In Memory

Kathy Budd (Holloway)

Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Budd Holloway (1947-2005)

Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Budd Holloway was considered by many to be the consummate teacher at Merriman Park Elementary. Her students celebrated learning with special events that included bunny tea parties to help second graders relate to characters in the Beatrix Potter books.

Her 25-year relationship with the school in the Richardson district began as an active parent. The 18-year veteran of teaching fourth and second grades ended her career in October 2004 when advanced liver cancer was discovered during gall bladder surgery.

Mrs. Holloway, 57, died Saturday, January 28, 2005 at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

“When you think of what you want in a teacher, and what kind of teacher you want teaching your child, Kathy Holloway is the image that just defines what a good teacher is,” said Jennifer Martin, principal of Merriman Park Elementary. “She loved those kids like they were her very own.”

Mrs. Holloway emphasized making the curriculum meaningful, Mrs. Martin said. As a second grade teacher, Kathy and her students celebrated the 100th class day by traveling back 100 years in dress and bringing period lunches in baskets. The day incorporated math and reading skills that the students had acquired.

“It’s a legend in the school,” Mrs. Martin said.

Former Merriman principal Bill Passmore said he used Mrs. Holloway’s style as an example for student teachers he observed after his 1989 retirement. “She loved children, but yet was firm and fair,” Mr. Passmore said. “The students respected her, and she had the respect of the parents.”

Born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mrs. Holloway grew up in Wiggins, MS; Shreveport, LA; and Pampa, Texas, where she graduated from high school. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in 1958. Mrs. Holloway first taught in Pampa.

She was active in her two sons’ education in the Richardson school district. At Forest Meadow Junior High, she was co-founder of Market in the Meadows, a crafts fundraiser that is now a school tradition.

She was a Merriman parent when the school opened in 1979. She resumed teaching as a substitute and discussed with Mr. Passmore the possibility of returning full time. She first added to her own education. She lived in a dorm one summer as part of her effort to earn a master’s degree in education from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M Commerce.

Mrs. Holloway was an active member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her husband, John Holloway of Dallas; two sons, Russell Holloway and Stephen Holloway, both of Dallas; her father, George Budd of Rosston, AR; a sister, Virginia Grace of Houston; and two brothers, David Budd of Rosston and John Budd of Tulsa, OK.