Lorette A. Holske, 71, of Topsham, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 7, 2025. Born on July 2, 1954, she was the cherished only daughter of Arthur and Phyllis (Mortimer) Williams.
Lorette grew up in Brunswick, where she attended local schools and later, as a young mother of three, proudly earned her CNA certificate — a reflection of her lifelong instinct to care for others.
On June 11, 1988, Lorette married the love of her life, James Holske. Together they built a partnership rooted in devotion, compassion and countless shared adventures.
Throughout her working years, Lorette poured her heart into serving others — first as a certified nursing assistant in area nursing homes, and later as a beloved waitress at Grand City, where her warmth and wit made her unforgettable.
Even as health challenges made it harder for her to leave home, Lorette met each day with quiet strength and grace. She filled her world with beauty and tenderness: arranging flowers with an artist’s touch, tending to her gardens and opening her home to animals in need. Over the years she rescued or adopted dozens of pets, from stray dogs and cats to ferrets and injured birds. She truly loved animals.
In her later years, when illness slowed her pace, Lorette found joy in life’s gentler moments — watching the birds outside her window, doting on her rescue pets, playing games on her phone and watching NASCAR races alongside her husband. Her genuine, lighthearted nature and her unfiltered honesty made every conversation memorable. You always knew where you stood with Lorette, and that was part of her charm.
Lorette is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Holske, of Topsham; two brothers, Michael Williams, of Topsham, and Peter Williams, of Auburn; her children, Rick Chipman, of Bath, Nicole Chipman, of Harpswell, and Rob Hampton, of Brunswick; her grandchildren, Kylie Coffin, Spencer Chipman, Tichon Chipman, Nicholas Chipman, Brittney Lanpher, Chelsea Goulding, Cameron Hampton, and Aiden Hampton; six great-grandchildren; and a special aunt, Joyce Dall, of Brunswick. She also leaves behind many lifelong friends who loved her deeply.
She is reunited in Heaven with her beloved father, her mother, and a brother, Marc Williams.
Arrangements are under the care of Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick. A celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 202 in Topsham, with the date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lorette’s honor may be made to a cause close to her heart: A Paw in the Door, 207-837-8808, 16 Winter St., Bath, ME 04530.
