Nov. 18, 1945 — July 12, 2025
Hollis Greenwood, a passionate theatre patron and ardent supporter of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, passed away on July 12 after suffering a stroke two days prior.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Hollis spent her early years there before moving to San Francisco, where she flourished. Every weekend was spent exploring northern California in her Volkswagen bug and later in her VW camper. Joined by her partner Mary Pat Power, she broadened her travels, always searching for birds and beautiful places to enjoy. They became enthusiastic square dancers, making many lifelong friends. They began spending more time in Ashland, drawn there by OSF and a welcoming community.
Hollis was employed by the International Longshore Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association benefits plan, where she started as a temporary clerk and rose to become its executive director. Upon their retirements in 2004, Hollis and Mary Pat permanently relocated to Ashland. Hollis continued working with the Ashland New Plays Festival and joined the vibrant theatre scene.
An avid hostess and cook, Hollis never missed an opportunity to gather friends for dinner. Their annual pre-Daedalus parties in their backyard became “not to miss” occasions. She was a voracious reader who was never without a book by her side. Hollis was a fervent animal lover and supported various animal agencies as well as lavishing care and love on her many cats.
Known for her “vertical” red hair, quick wit, and her many opinions, Hollis was a force of nature who never wavered in her convictions. She was once seen battling a small deer who had the audacity to jump her fence and try to eat apples from the branches of her tree. Needless to say, Hollis won.
Hollis is survived by her beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Pat Power, brother Christopher Fishel, niece Malia Carvalho and husband Danny Byrne and their daughter Angeli, as well as several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
If you would like to remember Hollis, the family asks that you make a donation to Friends of the Animal Shelter or your favorite animal charity. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Obituaries may be submitted to Ashland.news via our online article submission form, or via email to news@ashland.news, with a photo or two attached if desired. Please be sure to include dates of birth and death, and reference to connections to Ashland/Talent/Southern Oregon. Please allow a few days for posting. There is no charge. Those wishing to make a donation supporting the Ashland.news service may do so here.
