Colozzi-Holt, Victoria

It is with heavy hearts that we convey the passing of Victoria Anne Colozzi Holt, beloved daughter, sister and wife, who valiantly fought, but sadly lost her battle to a rare kidney cancer on October 11, 2024.

Victoria was brought into this world by her parents Arthur and Ellen Colozzi on June 4, 1994.  She soon became a big sister to her brother Nicholas and sister Olivia.  They were her “first best friends” and she immediately assumed the role of protector and teacher…. which continued into their adult years.  Victoria enjoyed family ski vacations, everything associated with the fall season…. but Victoria’s “happy place” was by the sea.  She loved feeling the warmth of the sun, walking in the sand and watching sunsets.  Any day was a good day at the beach.

Victoria was an exceptional, selfless, loving woman, who touched the lives of everyone she knew and all the patients she cared for.  She had a beautiful soul and her love was unconditional.  Simply put, and to quote her favorite show, Wicked,… “because I knew you, I have been changed for good”. 

At an early age it was evident that Victoria was destined to pursue a future in science and medicine however, her love of music, dance, painting and theater remained a constant during her years at North Shore Middle/High School selected to perform in the All County Music Festival.  In High School, Victoria was in many theater productions apart of the Masquers Theatre Troupe. She participated in NYSSMA Festival, additionally she was selected to participate in the NYSSMA All State Festival Women’s Choir.  She was a member of the North Shore High School Madrigal Singers, as well as, a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, preforming at both Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.  With the North Shore Music department, Victoria traveled to Argentina and Uruguay to perform at different venues, she was so excited to open her world to travel.  Victoria was also a part of the Student Exchange Program, where she traveled to Arezzo, Italy she was thrilled and vowed someday to return to explore the country and the Amalfi Coast.

Victoria graduated North Shore High School with distinction, included in the top ten students in her graduating class. She was apart of the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society and TriM Music Honor Society.  She was selected to preform the National Anthem on this special day.  She went on to attend SUNY at Geneseo, joining the Hips and Harmony Female A Cappella group as vocalist, President & Musical Director; where she received her B.S. in Biology and Psychology making Deans list and was also recognized by Phi Eta Sigma & Tai Beta Honor Societies May 2016.  Victoria enrolled in an accelerated program at the University of Rochester School of Nursing receiving her B.S. in Nursing May 2018 with Magna Cum Laude distinction, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society and Dean’s List.  Still eager to excel, over the next 5 years Victoria then pursued her Masters Degree in Nursing while working full time as a registered nurse at Highland Hospital in their Oncology Unit East 5, and graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner, apart of the Sigma Theta Honor Society May, 2023. She earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, who soon became her chosen family.

During her senior year at Geneseo, Victoria met William, the love of her life.  Their relationship quickly became one of friendship, respect and a deep profound love….. they were soulmates.

Victoria was also welcomed with open arms into the Holt family, Pam, Eric and Will’s grandparents soon became her second family.  They purchased their first home three years ago and in Fairport New York, enjoying walks by the canal and so happy to live across from a beautiful horse farm.  Victoria and Will became engaged November 2022 in Canada overlooking Niagara Falls, excited to plan their future.  

Unfortunately, back in February, Victoria was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer.  As an oncology nurse (N.P.) she knew the odds, got into warrior mode and with William by her side, forged forward with her families supporting her every step of the way.  Victoria endured many painful medical procedures and surgery at John’s Hopkins.  Returning to New York, Victoria journey was overseen by Dr. Martin Voss (a world renowned Kidney cancer specialist) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.  Under his care we thought we were turning  a corner, and Victoria and Will wanted to become parents.  With great joy, they welcomed their “fur” baby, Hercules (a French Bulldog) into their home, lives and all of our hearts.  He was an endless source of unconditional love, happiness and a great motivator for her.

Victoria and Will were married on Sunday, September 8, 2024…. with family and friends surrounding them, exchanged vows by the water just before sunset.  We were all so happy they got to enjoy the wedding of their dreams they had planned so long for.   Honeymooning in Montauk, New York, Victoria and William enjoyed wonderful meals, strolls through town and beautiful afternoons sitting at the beach and watching the beautiful sunsets.

Alarmed, we found ourselves back at MSK, Victoria’s health started to spiral and in disbelief Victoria’s body could no longer fight the cancer.  With her husband William and her family by her side, Victoria passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024.  She was the bravest person we will ever know… she endured so much pain, our only solace was she was finally free of all her suffering.

Victoria is survived by her adoring husband William, her loving parents Arthur and Ellen, her devoted siblings Nicholas and Olivia.  She is also survived by William’s parents, Pam and Eric Holt, her Step-Mother Karen, step brothers AJ and Luke, and her grandmother, Jeanmarie and William’s grandparents, Larry and Chun Cha.   Victoria also leaves behind her darling sweet little puppy Hercules, whom we will all love, spoil and cherish.

Victoria, while battling cancer, volunteered to be a part of research group at MSK.  We can only pray the loss of her life will someday save the lives of many.  William bravely agreed to donate Victoria’s eyes, as she was an organ donor.  In perfect “Victoria form” her legacy will live on, we are sure this will be the first gift of many, as she continues to save lives.

Victoria defined kindness, caring, strength and courage… she lit up a room with her beautiful smile and her infectious laughter… her love and light will continue to burn brightly in our hearts for eternity.

Calling Hours will be held Monday October 21, 2024 3-8PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday October 22, 2024 11AM at St. John of Rochester Church 8 Wickford Way Fairport, NY. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming.

Our families are asking that in lieu of flower donations be made to:

MSK Kidney Cancer Research http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/VictoriaColozziHolt

Or….Rochester Dog Rescue – New 2 U Rescue – (585) 371-8884 – https://g.co/kgs/5N2p53u