Holly A. (Risch) McDonough

Holly A. (Risch) McDonough, age 68, of Knoxville, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, surrounded by family at UPMC Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro. She shared 40 years of marriage with the love of her life, Robert P. McDonough, prior to his passing in 2019. Born December 10, 1954, at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock, PA, she was a daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret (Coolbaugh) Risch.

Holly was a present, proud, and devoted parent, not only showing up consistently for her own children, but also fulfilling that role as “Grammy” for her grandchildren. She truly took pride in caring for others, with one of her favorite hobbies being hosting, entertaining, and preparing food for gatherings with family and friends. She spent most of her career as a dental assistant, but also served several years as dining hall staff for Mansfield University. Holly and Robert enjoyed the outdoors together, whether they were kayaking, hiking, biking or simply rooting for family at local sporting events. She also enjoyed helping with her children’s Boy and Girl Scout endeavors, listening to music, crafting, coffee, and loved everything about her annual trips to the beach.

Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Christina McDonough, of Jersey Shore; daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Marc Rice, of Wellsboro; grandchildren, Ava, Brady, Whitney and Emmelyn; siblings, Betty Lou Mattioli, Fred (Lisa) Risch, and Carl Risch, all of Dallas, PA; several nieces and nephews: and many dear friends.

In addition to her parents and late husband, Robert, in 2019, Holly was preceded in death by her brother Paul Risch in 2022.

Memorial donations can be made in Holly’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Wilston-Currie Funeral Home, 130 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. A brief memorial service will take place immediately following visitation hours at 7:00 p.m. Holly and Robert will be laid to rest together in the Wellsboro Cemetery at a later date, www.wilstoncurriefh.com.