1955
2019
7405 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, Texas
Holly Berkowitz Clegg passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at T. Boone Pickens Hospice in Dallas, Texas on November 1, 2019 after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer. Whether spending time with her friends and family, marketing her healthy lifestyle brand, or raising awareness of gastric cancer, Holly's drive, passion and optimism were always present and brightened the faces of those around her. Holly was born in Ft. Worth, TX on August 23, 1955 to Ruth and Jerry Berkowitz. She attended college at Tulane University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Art History and a minor in English. After graduating from Tulane, Holly attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in London and Le Jules Verne in Paris. On September 1, 1979, she married Michael V. Clegg of Baton Rouge, LA, with whom she celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary earlier this year. After settling in Baton Rouge with Mike, Holly began writing a cookbook at the request of the Sternberg family. This first book launched a 30-year career, during which she published 17 cookbooks, sold over 1.5 million books, became a nationally recognized healthy eating advocate and improved the lives of countless individuals. During her career, Holly's television appearances included the Today Show, Fox and Friends, the 700 Club, The Phil Donahue Show, and the Harry Connick Junior Show, as well as regular appearances on Baton Rouge stations WBRZ, WAFB and WVLA. Despite selling over 1.5 million cookbooks, Holly always considered her family to be her greatest success story. She loved her family deeply and would typically spend several hours a day on the phone talking to her husband, children (and their spouses), siblings and parents. Holly was proud of her family. She and Mike had an enduring love and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary earlier this year. She could often be heard discussing her three children, who were each happily married and had thriving careers and families of their own. What she never fully appreciated was how important her role was in her family's successes. Holly always maintained a happy, optimistic disposition throughout her life, and this continued even after she was diagnosed with cancer. Her smile never faded and in fact, when she would leave the hospital, the nurses and doctors would comment on how her attitude uplifted those around her. Her strength and courage were immeasurable – during chemotherapy treatment, she spoke at a stomach cancer conference held at MD Anderson. Following her move into hospice, she and her family launched the Holly Clegg Gastric Cancer Research Fund with MD Anderson. Within a few months, the fund raised nearly $300K ($165K was raised in a single night at a Baton Rouge fundraiser that Holly attended). The fund's success brought immense joy to Holly, and she truly believes it will raise awareness and help save lives. Holly lived her remaining months in the home she and Mike shared in Dallas, surrounded by family, friends, a revolving door of visitors and "her best medicine," her six adorable grandchildren! Holly was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Berkowitz. Holly is survived by her husband, Michael V. Clegg, her three children, Todd (Sana) Clegg of New York, NY, Courtney (Chad) Goldberg of Dallas, TX, and Haley (Eric) Nusbaum of San Francisco, CA; six grandchildren, Lyla, Camilla and Harris Clegg, Clegg, Kase and Jackson Goldberg in addition to her mother Ruth Berkowitz, and her younger siblings, Ilene (Bart) Putterman and Michael (Jane) Berkowitz. In lieu of flowers, donations to support Holly Clegg's Gastric Cancer Research Fund at MD Anderson would be appreciated. Donations can be made at http://www.mdanderson.org/cleggfund. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday November 7, 2019 at Congregation B'nai Israel located at 3354 Kleinert Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. A visitation precedes the service starting at 9:00 AM. Holly's family would like to thank all of Team Holly for the love and support throughout her entire journey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I thought of Holly, when we had our 50th Paschal `73 Class Reunion, in June, `23. We lived down the street from each other on Lowell Lane, off Bilglade Rd, in South Hills-& went to Westcliff Elem´y & McLean Jr Hi, as well as PHS. We occasionally
had carpools together & played some, in our neighborhood. She was such a sweet little girl & nice young lady! I was so thrilled when my mom told me about her book successes & seeing her on Nat´l TV! & she was SO excited seeing/hearing her on those shows! (Such a success from OUR little neighborhood!) Can´t rem´br what exactly made me think of Holly this morn-but found this online & was compelled to write as well as sign on her book. I´m so glad & grateful she had such a wonderful LIFE, tho´ it was shorter than everyone wishes it had been.
Delisa Day
Delisa Day
School
October 5, 2023
To Holly's Family -- My Mom and I met Holly in Fort Worth, TX when her cookbook "From a Louisiana Kitchen" was released. I cherish my signed copy of it! She was so gracious and fun to talk with. I know you miss her terribly. I only met her this one time, but she touched my life and I've never forgotten her. God bless.
