In Loving Memory of

Anna Holyoak

13th July 1981 - 17th September 2026

Anna grew up in California with her loving parents and sister. She was surrounded by her cystic fibrosis and transplant community. She received the gift of new lungs in 2010. She thrived winning gold medals across the world. She met her husband Terry at the transplant games of America and moved to Australia in 2017. They received the gift of growing their family from Michelle Lehman and welcomed Zoe into the world in the middle of the pandemic. She continued to watch her child grow into the vision she had of her when she first met Terry. Her tenacity for life bought her more beautiful days so that she could spend time raising her daughter with Terry.

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Anna's Story

1981

Born to Robin and Douglas Nelson Modlin

13 July 1981
2016

Moved from United states to Australia

2016
2017
JB
Jason Buttigieg
February 2017
First meeting

You came up to Cairns and I met you for the first time with some trepidation. Who was this person who stole my brother’s heart so rapidly and completely? My fears and doubts melted away the moment I met you and I saw and felt the love between you and Terry. We bonded over our shared birthday, our love of cats and our ongoing joke that you were a closet Pies supporter (to the dismay of Terry!).
Because I knew you, I have been changed for good xxx

2020
AJ
Alana Jones
2020
Anna at home

We took this photo of Anna during covid lockdowns to support some promotional work for DonateLife. I've always loved this picture of her - it captures her spirit beautifully.

2020

Zoe is born

13 August 2020
2021
KG
Kevin Green
January 2021
Australia Day parade.

Our friendship started in 2016 at the American transplant games in Cleveland. It was there you met Terry and a beautiful relationship started. You moved to Australia and started a new life. Then Zoe come into your life and what a beautiful kid she is. We had many great memories together but the one that stands out is your unbelievable talent in the swimming was exceptional to say the least.
You will be forever etched in my heart Anna.

2026

Passed Away

17 September 2026

Guestbook

What an honour it was to care for and know Anna. Over the years I was constantly in awe of her ability to face really confronting circumstances and stay smiling, crack jokes and be grounded. How she handled life inspired a lot of us and we will remember her long after she is gone. Sending lots of love to your family (especially lovely Zoe)

SF
Sophie Five East Nurse Oct 06, 2026 12:17 PM

Terry,

I met both you and Anna through Camille….. all 3 of you are just outstanding humans that we should take the zest of life you have with us everyday

It was a privilege to have met Anna.

You have been blessed with Zoe, a constant reminder of just how wonderful Anna was.

She’s upstairs now, the brightest star in the sky.

I reached out to Dad, Nonno and Nonna - they said don’t panic, she’s smiling and my nonna will make sure she doesn’t go hungry!!!

Lots of love
Damien and Family

DP
Damien Pimpini Sep 28, 2026 10:06 PM

Sending thoughts and prayers ❤️‍🩹

SK
Sandra Kidd Sep 28, 2026 07:32 PM

Anna was a ray of sunshine
Big hugs to you all
I’m sure she will be always with you guys 💕

JE
Jann Bill Eastley Sep 28, 2026 12:31 PM

You will be greatly missed Anna.

AC
Amanda Cullen Sep 28, 2026 11:43 AM

Memorial Service

Venue: West Beach Pavilion - The Gallery
Date: Sep 28, 2026 10:00 AM
Location: 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West, Victoria, 3182
Streaming link: https://www.vividstream.com.au/live/anna-holyoak

Charity Donation

If you’d like to donate to charity on behalf of Anna and their family, they’ve suggested donating to the charity below.
Charity: Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute