It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Holli A. Tapley, on January 7th, 2025. Holli was born on December 19, 1978, in Presque Isle, Maine and raised in Calais,Maine. She was a basketball icon, known not only for her incredible skills but also for the positive influence she had on the Calais and Maine basketball communities. As a star player for the Calais Blue Devils, she won several Gold Balls and became a local legend—her name still resonates around dinner tables and in the halls of Maine basketball, a testament to the dedication, spirit, and heart she brought to the game. Holli’s talent and drive earned her a full basketball scholarship to Fairfield University, where she earned her BA in Mass Communications/Journalism and went on to set college records for 3-point shooting. In 2001, she claimed the title of Women's National 3-Point Champion in St. Paul, Minnesota, during the Final Four, marking a peak in her illustrious career.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Holli was a loving and loyal family member. She cherished her family deeply, and her love for animals, particularly dogs, was unmatched. Holli’s spirit was warm and generous, and she shared her heart freely with those she loved.

While her life was also marked by the struggles of addiction, we choose to remember Holli for the vibrant, loving person she was before those challenges took hold. Her resilience and courage throughout her life’s trials are part of the story we carry with us. She is now at peace, no longer suffering, and will always be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Holli is survived by her father, Charles Tapley; brothers, Shonn, Cy, and Justin (Nicole) Tapley; nephews Riley and Chase Tapley; niece Faith Tapley;  uncle, Chris Reynolds; aunt, Merryl Reynolds; cousins, Austin & Christina Reynolds; aunt, Misty Reynolds; and uncle, Barry Tapley. She is also survived by her longtime special friend, Dan Loyens of Shelton, CT and her stepdaughter Shannon Latham . Holli was predeceased by her mother, Colleen Tapley, and her brother, Noah Tapley.

A celebration of Holli’s life will be announced at a later time. In honor of Holli, the family encourages everyone to reflect on her message: Let the choices you make today be choices you can live with tomorrow.

Holli will forever be missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and in the lasting legacy she left on the basketball court.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please considering donating to the Blue Devil Fund’s Holli Tapley Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will assist a member of the Calais High School graduating Class of 2025 in their pursuits of furthering their education in Hollis’s Memory.  Donations can be made to The Blue Devil Fund via check/cash (72 Cedar Street, Calais ME 04619), Venmo (@BlueDevilFund), or Paypal ([email protected]).