Rita Liddy Hollings

Rita Liddy (Peatsy) Hollings, the wife of former U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings and former teacher, died Sunday after an eight year battle with Alzheimer's. She was 76. Peatsy, her childhood nickname, was born Rita Louise Liddy in Charleston in 1935 to Thomas J. Liddy and Louise Molony Liddy. She attended Charleston County Public Schools and was a graduate of the College of Charleston, where she studied history. She also received a graduate degree in History from the University of South Carolina. She taught history and government at Saint Andrews Parish High School for nine years and took an active role in government well before her marriage to Mr. Hollings. From 1964 to 1966, she chaired the Charleston County Democratic Party. In 1971, she married Mr. Hollings. Peatsy, known for her outgoing, straight-forward, dynamic personality, volunteered for countless organizations. Among her most rewarding achievements was being appointed by President George H.W. Bush for a four year tenure on the 12-member National Advisory Mental Health Council at the National Institute of Mental Health. She was Chairman of the Ford's Theater and also served as the National Campaign Chair for the Campaign for the College of Charleston. In this role, she helped raise $45 million to further the educational goals and ensure the future of her alma mater. In honor of her service, in 2003, the College of Charleston dedicated the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center. In addition to serving tirelessly in the Senate Wives Club and as a Red Cross Lady, she also served on the Hollings Cancer Center Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the SC Aquarium. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, retired U.S. Senator Ernest F. (Fritz) Hollings, her sister Katherine (Kay) Liddy Baldwin and her husband Claude Baldwin of West Ashley. Step children: Michael Hollings (Deborah); Helen Reardon (John); Ernest F. (Fritzie) Hollings Jr., along with seven grandchildren. Nephews: Jay Baldwin (Ann); Claude Baldwin IV (Lucy), James Baldwin; Thomas Baldwin and Michael Baldwin (Katherine). She is also survived by her Aunt, Jessie T. Liddy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St. Sullivan's Island. The Rite of Committal will be at Bethany Cemetery. The family will receive friends this Tuesday evening between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home 1620 Savannah Hwy. A Vigil Service will begin at 5:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Peatsy Hollings Memorial Fund at the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center: 86 Jonathan Lucas Street Charleston, SC 29425.