By SUSAN M. COVER
Staff Writer Friday, April 13, 2007

The Fayette Republican was a fierce competitor who hated to lose, a loving mother who cared deeply for her 8-year-old daughter, a political mentor, a fun sister and a great friend, those who knew her said.

At a funeral Mass held at St. Mary's Church, an estimated 800 people filled the pews and stood in the aisles to mourn the loss of a family member, friend and colleague. Holman died Saturday in a skiing accident when she hit a tree just after she crossed the finish line in a charity ski race.

"She was a loyal and trusted friend," said former Gov. John McKernan, who delivered one of six eulogies.

Mourners waited in a long line outside the church on a chilly April morning, waiting to sign the guest book and take their seats. U.S. Reps. Tom Allen and Michael Michaud were among the attendees, as were Gov. John Baldacci, Chief Justice Leigh Saufley, Senate President Beth Edmonds, House Speaker Glenn Cummings and many members of the Legislature.

Holman was engaged to be married in June, had recently taken a job with an Augusta law firm, and was settling in to her first term as a legislator. Although well known in the halls of the Statehouse for 15 years before being elected -- for her work in the McKernan administration and later as a lobbyist -- her November victory was her first elected position in state government.

She was selected to serve on two legislative committees and brought her political experience to the House Republicans, where Minority Leader Josh Tardy of Newport came to rely on her counsel.

Tardy spoke on behalf of all lawmakers at Thursday's funeral, delivering a eulogy that was at times funny and touching.

"I've got to confess, Abby, I know you're listening, you had a knack for stressing me right out," Tardy said. "She was a political perfectionist and it showed."

He spoke of helpful tips -- "Josh that was a great speech, but ..." and hints about what color shirt and tie to wear in his next television appearance. He summarized an e-mail, sent highest priority, written in all caps and bold.

The subject line? "Good idea for Josh Tardy."

Tardy said she wasn't all politics either, noting her varied interests, which included past work as a river rafting guide and volunteer service.

"She went at life full tilt and squeezed the most out of every day and every opportunity," he said.

Holman's roots go back at least eight generations in Maine, according to her obituary. Her family ran a textile mill in Lewiston when she was a girl, and moved to North Carolina when Holman was in her teens. After high school, she went to college in Washington state, where she studied political science.

She moved back to Maine, taught high school history for a while, and decided to go to law school.

At the time of her death, Holman was vice chairwoman of the Fayette Board of Selectmen. In the state Legislature, she represented the towns of Belgrade, Fayette, Vienna, Manchester, and Mount Vernon.

Holman's life was touched by tragedy two years ago, when her husband, Andrew Weegar, was killed in a farming accident.

Not long after the accident, Holman sought advice about raising her daughter, Molly, from U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, said McKernan, Snowe's husband.

As a girl growing up in Lewiston, Snowe lost both her parents at a young age.

On Thursday, Snowe asked McKernan to deliver a special message to Molly.

"Olympia asked me to tell you today, you will persevere," he said. "You will flourish. Like Olympia, you will surmount challenges."

Those who spoke of Holman painted a picture of a woman who was driven, yet compassionate; firm, yet loving. Above all, loyal.

"Abby could generate more work for a secretary than governors (Angus) King, McKernan and Baldacci combined," said Marianne MacMaster, who worked for Holman in a variety of jobs.

Over time, the pair developed a strong working relationship that grew to include support for each other in times of need. MacMaster said though she left the governor's office, Holman promised they would work together in the future.

Many times, phone conversations started this way: "She would say, 'Hey hon, I got us a gig.' "

After Holman lost her husband, MacMaster said she could not stand to see her in so much pain.

"Abby and I would say I love you at the end of every conversation," she said.

Friends of Holman's -- Jen Webber, Cindy Faulkner and Kathleen Newman -- described her love of shopping and shoes. With Holman, they called themselves JACK, by taking the first letter of each of their names, Jen, Abby, Cindy and Kathleen.

"She loved to dance, shop, drink great wine and talk all night," Newman said. "She gave of herself completely."

Although well known for political campaigns, one of her greatest campaigns was to bring an Ann Taylor clothing store to Maine, Newman said to a chorus of laughs.

Finally, her brother, Andrew Holman, talked about traveling with his sister, sharing deep conversations, running a marathon.

"Abby had a very deep-seated love of all things Maine," he said.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com