Elvira "Sis" M. (Novack) Hoy-Tuholski

 In Loving Memory of Sis Hoy Tuholski

On June 20, 2025, the summer solstice and the longest day of light, our family lost its brightest light. Surrounded by love at her home in York, Maine, our beloved mother and grandmother, Sis (Elvira Novack) Hoy Tuholski, passed away peacefully at the age of 94.

Born September 14, 1930, in Danvers, Massachusetts, she lived a life defined by grace, beauty, and quiet strength. With impeccable taste and an eye for elegance, she was a talented interior decorator whose artistry transformed every space she touched. Her home was one of her greatest joys and her kitchen was the heart of that home. While her culinary skills were unparalleled, she would always say “the food at the table is less important than the people around it”. And everyone was always welcome at her table. Yet no joy compared to the deep love she held for her family and friends.

She was the devoted mother of John (and his late wife, Sharon) Hoy, Robert (and Paula) Hoy, and the late Nancy Sherwood and Joseph Hoy. Her love extended unconditionally to her grandchildren: Michael Sherwood, Betsy Sherwood, Allison Sherwood Zolenski, Rachel Hoy, Elyssa Hoy, Kelsey Hoy, Laura Hoy, Conor Hoy, and Nick Hoy. She delighted in her role as great-grandmother to John Foster, Tommy and Will Sherwood, Max Zolenski, and Simone Sherwood Gray. She held a very special place in her heart for her cherished niece, Gale Robertson and her husband, Doug, who lived with and cared for her for many months. Her son-in-law Mike Sherwood and his wife Angela remained integral parts of her life and she loved them deeply. Julie Gross, her closest and dearest friend of nearly 30 years, expanded the definition of family and will always be a member of our tribe. Her family was made complete by her precious dogs - first Casey, and then Buster, her most loyal companion.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, James Tuholski, M.D., her spirit was unwaveringly generous and gracious, her presence radiant, and her love for her family boundless. She brought beauty into the lives of all who knew her—through her home, her heart, and her example. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure.

A memorial service  to honor her life will be held on July 12 at 4pm at St. George's Church in York Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://fundraising.stjude.org

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