Patricia Blanton
Other
December 20, 2021
I am so sad to learn of Holly's passing. My husband and I met her in New Orleans back in 1992. We bought her cookbook, Trim & Terrific and she signed it for us. We later ordered more of her books and all were signed by her. I used to get her email updates, but lost touch during the pandemic. I can't begin to tell you how often I have used her recipes and our all time favorite is the Chocolate Layered Dessert!!! Other favorites that we continue to enjoy are the Chicken and Linguine and Shrimp Primavera (my dad's favorite we cooked on vacation at Hilton Head). Great recipes and great memories of enjoying the food she shared in her cookbooks! My husband requested her chocolate layered dessert for father's day this Sunday and we will be remembering Holly!!!!
Lisa Bunch
Acquaintance
June 17, 2021
I had the honor of working as Holly's assistant during St. Louis Cooks. I still have the autographed cookbook that she gave me as a Thank You. She was a delightful person that I really enjoyed meeting assisting. I am so very sorry for your loss and that the world has lost such a shining star.
Andi Everding,
St. Louis, MO
Andi Everding
Coworker
April 10, 2020
Deepest Sympathy !Rest In Heaven Holly. I enjoyed watching you on TV . My Husband is up there in Heaven his name is Joseph Anderson.
Cynthia Young Anderson
November 10, 2019
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Elaine Pounds Thomas and Family
November 8, 2019
Mike and family: It was my intention to be present at the memorial service for Holly in Baton Rouge this morning but was incapacitated. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you! Jim Pierson
November 7, 2019
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Donald and Georgia Honore'
November 7, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Holly was a wonderful person. I know she is not suffering anymore and my prayers go out to all of Holly's family. God Bless You!
Terri Neff
November 7, 2019
With deepest sympathy...Rest in Peace Holly.
Melissa Dill
November 6, 2019
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY !
LINDA STONE
November 5, 2019
Rest in Peace Holly, your work on earth is done. God Bless. Vince and Rhenda Giaccone
VINCENT GIACCONE
November 5, 2019
Rest In Peace
November 4, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the Berkowitz and Clegg families in your time of great sorrow.
Rene & Pauline Marques
November 4, 2019
Mike, Todd, Courtney, and Haley,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Holly's passing. She fought a courageous fight with spirit and determination. Her legacy will remain through Team Holly. Sending thoughts, prayers, love, and sincere condolences to all of you along with the rest of her beloved family.
Dr. Gayle and Belinda Sanchez
November 4, 2019
Sending my deepest condolences to you all at this time. Holly was a wonderful person and I will always remember her fondly. Love you all.
lesley sanchez
November 4, 2019
Rest now Holly Clegg. You left your mark on our city.
Patrice Staton
November 4, 2019
Holly was a true blessing in my life. We grew up together on The same street in Fort Worth. She was a true friend and great lady of rare character. Thanks forever for being a blessing in my life. Dana Bloxom
Dana Bloxom
November 4, 2019
Our hearts are with her family, especially Michael and Jane who we know adored and loved her. May her memory be cherished and a blessing always.
Julie & Greg
November 3, 2019
I am a dietitian that works at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and worked with Holly on a nutrition project many years ago. I just wanted to express how sorry I am about Holly's passing to her wonderful family and friends. I am very pleased to have met Holly through that one brief encounter. She was a very special, kind-hearted, intelligent and an enthusiastic person. Not many people have those special qualities that Holly beautifully demonstrated and expressed in her life. I know many people knew how special she was, but I just wanted, as a person, to let her family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren to know, that even to someone like me, who had just one brief encounter with Holly, how great-full I am to have met her. Her beautiful
spirt will always live through the people she touched, even if it was for just a brief moment in her lifetime❣
Paula Meeks
November 3, 2019
Holly lived a beautiful life with unconditional love for her family. She truly made a difference and touched so many lives. God Bless this precious lady. She will be missed.
Jacqulyn Dornier
BR La
Jacqulyn Dornier
November 3, 2019
I Am sorry loss may God keep this family in his love and care.
Delores Bergeron
November 3, 2019
My family so enjoys Holly's cookbooks. So sorry for your loss.
Dana Dickson
November 3, 2019
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Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225
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Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225
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