Carlota Pérez Holley ’78
Sept. 22, 1928—Sept.5, 2024
Carlota Holley ’78, esteemed educator and light to all who knew her, led a life of devotion to her family, teaching career and community. Holley taught everything from Spanish and French classes to English as a Second Language and elementary school for 53 years before her 2004 retirement, leaving behind a legacy of love and loyalty to education.
Carlota Pérez Holley was born in Güines, Havana Province, Cuba, and grew up during the Great Depression. She graduated from Instituto de Segunda Enseñanza de Güines in 1948 and was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed her to continue her education in the United States.
In 1952, Holley earned a bachelor’s from Birmingham-Southern College, followed by postgraduate studies at Universidad de Madrid in Spain and Université de Nice in France. She later obtained her master’s degree in college teaching from Auburn University in 1978.
The middle child within a large family, Holley developed a knack for bringing people together. Along with her husband of 57 years, James “Jim” Holley, who preceded Carlota in death, and siblings Julio and Edith, she was able to help extricate her remaining siblings during the final days of the Cuban Revolution.
Holley, who was known for her infectious smile and sage advice, was an inspiration to her students and colleagues alike. Upon her retirement, Holley’s Spanish Club students created the Carlota P. Holley Endowment in honor of “Profesora Holley,” which provides emergency grants to students facing financial hardships.
Carlota Holley is survived by her son, Stephen James Holley/Joseph Casale, her sister, Edith P. Burns, and a large extended family.
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