Holly Stackhouse-Sydow

The music quieted for the family and friends of Holly Stackhouse-Sydow on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 when she passed away at the age of 87.

Holly announced that she would become a professional flutist at the age of eight. By college, she was touring Europe and well on her way. Holly earned her Bachelor’s Degree at The Indiana University School of Music and her Master’s Degree at The State University of New York, Fredonia. Her post graduate studies were under Harold Bennett of The Metropolitan Opera and The Manhattan School of Music. 

Holly’s long and illustrious career saw her play with the Pasadena, Albany and Utica Symphony Orchestras, but she finally found her home in Erie and The Erie Chamber Orchestra. She went on to teach at Fairview High School, Mercyhurst College and Gannon University, and had a flourishing private studio. Holly also hosted The Music of Faith radio show, released an album, pioneered the Gannon University Flute Choir and was invited to attend The International Flute Choir in Birmingham, England. 

With her husband, Larry, Holly enjoyed family and friends and regularly attended musical events and Penn State football games, as well as high school basketball, PIAA and Seawolves’ games. Holly also enjoyed church, camping and traveling and was known for the gourmet dinner parties she hosted. 

Holly is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Sydow; her daughter, Cindy Stackhouse, (Robert Bergren); her stepdaughters, Wendy Sydow and Kelly Barker (Charles Barker); her grandchildren, Ana Del Prete, Marcus Del Prete, Ali Gadley, Eliza Barker, Quinn Barker, and her great grandson, Kash Jackson.  Extended family includes a twin brother, Richard Nelson (Helen), sister-in-law Laura Judilla (Frank) and brother-in-law Robert Sydow (Jamie). 

Holly was predeceased by her parents, Robert Nelson and Margaret (Hanford) Nelson and her son, James Stackhouse.

Holly’s music continues to live on through the thousands of students her talent touched, the many weddings, events and services she played for, and the memories of her family and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Pleasant Ridge Manor as well as AseraCare Hospice for the wonderful care they showed to Holly.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Holly’s name may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, PO Box 387, Girard, PA 16417.

Friends may call on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Edder Family Funeral Home, 309 Main Street East, Girard, PA 16417. A funeral service will be held the following morning, February 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8942 W. Ridge Road, Girard, PA 16417. Burial will follow at Girard Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Holly Stackhouse-Sydow, please visit our floral store.