Jolene (Hallas) Holdridge, age 43, passed away tragically, unexpectedly and unintentionally on September 11, 2020. They say the deeper the love, the greater the sorrow. Losing her is unbearable, it was way too soon. She was gentle and free spirited. She could light up any room with her smile and sense of humor, even while struggling inside. She didn’t judge people. She believed in redemption and second chances. She loved her family and friends fiercely. She also loved every animal, but especially her sweet boy, Jackson. He offered her the comfort and unconditional love she had been longing for. Jo will be remembered as a caring, doting daughter; a beautiful, kind and funny sister; and a true, loyal friend. If you encountered Jolene, you would undoubtedly leave with a smile. She made people feel at ease.
Jolene was born in New London, Connecticut to Stanley Hallas and Helen (Holt) Hallas. She was a daddy’s girl, always. She married Giles Holdridge of Mystic, Connecticut in April 2012. Although separated from her family, Jolene still very much loved Giles and his three children Sophie, Casey and Gus. She was so happy and thankful to have experienced the joy of being a mother, something she craved her whole life.
She is survived by her father, Stan Hallas, who is lost without her; three older sisters, Stacy (Hallas) Lowry of Pawcatuck, Connecticut and Karen (Hallas) Katona and Beth (Halls) Jackson, both of Pennsylvania. Lastly, her beloved dog Jackson will miss her daily love and care. She would take him daily for walks in nature, car rides to get an ice cream cone or a hamburger, and outside in the yard to play fetch. He was never ever far from her side.
Jolene was preceded in death by her mother, Helen in October 2012 and her first true love, Christopher Siwinski in January 2010. She missed them both so much, and never fully recovered from losing them.
The family will privately retrieve Jolene’s remains and bring them home to her resting place beside her mom. If you would like to honor Jolene, please engage in a random act of kindness to an animal, or reach out and offer support to someone who is struggling.
Stephanie Champagne says
So so sorry to you and your whole family Stacy. This was a beautiful tribute to your sister. She sounded like a wonderful girl . 💗
Dan wadsworth says
It won’t be easy but with time it does get easier to
Smile when you remember the loved ones we loose…. the good news is we never forget and we always remember the good times we had with those we loose….you did a beautiful job on Jolenes obituary….
Beth A Jackson says
Words cannot express how truly devastated I am. I keep thinking it’s just a dream & that I will wake up, soon. We may not have been super close, but I loved you (and still do) with all my heart and soul and will never be the same until we meet again in the promised land. Love and miss you, my dear sister. Rest Easy.
Tony Cabral says
I want to send my sincere condolence and words cannot explain the pain and suffering that you all are going through. I still can’t believe that a beautiful and young life has left us.Rest in peace Jo you will be sadly missed by all your love ones that now have a broken heart and especially your favorite buddy Jackson.
Krys Dombrowski says
Stan, Stacy, the rest of the family.
My heart is broken, I watched Jolene grow from a funny, adorable child, to the adult she is today. I wish I had words to take your pain away but I dont. I can be there to listen, hug you, cry with you.
My condolences
Always
Krys Dombrowski
Lorna Wigren says
So Sorry for your loss I’m still broken hearted. Jolene was a kind and caring person and I know she is in a better place now everything’s she’s been through she can now rest .
Stacey. That was beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. I can feel your pain in these words and you certainly did her justice. says
Stacey. That was beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. I can feel your pain in these words and you certainly did her justice.
Lisa Lowry says
We love you Stacy and are thinking of all of you ❤
Adam R. says
Extremely Sorry for your Loss, I know she will be deeply missed by all. My condolences to The Hallas Family.
Tina Desso says
Jolene you are an amazing woman and never will be forgotten! God has gained a special person may you Rest In Peace until we meet again! 💕
Tina says
Jolene you are an amazing woman and never will be forgotten! God has gained a special person may you Rest In Peace until we meet again! 💕
anonymous says
Love you Jo Jo.
Chris Nuzzo says
To Giles and family of Jolene, I am saddened and stunned to hear of Jolene’s passing. I can’t imagine the sorrow and pain you’re feeling, and you have my deepest sympathy.
