Kelly (Oliver) Henderson

HOLDEN – Kelly A. (Oliver) Henderson, age 64, passed at home in her bed, per her wishes, on January 12, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and embraced by the morning sunlight.

Kelly was the daughter of the late James and Barbara (Stevens) Oliver of Jefferson and lived her entire life in Holden, a town that she was proud to be a part of, and in which her granddaughter is the seventh generation to reside. She graduated from Wachusett Regional High School and went on to work at the former Reed Rolled Thread & Die Company in Holden for several years until she started her family. Kelly was an at home mom and later went on to work in bookkeeping/finance, and most recently in medical office work. She took pride in supporting local organizations, such as the Gale Free Library, Holden Bandstand, and Central MA Rail Trail.

Kelly most enjoyed spending time with her family, and their yearly vacations to Moody Beach in Maine. She also enjoyed her time with Scott and their family and friends at their seasonal camp in Templeton.

Kelly leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Scott Henderson; a son, Derrick Henderson of Holden; her daughters, Holly Henderson and her husband Scott Murray of Holden and Cassie Tiu and her husband, Michael of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren who were so very precious to her, Kelsie Murray of Holden, and Myles and Megan Tiu of Shrewsbury; a brother, Michael Oliver and his wife, Shari of Jefferson; a sister-in-law Julie Doherty and her husband Bob, of Rindge, NH; an aunt-in-law, Beth Denning of Charlton; two nieces, a nephew, one great-niece, and several cousins who were very dear to her. She also leaves many close friends, including Sharon Collins of Holden; and two very special aunts, Judi Ingram of Shrewsbury, and Ann Harrington of Holden/Worcester. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Timothy Oliver of Jefferson, and several aunts and uncles.

Kelly’s faith was very important to her, and she would like to thank her wonderful team of prayer warriors from Maine to Florida and everywhere in between for all their kindness and support.

Family and friends will gather to honor Kelly’s life, beginning with Calling Hours from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 17th at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 18th at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street, Holden. Interment will take place in the Spring at Grove Cemetery in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520, or to an Animal Shelter of the donor’s choice.

To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit her tribute wall on this page.