Obituary of Lee Holly Palbicki

Lee Holly (Hengel) Palbicki was born and raised in Winona, MN. She passed away unexpectedly on March 2nd, 2022. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 11:00 at St. Stephen’s Church in White Bear Lake, MN. 

Born on August 25th, 1953, to Michael and Barbara Hengel, Holly was the oldest of four sisters. She graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1971, and she raised her children in Winona and resided there for most of her adult life. Under the guidance of her grandmother, Dorothy Helzer, Holly became a Florist Extraordinaire, and she went on to open and manage her own flower shop, Rosemaries’ Floral. Holly loved everything flowers, and she cherished opportunities to arrange the flowers at loved ones’ weddings. Holly wrote of herself, “I am a Mom, a Grandma, a Sister, an artist, crafter, a dog lover, people watcher, a hater of social injustice, bullying, ignorance, and cold weather.”

Holly was a passionate collector of memories and photos and, true to her name, she loved Christmas and collecting ornaments. Holly was known for designing beautiful wreaths and Christmas trees full of her favorite ornaments. (Hint: if you can see the tree, you're not doing it right). Holly was a gifted artist who loved to paint and make cards, jewelry and diamond art, and she was a fan of 60s, 70s and Barbershop music, even singing with a Sweet Adelines group. Holly was a fan of both the Vikings and the Twins, and she enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Florida, California, Arizona, and Nevada, and along the East Coast. As the ultimate OJ Simpson expert, Holly knew the trial’s details even better than the prosecution team did. Recently, Holly took great joy from connecting with her former high school classmates while planning their 50th Class Reunion. Holly adored all of her dogs over the years, including Chumley, Rags, Harley, and Poppy.

Holly survived Stage 4 cancer and its complications in 2003, later becoming an ally for others fighting the disease. Named the “Person of Hope” in Winona’s Relay for Life, Holly also received the “Survivor of Honor” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Though she continued to experience health-related difficulties of her own, Holly served as the President of the Resident Council at her assisted living home, advocating for the needs of vulnerable residents and organizing gift drives for residents in need. 

Holly loved her children, Megan and Casey, and she was incredibly proud to see them achieve success in their schooling and careers, and become loving parents of their own children. The best mom who loved unconditionally, Holly was there for her family no matter what and she remained best friends with her children until the end. A devoted grandmother, Holly cherished every moment with her three granddaughters who lovingly refer to her as “Gramsie.” Holly and the girls enjoyed teasing each other, and spending time together watching American Idol, crafting, and traveling to Disney World, the State Fair, and the cabin. She was very close with her sisters Jill, Tracy, and Wendy with whom she had many funny memories.

Holly is survived by her children Megan (Jake) Seltz, and Dr. Casey (Jaimie) Palbicki, grandchildren Nori and Henley Seltz and Kira Palbicki, sisters Jill Lindman and Wendy Winegar, step-brother Jeffrey (Pam) Prenantt, niece Abby (Dan) Marta and nephew Michael (Rachael) Anderson. Preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Audrey Hengel and sister, Tracy Hengel.

Everyone is welcome to attend, no matter how you know Holly or her family. Please wear something FLORAL to the memorial to celebrate our beloved florist! 

“Old florists don’t die, they just make other arrangements”