MARGARET ELVIRA SLOCUM HOLL, 86, a long-time resident of OCEAN GROVE, died on Sunday, June 21, 2010 in Ocean Grove. She was born in Neptune Township, the daughter of Mahlon Woolley Slocum and Elvira Applegate Slocum. Her family had one of the first homesteads on Sunset Avenue in Wanamassa. She was valedictorian of Wanamassa School in 1937 and a 1941 graduate of Asbury Park High School. Starting at age 16 she was a long distance operator in the Asbury Park office of Bell Telephone Company. At the Times Publishing Company in Ocean Grove, she was local editor of the weekly Ocean Grove and Neptune Times for 21 years. She was active in civic and community affairs for many years. She was a past President of the auxiliary of the Hannah-Crossman VFW Post 2233 in Ocean Grove; past President of the auxiliary to the Stokes Fire Company, Ocean Grove; and President of the Ocean Grove PTA. She headed the Ocean Grove March of Dimes, the Heart Fund, and the Neptune Hospital Wing Drive in Ocean Grove. She served as President of the Ocean Grove Businessmen in 1974-75. She served as Cub Scout Den Mother and Leader of Cadette Girl Scouts. In the sixties, she organized a women's bowling group known as the Squaws League. She and her mother were members of the Neptune Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. During World War II, she entertained at area USOs with other telephone company operators. Beginning in the 1950s, she directed and performed in many variety shows at the Neptune Middle School, the Ocean Grove Young People's Temple, and the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. Funds raised through these performances benefitted local charities. In 1969, Ocean Grove's centennial year, she appeared in the local pageant, volunteered at the Centennial Cottage, and served as Publicity Chair for the Centennial Ball. An avid traveler, she visited Europe, Africa, Alaska, Canada, and Central and South America. Accompanied by her husband, she toured 47 of the 50 states. She encouraged her grandchildren to travel...five granddaughters accompanied her on separate cruises in the Caribbean. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Franklin Berry Holl in 2000 and by four siblings, John Slocum, Shirley Lodico, Mahlon W. Slocum Jr., and Robert Slocum. She is survived by her children, Richard F. Holl of Brick; Douglas B. Holl of Fairfax, Va., and Melinda Armstrong of Wanamassa; eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Grant of Wanamassa, and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:00 AM, with interment following at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls Those who wish may send flowers, or a contribution to the March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.