Obituaries

Lillian “Lil” (Cryderman) Holt was born at the Cryderman family home in Dafter, Michigan on December 30, 1930. She used to remark that she was a tax exemption “just in time” for her family that year - a welcome thing during depression years. Lillian was the fourth of ten children born to Russell and Ursula Cryderman.

While there were many jobs to be done outside on the farm, Lil preferred the inside ones. She was responsible for bread baking every Saturday while her mom and dad went to run errands in town. At age 12, she started working for a neighboring family as a housecleaner. Perhaps that’s where her love of tidiness originated – until the very end she enjoyed a spotless home!

Lil graduated as Valedictorian of Sault Area High School’s class of 1949. She was an excellent student and that showed as she helped her six children with homework over the years! After graduation Lil worked for Sullivan, Veum, and Moorhead Attorneys as a legal assistant until her marriage to John “Jack” Holt in December of 1952. Jack and Lil met on a blind date arranged by a friend. When Lil was initially hesitant to go, her friend Ginny said, “well you don’t have to marry him you know!”. The rest was history; they were married for three days shy of sixty-one years. Jack served overseas in the United States Army for two years during their engagement, while Lil awaited his return. After their wedding, they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Lil worked at Quarles, Spense, and Quarles Attorneys. After the birth of their first child, they moved back to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to be closer to family.

Lil and Jack were quite a team. They were each other’s cheerleaders through all of life’s ups and downs. She was his constant companion during his health struggles before his death in December 2013. Lil and Jack held family in high regard. They often opened their home to family members that needed a place to live and were models of generosity. Once, on the Mackinac Island ferry ride home from a family wedding, they met a couple from Japan, Hiro and Shuko. Hiro and Shuko had never been to the Sault and as it was getting dark, Lil found out they needed a hotel for the night. Before even asking Jack, Lil invited them to their home for the night. They corresponded at Christmastime for many years.

Lil’s faith has always been the most important thing in her life. She attended St. Joseph Parish and was a Eucharistic Minister (giving communion at church and bringing it to shut-ins) for many years. She served for many years with the local chapter of Right to Life. She also helped start a Rosary Group in 1976 that is still meeting today. If you had a need, you could be sure that Lil would pray for you! Lil’s wish would be for each to experience the power of prayer.

Lil was an incredibly devoted mother and grandmother; she had a knack for making each and every member of her large family feel loved and cherished. When her children were young, she was nominated for “Homemaker of the Year” – and her children still wish she had won!

Lil is survived by six children, Jane (Dennis) Kennedy of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, John (Cheryl) Holt of Melbourne Beach, Florida, Fred (Laura) Holt of Louisville, Colorado, Joe (Karen) Holt of Traverse City, Michigan, Kathy (Dave) Perry of Melbourne Beach, FL, and Tom (Sue) Holt of Melbourne Beach, FL; grandchildren, Kara (Chad) DeBord, Tony Kennedy, Laura (Jordan) Douglas, Mike (Mindy) Holt, Troy (Danielle) Holt, Scott (Chelsea) Holt, Tim Holt, Tom (Sue) Gilbert, and Fred (Tara) Holt Jr., Tori (Charles) Bloomer, Katie (Alex) Rushlow, Nick (Jen) Kujala, Kirstin (Keith) Nielson, Erik Kujala, David Perry, Emily Perry, and Drew (Nichole) Holt; and twenty-six great-grandchildren.

Lil was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and nine siblings, Ethel Cottelit, Annie Goetz, Mary Cobb, Gertrude Lehigh, Russell Cryderman, Forrest Cryderman, Evelyn Cryderman, Theresa Cryderman, and Vallee Cryderman.

The family is planning a Gathering and Funeral Mass to be held in the summer of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Right to Life of Michigan, P.O. Box 901, Grand Rapids, MI 49509, St. Joseph Parish, 606 East Fourth Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, or Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.