Joan Trinkl Holstein

Joan Trinkl Holstein, 84, of Wilmington, DE, passed peacefully into heaven on May 11, with her loving family by her side. Born in Sewickley, PA, she was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Abbott Trinkl LaRoche and John Joseph Trinkl; devoted husband of 30 years, George T. Holstein; and her cherished daughter-in-law, Frances Czerwinski Breske. She is survived by her brother, John J. Trinkl Jr. (Alice); children: Stephen Breske (Christine Griffith), Sharon Breske (Bill Lammey), Shawn Breske (Frances), George “Rusty” L. Holstein (Debbie), and Douglas Holstein; her grandchildren Madison Breske, Jenna Breske, Matthew Holstein, Xander Lammey, and Zachary Lammey; and her adorable great-granddaughter, Sophia Breske. Joan graduated from St. Angela Academy in Aiken, SC, where she was valedictorian and class president, attended Sacred Heart College in Belmont, NC, and graduated from Bolen’s Business University in Augusta, GA. She worked for the DuPont company in SC before moving to Delaware. After many years raising children, she resumed her career at DuPont in DE, where she worked as a dedicated executive assistant before retiring with her husband George to the Outer Banks, NC. There they enjoyed the beauty of sand and surf for many years before returning to DE when grandchildren were on the horizon. Among her ways of giving to the community, Joan volunteered for Kay’s Foundation to help children with cancer. She was known for her Southern charm, thoughtfulness, and generous heart, always helping others in need. Her biggest love was her family and the closeness they shared during crab feasts, beach vacations, holidays, school functions, and simple everyday life. She enjoyed making family and her many dear friends laugh with her lovable antics, festive spirit, and answering machine messages that often culminated in uncontrollable giggle fits. She had a strong will, deep loyalty to others, and affinity for writing cards and letters to loved ones long after “snail mail” took a backseat to texts and emails. Joan, whose mother was 1 of 14 children, had a special bond with many dear cousins, and loved their weekend trips and family reunions. In later years, she embraced the joys of traveling. A visitation will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, from 10-11 AM followed by a service at 11 AM at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Newark, DE. Burial will follow in Gilpin Manor Memorial Cemetery. Contributions can be made in Joan’s honor to Little Sisters of the Poor (Newark), Helen Graham Cancer Center, Ministry of Caring, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Joan Trinkl Holstein

April 5, 1941 - May 11, 2025

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