December 27, 1974 ~ January 23, 2023 (age 48)
Holly Marie Barrios was born the youngest of four daughters on December 27,1974, in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Ed and Julie Barrios. Holly graduated Valedictorian from Rocky Mountain High School in 1993 and played on the varsity Volleyball team. Holly attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and received a BS degree in Information Systems in 1997. She went on to work for American Management Systems, Hewlett-Packard Consulting and Qwest/CenturyLink.
Holly was loving, loyal, confident, and funny. In her younger years, Holly spent many hours playing with her friends at the neighborhood pool, camping with her family, and working hard at academics. A fun memory shared by all that knew her was that she could whistle like a bird and could even whistle Beethoven’s 5th. Holly loved playing games from a young age and as an adult with friends and family. She was extremely competitive and became a whiz at card games in order to keep up with her older sisters. From this, she learned persistence and was not afraid to work hard for what she believed was important.
Holly had an adventurous spirit and loved spending time outdoors. In her early adulthood, she spent weekends hiking or snowboarding in the Colorado mountains. She hiked numerous fourteeners and spent six days climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with her sisters. When not in the mountains or playing games, one could find her at a Bronco or Rockies game, out dancing and most definitely, enjoying life.
Holly loved traveling, and rarely said "no" to a friend who asked her to join on an adventure. Her international travels took her to Japan, Mexico, Costa Rica, Africa and all over Europe.
Holly was compassionate and kind, open and interested in people of all cultures and faiths, often wanting to learn more so that she could actively appreciate and support those around her. She loved her friends and family wholeheartedly and was extremely loyal. Holly valued all the relationships in her life. With bravery and grace, she did everything in her power to stay healthy as long as possible. Despite her 16 years of living with the difficulties of Huntington's Disease, she faced the world with bravery and Joy. And even until the end, she gave the best, most fierce hugs.
Holly’s three sisters were her best friends with whom she shared life’s joys and challenges. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and encouraged everyone to follow their dreams. Holly passed away, due to complications of Huntington’s disease, surrounded by friends and family on January 23, 2023.
She is survived by her mother, Julianne Drake; Her step-father, Ralph Drake and her sister, Bonnie Abbott.
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Holly's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 3 pm at LifeSpring Covenant Church, 743 S. Dotsero Drive, Loveland, CO 80537. Reception to follow with all the fancy foods Holly would have loved. Please stay to visit.
In memory of Holly Marie Barrios please make donations to Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)