Although I didn’t know her that well, Jolene was the type of person you feel like you’ve known forever because she had such a magnetic and outgoing personality.
May the memory and spirit of Jolene help comfort you, and the passage of time help to ease the pain.
James says
I give the family my dearest apologies I knew Jolene as a friend both me and my brother she was a great person I can’t believe she’s gone and just wish the best for her family god bless I hope Her dog has a good safe home after all of this
Uno Avci says
OMG!
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jason Brainard says
We are with a heavy hearts she was truly amazing she was a huge part of my life and I never stopped loving her I will carry her in my heart always . My little sister looked up to her so much I love you Jo ❤️ My thoughts to Stan and Stacy. J.B
Renay Hodges says
Stacy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of your sister. Sending you my thoughts and prayer.
Renay Hodges
Sarah Swiatek says
What a beautiful and accurate tribute. Jo was a consummate care giver and lover of all beings. I will truly miss her spirit of wanting to comfort others and her innocent nature of trusting people. She took great care of her father, loved her husband and his children with all her heart, and always told me such wonderful memories of her mother and times with her sister. She found contentment with the little things in life. She wanted the same love and acceptance she gave to others, and was a strong believer in second and third and tenth chances. She never gave up on anyone and was there in their hour of need. I am devastated that she has passed, my sincerest condolences to the family. In the short time I knew her, she had a major impact on my life and I miss her.
Josh Gillette says
Although I haven’t seen Jolene in too many years, I’ll always cherish the memories of working with her and all the fun we had together at Mohegan Sun. Such a great person to be around and always lifted everyone up. The world will be a little less happy without her in it. RIP my friend.
Rick Hoelzel says
Stacy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My dearest and deepest condolences, my thoughts and prays go out to you. I’m really saddened to hear of Jolene’s passing.
Irene Brickman Smith says
Dr Mr Hallas, Stacy, Karen & Beth. I am Sooo Sorry & Stunned to find out this tragedy has happened to your daughter & Baby sister. Jolene was one of my supervisors in Race Book at Mohegan Sun (ages ago). She was always laughing or smiling. For the most part, it was a fun place to be. I couldn’t get it through my head when I first heard that Jolene had passed away. I still after reading this beautiful obituary can’t get it through my head.
May you all find Peace ☮️ & Solace in the days & weeks ahead in this most difficult time.
Rest In Peace Jolene. ‘Til we meet again. ❤️ Irene
Pat Fontaine BERUBE says
Jolene and I worked in Race book And she was a pleasure to work with. And so sorry to hear this my prayers and condolences go out to all of the family
Sue Cabral says
Such a sweet tribute to Jolene. My sincere condolences and prayers for all. Many prayers for healing and strength during such a heartbreaking loss.
Judee Burdick says
Stacy I am so sorry for the tremendous loss of your sister. Your words did her justice as we can all feel what a wonderful person she was through them. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
max n/a friedman says
To Jolene`s Family: My Sincere Condolences. She was one of my Supervisors at the Race book. She always was very nice to me, and always tried to help everyone the best she could. I was very sad to hear of her passing. Sincerely, Max Friedman.
Stan Hallas says
Sept 11 my world stopped turning. I miss Jo so much. She took such good care of me. My youngest, my baby. Life will never be the same without Jo.
Kim Raposa says
Jo, The moment I found out you passed away I felt myself fall apart. I still sit here and can’t believe your gone. You should still be here. I miss you more than you could ever know. We’ve had so many great times. Monday fundays were the best. Never knew anyone like you. Your so missed. Jolene you were so special to so many people. Even though we’re now apart we’ll always be connected somehow. Our bond will never be broken. Rest easy.
To Jolene’s family, I’m so sorry you lost such a beautiful person. I know she always wanted to make sure her family was taken care of especially you Stan. I hope you all can find peace. I’m thinking of you all.
Love you forever Jo.
Kim aka Miss Cranberry
Kathy Delicato says
My heart is absolutely broken for the family. I’d like you all to know that Jolene was a huge part of our family for such a long time … she loved my son Chris and he loved her. She will be missed 💔