Holly Lynn Hanks

GARDNER – Holly Lynn (Balins) Hanks, 45, of  Gardner, died Sunday, October 14, 2018 in Bay State Medical Center, Springfield surrounded by her family following a short hospitalization.

She was born in Gardner on July 27, 1973 to Margaret (Mitchell) Balins and John Balins and  attended Gardner public schools.  She was a swimmer on the Greenwood Memorial Swim Team and held the title for 5th grade girls cross country running for years while at Elm Street School.

Holly worked at local area nursing homes as a loving clinical nursing assistant and  as a dental technician at Gardner Dental.  She was married to the late Gary L. Hanks on June 17, 2000.

Holly was a free spirit and was adventurous her entire life.  She loved being outdoors, having fires, swimming, hiking and spending time with her friends and family.  Holly enjoyed spending time at her parents camp, playing classic rock, barbecuing and frequenting amusement parks.   A special daughter, loving mother,  fun loving aunt and loyal friend, Holly will be dearly missed and forever loved.

She leaves three children, James Louis Honkala of Westminster, Dillan Francis Hanks of Athol and Mya Rose Oja of Gardner, with whom she resided  until her death; a sister, Kristin Lee Balins of Baldwinville; a brother Zacharia Balins of Bilouxi Mississippi, a stepmother Debra Balins;  a stepfather, Joseph Boyd, upon whom she always counted and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinvlle.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com