can do better and have endeavored to pass along that message of confidence two my two children. Thank you for sharing Mrs. Holmquist with the world (OK, I know it kind of goes the other way). I only regret that I did not have the opportunity to share my gratitidue with her directly. Steve Fram

Posted by Steven Fram on March 12, 2022

Mrs. Holmquist was my English teacher in 10th grade at Brighton High School in the late 90's. She was the best English teach I ever had. She had a charming and lively way of motivating me and other students to work our hardest. Mrs. Holmquist also made the literature I read for class more interesting, understandable and relevant to modern life. I will never forget some of her dramatic descriptions of MacBeth. At one point, she jumped up on a table to get the classes' attention! Mrs. Holmquist was also very supportive of me emotionally. I started to experience seasonal depression as a teenager. One day after class, she approached to check in with me. She must have noticed a change in my mood or personality. I told her about some of my problems and she encouraged me to talk to my parents and others for support. Mrs. Holmquist continued to ask how I was doing at times for the rest of that year. I will never forget her kindness. I moved back to Rochester after college and grad school in New England in my 30's. My sister-in-law, who was also a teacher at B.H.S in the 1990's, told me that Mrs. Holmquist wanted me to call her. At the time, I was very busy with career and motherhood, so I didn't make the time. How I regret that now! I wanted to attend her service today, but have wasn't able to get the time off from my work at the Veterans and Military Crisis Line. I'm hoping that reading this will help Mrs. Holmquist's children, grandchildren and friends. She was such a wonderful, intelligent, lively and kind woman. You were blessed to have her in your lives. Sending prayers and healing energy to you all.

Posted by Ashley Monahan on January 22, 2022

Mrs Holmquist was a beloved teacher in Brighton. She inspired so many of us with her humor and love for literature. She was an absolute favorite. May her memories be a blessing to you all.

Posted by Karen Lesser Menachof on December 25, 2021

One of the best. A warm and wonderful person, always had a kind word to say to all and it was usually accompanied by an infectious laugh. I was fortunate to know her as a friend and colleague. Great memories that are mine forever.

Posted by John Mehringer on December 22, 2021

Marion was one of the excellent English teachers at Brighton High School. They were smart, funny and welcoming. I was lucky to have reconnected with Marion in the last few years. She was always a sharp and classy lady, and we never ran out of topics to talk about, agreeing about them all. I will miss her.

Posted by Mary D Brown on December 19, 2021