Active in community, church activities; past president of Holt Assoc. of America

Published in the September 13, 2018 edition

NORTH READING — Sally (Holt) Avjian, a resident of North Reading for 53 years, passed on September 8, 2018.

Sally, 78, was born to the late Louis and Helen Holt of Lexington. She was married to her loving husband, Albert Avjian, for 54 years. Together, Sally and Al had three daughters: Marlene, married to David Johnson; Andrea, married to Joseph Ridgley; and Karen, married to Jeffrey Demers. Her daughter, Andrea, is the mother of her three grandchildren: Thomas, Valerie and Roy. Sally also leaves a stepson, Robert Avjian, his wife Susan and three grandchildren: Dara, Eryn and Sean Avjian. She is survived by two sisters, Judith Burke of Waltham and Susan Peterson of Billerica and was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Kenneth Holt.

She graduated from Lexington High School in 1958.  She was active in the Lexington High School Alumni and attended the 50th year reunion.  Sally was a frequent community volunteer and attended the Aldersgate United Methodist Church where she was the church Secretary and produced the church newsletter.  She was a member of the Book Study Group and assisted in the Annual Bazaar as well as other events.

Sally was employed at Sumaria Systems, Inc. and retired as Office Manager in 2013 after 24 years.

During her daughters’ formative years, she was a Girl Scout Leader and President of the Patriots Trail Girl Scout Council. A member for 28 years in the Mystic Valley Railway Society, Inc., Sally was a Tour Leader, Trip Planner and Recording Secretary. She retired with the title of Emeritus and remained active in the Association. Sally was President of The Holt Association of America, Inc. for which she carried out the Annual Reunion and retired after 18 years of service.

Sally’s hobbies included being a life-long Elvis Presley fan and had visited his home and airplane. She also was a rubber stamp aficionado with a huge collection of stamps. Her 65 faithful pen pals as well as friends and relatives always looked forward to receiving her beautifully decorated cards, envelopes and letters.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

Her funeral service will be held Saturday, September 15 at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park St, North Reading at 10 a.m. A private family burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Sally’s name to the Aldersgate Kitchen Capital Campaign Fund c/o Aldersgate UMC, 235 Park St., North Reading MA 01864.