Patricia Ann Hollien

Patricia Ann Hollien, a passionate botanist, intrepid adventurer, and pioneering businesswoman, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Waynesboro, Georgia. She was 87 years old.

Born on May 11, 1938, Patricia was the beloved daughter of Leo and Sophie Milanowski. She spent her remarkable life pursuing knowledge, pushing boundaries, and cultivating beauty—both in her garden and in her relationships.

Patricia was married to the love of her life, the late Harry Francis Hollien, for 54 years. Their life together was a shared journey of professional collaboration and adventure.

Patricia’s professional life was as diverse as it was distinguished. Though she received an Honorary PhD from Marian University, her true education came from a life devoted to family, science and business.

As an accomplished amateur botanist, Patricia left a lasting legacy: an orchid hybrid she personally created was named the Phalaenopsis Patricia Hollien in her honor. Her love for the botanical world was shared through her dedicated membership in the Gainesville Orchid Society and the Gainesville Garden Club.

Patricia was a scuba diver for underwater research at the University of Florida, a race car driver in Alaska, and the successful co-founder and driving force behind the business Forensic Communication Associates in Gainesville, Florida. She was a respected researcher who coauthored numerous papers and books on the complex fields of Forensic Acoustics and Forensic Phonetics.

Above all her achievements, Patricia cherished her family. She is survived by her children, Brian Hollien and Stephanie Werner (Hollien). She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Harry, and her beloved daughter, Christine Elam (Hollien).

She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. The family extends special gratitude to her granddaughter, Taylor Hollien, who provided devoted care for Patricia in her final years.

Patricia is also survived by her four siblings, Joanie Crowley (Milanowski), Robert Milanowski, David Milanowski, and Diane Keachie (Milanowski), along with a wide circle of friends and colleagues who were inspired by her intelligence, drive, and generous spirit.

The family will be holding a private memorial service to celebrate Patricia’s extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant an orchid or a favorite flower in your own garden in her memory.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service (706-554-3531). You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.