Community leaders remember neighborhood advocate Carol Holford
PEORIA, Il. – Leaders throughout Peoria are remembering a neighborhood advocate who left her imprint in the River City. Central Bluff resident Carol Holford died Monday night leaving behind a legacy of a watchful eye on the community where she lived.
“She was one of the last of neighborhood advocates who are the queen of the neighborhoods,” said friend Steve Fairbanks.
Whether you knew her as the ‘rat lady’, the President of Gale Avenue neighborhood association, or as just Carol, friends and neighbors are remembering the woman who meant the world to so many.
“She was a strong willed person,” said neighbor Kachiek Wyat. He adds, “Whenever she wanted to do something she did it, she put her hands out there not just for me but the whole neighborhood.”
Steve Fairbanks explained, “The kids trusted her and this neighborhood has some challenges but it’s still a viable neighborhood thanks to Carol.”
For decades, Carols home at 1800 North Gale Avenue served as the outpost for her activism and local patriotism. Not only pressuring young children to stay out of trouble but challenging families and the city to develop her community and surrounding neighborhoods.
“Over the years I took many new staff members from the city of Peoria to listen to her and get advice,” said Joe Dulin, Asst. Director of the City of Peoria’s Community Development Department. He adds, “She was always welcoming and willing to say to them what it meant to be a public servant, and bring positive changes from our neighborhoods.”
State Representative Ryan Spain is remembering Carol, he sent a statement to WMBD. He writes in quote, “The magnitude of her loss is almost impossible to comprehend. [Carol was] the heart of Peoria. Peoria will never be the same without [her.]”