VENICE, Fla. — Dorothy Holden, one week shy of her 89th birthday, passed to the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Venice, Fla. A former resident of Wakefield, she later made her home in Nokomis, Fla.
She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, George, who died in April 2004. They were happily married for nearly 56 years.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Patty Holden of Hudson and by her two grandchildren, Drew Holden of Norwalk, Conn. and Matt Holden of Amherst. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Evelyn Holden and niece Donna Holden, both of Maine, and by her nephew Dean of Florida.
An enthusiastic traveler, she had three glorious trips to Europe with her “Aunt,” Ruth Hickman, in the 1960s. Dorothy also traveled extensively with husband George, especially after his retirement. Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the American West and Alaska were among the exciting and entertaining places she had a chance to visit. At the end of each trip, they would come back with another new set of friends.
Her more recent trips were taken with her Kings Gate friends, including her dear friends, the Richmonds: Mary Lou (tour guide and Guardian Angel) and Don (who gladly assisted in both those roles).
Always more of a participant than a spectator, Dorothy was active in women’s and church groups in Wakefield. She also served as an active member, Recording Secretary and Adjutant in Massachusetts and Florida chapters of the American Ex-POWs group.
In the latter stages of life, she resided at HarborChase of Venice, continuing to make friends and enjoying people. A spirited and sometimes stubborn person with a well-developed sense of humor, she was universally liked and respected by all her caregivers, including those who saw her through her final weeks. An example of her spirit would be presented to all who called on her at HarborChase. She would always say, “I’m going home tomorrow!”
And now she is truly home, with our Lord.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., at a later date. To share a memory visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
