VASSALBORO- Dr. Holly J. Zack passed away on August 30, 2026, in Augusta, ME surrounded by her family. Holly did not “go gentle into that good night”. She fought to live and find joy in each remaining day following a diagnosis of terminal cancer in April.

Holly was born on December 13, 1957, in Ridgewood, NJ to Charlotte Jane (Owens) Zack and James Zack who predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Jenny (Jeff) Peer, her brother, Gary (Kathy) Zack, her niece and nephews and great nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved unconditionally. Holly is also survived by her dearest friend, Gary York.

Holly received a degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University in 1981. She embraced her first career in accounting and project management, receiving many accolades. First employed by Wells Fargo Guard Services, Holly was awarded the distinction of “Outstanding Performance by a Division Staff Member” as Manager of Line Accounting in 1987. Needing a new challenge, Holly moved on to ABB SUSA. The highlight of her career in that field was being named the ABB SUSA “Employee of the Year” in 1993. She was recognized for her extraordinary performance as financial manager of a reservoir construction project in Egypt as a young, female ex-pat.

In 1998, Holly challenged herself to follow her dream of helping others. Leaving her prior life behind, she was awarded a full scholarship to attend St. John’s University, where she earned her PhD in 2004. Holly’s 2003-04 internship at the Togas Veterans Affairs Medical Center and her subsequent post-doctoral residency at Togas led her to fall in love with Kennebec County.

Dr. Zack was employed by Kennebec Behavioral Health for almost 20 years as a Clinical Psychologist. She also spent a brief time as Director of Mental Health for the Mountain View Youth Development Center, Maine Department of Corrections.

Holly retired from KBH in 2023. Immediately after retirement, Holly began volunteering at the Humane Society Waterville Area and the Travis Mills Foundation honoring her love of dogs and veterans. Holly was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Humane Society within a year of filing her volunteer application. However, her true joy was volunteering in the kitchen at Travis Mills. In less than 18 months, Holly volunteered over 1000 hours and was awarded a 2024 Kitchen Volunteer Extraordinaire award.

Holly didn’t not work to live; she lived to work. She made more than a career out of her callings; she made a difference.

Visitation with Vespers will be held Wednesday, September 9th from 5:00-8:00 PM at Veilleux Remington Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St, Waterville.

In remembrance, donations may be made to the Travis Mills Foundation at travismillsfoundation.org or the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd, Waterville, ME 04901.