Dorothy Lucille Holland, 100, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, at Parkview Home in Freeport, Illinois, where she had resided for just over three years. A century of life gave Dorothy countless stories to tell, memories to share, and opportunities to touch the lives of those around her. She will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, generous spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and genuine care and concern for others.

Born at home on March 14, 1926, to Harry and Mabel (Endriss) Posey, Dorothy was raised in rural Stockton, Illinois, alongside her eight siblings: Bob, Norm, Charlie, Ruth, Mary Jane, Barb, and Carolyn. Sadly, their brother John died at birth. Growing up in a large family helped shape Dorothy's lifelong love of family, a love that remained at the heart of everything she did.

Dorothy married Emmerson Collin on March 4, 1944, and together they shared 38 years of marriage, raising four children—Ken, Gene, Vern, and Janet—in Dakota, Illinois. Eventually, they settled on Dorothy's dream farm in rural Stockton, a place that would hold a special place in her heart for years to come. There, she enjoyed the life she loved most: caring for her beloved horses, raising her cherished dachshunds, and creating a home filled with family and memories. Following Emmerson's passing, Dorothy married William “Bill” Holland, and they continued to enjoy life on the farm for another 39 years until moving to Parkview Home in Freeport three years ago. Bill took on the roles of step-father and grandpa with ease, love and respect, and a playful attitude. Their family continued to grow through the addition of more grandchildren and eventually many great-grandchildren.

A hardworking and independent woman, Dorothy was never afraid of a day's work. In her younger years, she drove a truck for her father's limestone business and worked tirelessly on the family farm. She later worked in the factory at Newell, Inc. in Freeport, where she remained for 38 years before retiring. Her strong work ethic, determination, and positive attitude were hallmarks of her life.

Dorothy's interests and talents were as varied as her stories were plentiful. She loved riding her horses with her Saddle Club and participating in local parades, often dressed in her elaborate, full-length Spanish riding attire. She was an avid reader, a talented painter, and an enthusiastic participant in just about anything involving family. She served as a den mother for her children's scouting troops, taught Sunday school at the Dakota Methodist Church, became the unofficial ring leader of yearly family reunions at Apple Canyon, and the energetic supporter of every celebration. If there was a reason to bring people together, Dorothy was sure to be part of it.

Her artistic talent was memorable, too. She once painted a ten-foot mural that hung in her sister’s restaurant, Mama Lena's, for many years. Children loved searching for the hidden animals that she had painted into the beautiful landscape. She also had a knack for capturing and preserving family memories—long before digital cameras and Photoshop existed, Dorothy was already a master photo editor, using her own creative techniques to cut, arrange, and combine photographs.

Dorothy was truly ahead of her time in more ways than one. She loved thrifting long before it became trendy, always delighted to discover a treasure she knew someone else would love. Her generosity came naturally, and she was known for giving freely to anyone who needed a helping hand. It was said that Dorothy would literally give someone the shirt off her back.

Her love for her dachshunds was another treasured part of her life. Long before pup cups became a popular treat for dogs, Dorothy had her own tradition: after their yearly vaccinations, she would take her beloved companions to Union Dairy in Freeport for a special ice cream treat. It was just one of the many little ways she made life special for those she loved, whether they walked on two legs or four.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mabel; her brothers Bob, Norm, and baby John; her sister Mary Jane; her first husband, Emmerson Collin; her daughter-in-law Sandy Schneider; her daughter, Janet Stocker; her husband, Bill Holland; and her son, Ken Collin.

She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Becker of Kankakee, Barb Linker of Baraboo, WI, and Carolyn Niemann of Warren; her brother Charlie Posey of Baraboo, WI; her sons, Gene (Anju) Collin of Sugar Grove, and Vern Collin of Rock City; her daughter-in-law, Jill Collin of Freeport; and her grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Wegner of Greendale, WI; Valleri (John) Hanson of Dakota; Alicia Duell of Elmhurst; Ross (Danielle) Collin of Henrico, VA; Kyle Collin of Freeport; Alex (Camilla) Dekker of Peyton, CO; and Adam Dekker of Glenview. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy to her life and will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10am-12pm at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, IL. A luncheon will follow at Rt. 20 Bar and Grill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s honor at Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport, IL.