Jerry and Shirley Holstad

Jerry and Shirley Holstad

Jerry and Shirley Holstad's gift ensures their support of the community they called home, will continue for years to come.

The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) is pleased to announce a generous gift of $20,000 from former residents and Glenaire Society members, Jerry and Shirley Holstad. Their gift has been placed in Glenaire's Micou Browne Endowment, which provides resident financial assistance.

Jerry and Shirley were beloved members of our Glenaire family. Jerry was born in Wisconsin and at the age of 19 entered into the U.S. Army. Shirley was a native North Carolinian, born in Parkton. The Holstads met in 1948 while they were both stationed in Japan, Jerry in the Army and Shirley as a Department of the Army Civilian. They were wed in December of that same year and were married 68 years. The Holstads had two sons.

Jerry was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, which moved them around quite a bit, and Shirley loved all the travel. Jerry had a long and distinguished career in Army Aviation, primarily as a pilot and commander of aviation units. His fast flying experience included qualification in 34 different types of airplanes and helicopters. After Jerry's retirement, they continued to travel and took many cruises, the Alaskan cruises were a favorite.

Jerry and Shirley later moved to Glenaire and were happy to be part of the Glenaire community, and were deeply grateful for the wonderful care they received while living there. Of Shirley's many hobbies were gardening and floral arranging and she shared this love of flowers by beginning the floral program at Glenaire.

At one point, Jerry and Shirley were leaders of the Residents Assistance Committee (RAC), a group of volunteers affectionately known as the "pushers," who help assist residents of healthcare to events and activities happening around campus. Suzette Roach, Director of Resident Life, states, "Years ago, Jerry was the leader of the RAC, and Shirley made the phone calls to line up volunteers. Another thing I remember very well about Jerry is how proud he was of his military service and how he would often come to activities such as the Veteran's Day Program in his uniform, ready to present the flag and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance."

A friend at Glenaire remembers that the Holstads were always very involved in the churches they attended and were true "soulmates."

"It is very appropriate that the Holstads would leave such a generous gift that will benefit others at Glenaire. They were thankful for the community of caring and support they received here and we are grateful for the legacy they have left," shares Paul Gregg, Executive Director of Glenaire.

Have You Thought About Creating Your Personal Legacy at Glenaire?

Current and future gifts to The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) can be earmarked to support Glenaire in a way that reflects your personal philanthropic goals and priorities. If you would like to discuss the possibility of including The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) and Glenaire in your planning, please contact Marisa Ray at mray@brightspire.org or (336) 886-6553, Ext. 5118.

You may also wish to visit our planned giving page for additional information and to view stories that highlight recent estate gifts received by the Foundation. Those who have made provisions to include the Foundation and Glenaire in their estate plans qualify for membership to the Glenaire Society.

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