It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Holly (Waterhouse) Cochrane. She passed peacefully at home in Billerica on June 8,2026 at the age of 75 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 21, 1950 in Winchester to the late Paul and Roberta Waterhouse.
Holly’s life was one of resilience, strength, and love. She was a proud graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1969. She went on to further her education at the Andover School of Business. Her professional career was marked by dedication and hard work. She spent many years with the TJX corporation as a computer programmer, and later with the US Postal Service. Most recently, she was employed as a CNA at Lahey Clinic in Burlington where she retired from in September 2024 after 16 years.
Holly was a woman with many talents and commitments. She was a proud member of the Wakefield Elks where she spent many years playing Bingo on Sunday evenings with many of her friends. She helped organize and distribute Thanksgiving meals for needy families with her fellow Elk members. She was also a pivotal volunteer for the Wakefield Elks Common Ground outing that was held each year at Lake Quannapowitt. She later moved her Bingo playing to the Billerica Elks on Wednesday nights where she helped run the kitchen. She made many lasting friendships throughout her life.
Holly was a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide a nurturing and loving home for her three daughters. Her family was her greatest joy and she cherished every moment that she spent with them. It was often requested for her to make lasagna, fruit pudding, and chicken wings for family gatherings.
She leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, love, and commitment.
Holly is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Christa and Bob Withrow of Chelmsford, Shannon and Eddie MacDonald of Billerica, and Kim and Chris Climo of Chelmsford. She leaves behind her nine grandchildren, Steven, Eddie, and Kyler MacDonald, Kaitlyn, Bobby, and Dylan Withrow, and Mikayla, Madison, and Mia Climo. She was the great grandmother of Jackson MacDonald and Mackenzie and Allison Martinez.
She is also survived by her four siblings of which she shared an especially close bond with her older sister Elizabeth Gagnon. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Holly’s presence was a blessing to all that were lucky to know her. Her legacy will live on in her kids and grandkids. She will forever remain in our hearts. We take comfort knowing that she lived a full life and is now at peace where she is reunited with her loving parents.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate her remarkable life at Croswell Funeral Home, located at 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA on Monday, June 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.