Holly Kitay transitioned peacefully out of this life on January 22, 2026, from complications due to Parkinson’s disease. She was a Tucson resident for over 40 years, almost half of that living with Parkinson’s. Through her journey of 73 years, first as a teacher, then as a nurse, and finally as a mother and grandmother, Holly touched many lives with her humor, love, and unwavering spirit and perseverance. Even while facing many health challenges, Holly always did it with a smile and a sense of humor.
She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Holly was born in Boise, Idaho, in 1952 to Milton and Audrey Birnbaum. She was predeceased by her parents and twin sister Paige. Holly is survived by her husband of 50 years, Barry; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Christopher Holmes; daughter, Hillary; grandchildren, Gavin and Olivia Holmes; brother, Julian Birnbaum (Andrea Phiefer); nieces Susan Fisher, Molly Birnbaum, and Elizabeth Galdi; sister-in-law, Nancy Gladi; and nephew,Andrew Galdi.
If you would like to donate in her memory, the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Sonoran Glass School are organizations she supported.
