Mary Virginia Fielder

Mary Virginia Fielder née Cole, passed away on July 18, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 83. She was born on November 2, 1942, in Doniphan, Missouri to Gene Cole and Alma Lee Cole née Casteel. She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, education, resilience, and family.

Mary Virginia is survived by her five children: Lacy Holtzworth (Tom), Dianne Lantz (Scott), and Hunter Crider (Renee), from her first marriage to Dale Crider and Tiffany Maher (Jeffery) and Elizabeth Fielder, from her marriage to William Fielder. She is also survived by her brothers, Jerry Cole (Debbie) and Ed Cole (Shannon). One role she relished was being a proud grandmother to Sealy Crider (Jonathan Smith), Ashley West (True West), Hunter Holtzworth (Jennifer Perez), Rose Holtzworth, Cole Monhollen, Tegan Fielder-Maughon, and McKenzie Maher. She also delighted in her great-grandchildren, Piper West and Isla and Aubrey Smith, whose lives brought her immense pride. She was lovingly known as Mary V, MV, Gampa, Gramma, and Santa Claus.

Mary Virginia had a passion for experiencing cultures around the world. She believed there was always something to be learned from new places and new people. She possessed a lifelong love of horses, having owned them from childhood until the end of her life. Whether in the saddle, exploring a new country, or planning her next adventure, Mary Virginia found joy in experiences that kept her connected to the world around her

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Her love of learning shaped both her personal life and her career. Mary Virginia earned a master’s degree in library science, specializing in academic medical libraries, and dedicated her professional life to advancing education, research, and access to knowledge. As an avid reader throughout her life, she believed deeply in the importance of public libraries and the opportunities they create for every generation.

Whether she was dropping her children off at school in a bookmobile, traveling the world with friends and family, advocating for education and women’s rights, caring for her horses, or cheering on her beloved University of Florida Gators, Mary V was passionate and outspoken. She held strong convictions, valued knowledge, and never hesitated to speak her mind. She expressed her love by encouraging independence, valuing education, and taking fierce pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had the utmost confidence in their abilities and her unwavering belief in their potential pushed them towards lifelong successes.

Her legacy is not limited to her family, but also the countless number of people she loved and were grateful to have loved her. She may have only birthed five children, she became a parent, mentor, and source of encouragement to so many more. Wherever she lived, her home was much more than a house. It was a gathering place, a refuge, and a welcoming haven for family and friends alike. She firmly believed in sharing the things she loved: a good book, a bottle of wine, or a cherished memory. She will never be forgotten because a part of her lives on in every life she touched.

Most of us believed Mary Virginia still had many more years ahead of her, more stories to tell, more books to read, more family to hold, and more memories to make. It is difficult not to yearn for more time despite the fullness of our memories. Mary Virginia will be remembered for her intelligence, adventurous spirit, independence, generosity, and unmistakable voice. She taught those around her that life is a journey of exploration whether from the back of a horse, in a book, or through travel. Her family will forever cherish the memories, stories, traditions, and values she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, one can honor Mary Virginia by donating to your local library. May she be remembered every time a passport is stamped, a favorite book is opened, a horse is saddled, a library is visited, or when her beloved Gators take the field.