Serene Aria Holder's Obituary
Serene Aria Holder was born March 18, 1994 in Ada, Oklahoma, and was a proud member of
the Choctaw Tribe. Serene had a big heart and was sensitive and kind. From the time she
was a baby she had a wonderful imagination: she started singing before she could talk and
would make up her own songs all day long. Her Grandmother would often tell her mother,
“you didn’t have a baby, you had an angel”.
Serene attended kindergarten and first grade in Norman, Oklahoma, after which she moved
to Berkeley, CA. In addition to attending schools in Berkeley, she had the wonderful
experience of spending 3 years at Canyon Elementary, where she formed many wonderful
memories and friends. Serene graduated from Berkeley High School in 2012. As an adult she
had started seriously pursuing undergraduate studies at community college with her sights set
on furthering her academic pursuits. In the last year, she had moved to Vallejo, CA and begun
making new, meaningful connections in the North Bay.
Serene loved butterflies, the outdoors, hiking, the ocean, her cats (Fox & Rider) and dog
(Maggie), her family and friends, and she was particularly fond of spending time with the
children in her life – she loved kids. She was drawn to art – looking at it, thinking about it, and
creating her own artistic expressions. Serene was surrounded by music lovers and had a
love of many types of music. She cherished her time spent at music festivals with friends,
especially at High Sierra. One of her favorite quotes was that when words fail, music speaks.
Serene enjoyed working with her hands, and had a special knack for gardening and plants.
She had a strong interest in sociology, the environment, and in making the world an equal and
loving place for everyone, much because it hurt her heart to see ugliness in people and the
world.
Serene was also a food enthusiast who craved her go-to zucchini pesto pizza at Zachary’s,
crispy chicken tacos at Cactus, and from her family's home in Oklahoma – Bob’s Pig Shop –
where she always ordered the same thing from the time she was a toddler, a grilled cheese
sandwich and seasoned french fries. She also loved her mom’s cooking and had been
working to hone her own culinary skills.
Serene had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to spend time laughing with friends and
family. She cared about people and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her warmth
and kindness made her a bright light for those whose lives she touched. It was never any
surprise that children were drawn to her.
Although her time on earth has ended far too early, she has made a lasting impact and
impression on family, friends, and colleagues that will allow her to live on in their hearts and
minds forever. Serene is survived by many family members and friends who all miss her
deeply.
What’s your fondest memory of Serene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Serene?
Share a story where Serene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Serene you’ll never forget.
How did Serene make you smile?