Patricia Holder (17 Nov 1941 - 27 May 2026)

In loving memory of Patricia Holder who sadly passed away on 27th May 2026

Pat was born on 17 November 1941 in Harrow to her parents, Matthew (Mattie) and Hilda. She grew up in Wimbledon, where she enjoyed her dance lessons as a child taking part in many dance competitions. Pat was, in every sense, a people’s person.
She started out at Lloyds Bank until she married and moved to Bexley to embrace life as landlady in the Railway Tavern.
In July 1972, Pat & David welcomed their daughter Claire into the world, a moment that brought her immense joy. After leaving the pub Pat had various jobs one at a picture framers where she enjoyed studying the prints, from there she moved into a clerical role at Coates Inks but eventually found her stride in a completely different world becoming something of a swimming‑pool extraordinaire. She knew every inch of a pool and its chemicals, and her enthusiasm for the water later became a family trait.
She surrounded herself with family and friends, and her circle included familiar names like Moira, Joyce, Anne & Chris.
Pat’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mum to Claire, a loving partner to Mick/Bib and she embraced her four stepchildren Lecia, Karen, Sam and Danny. Her family continued to grow with eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren plus her little favourite Abbi the dog each one bringing her pride, laughter and purpose.
Pat enjoyed being a part of family life whether doing school runs or attending dance lessons and festivals or her famous Christmas parties.
She had a lifelong love of dancing, a passion reflected today which was something she passed down to Claire and to her granddaughters Lauren and Louise, who all also followed in her footsteps through to competition level. She also loved being part of the Orpington Festival of Dance Committee where she helped out for over 20 years. Her grandson Daniel, meanwhile, followed her swimming pool influences and legacy with his affinity for the water, becoming a true water baby.
Pat enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life bright. She loved a gin or two and she cherished her holidays in the sun, especially in Cyprus and in later years spending time with her cousin Joyce in Spain.
Laterly in life she sadly developed Dementia and spent her final years being cared for by the fantastic carers at the Adelaide Care Home for which her family are eternally grateful.
She leaves behind memories that will continue to ripple through her family, just like the pools she knew so well. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the family she shaped and the joy she shared.

NAN Poem as read by her Granddaughter Louise.

Nan was soft and steady
A comfort through the years
A laugh that warmed our worries
A hug that dried our tears.

Her stories filled our childhoods
Her wisdom shaped our days
And even now she guides us
In quiet gentle ways.

Our Nan adored her gin you know
Not just a little sip
She poured it like she meant it
With a very generous grip.

Now heavens bar is open
And Nan has waltzed on in
The angels look exhausted
They can’t keep up with her gin.

Our Nan adored her dancing shows
She watched them all with pride
She would judge each twirl and fancy lift
As if she was sat on the panels side.

She judged every dance like a pro
Remote held like a wand
If someone fluffed her footwork
Her sympathy was truly beyond.

All of us Grandchildren could feel the wrath of Nan
Until her favourite came along
4 paws and a wagging tail
Abbi could do no wrong.

And though we miss her dearly
We know she is sewing still
Patching hearts with love and thread
In her gentle Nan like skill.