Roberta M. (Murray) Bodwell

HOLDEN – Roberta M. (Murray) Bodwell, 74, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Born in New Haven, CT and raised in North Haven, CT, she was the daughter of Robert and Eileen (McCabe) Murray, and lived in Holden for the last 32 years. She graduated North Haven High School and in 1963, married her beloved husband, Arthur R. Bodwell. She enjoyed her career as an office manager in the medical field, retiring after over 20 years of service. Roberta was a member of St. John’s Church in Worcester and was an active volunteer in Holden including as a member and President of the Friends of the Gale Free Library, and the creator and Director of the town library's used book store, the Book Cellar. In 2015 she was named Person of the Year by the Holden Woman's Club and received the Good Neighbor Award from the Holden Democratic Town Committee. She enjoyed long daily walks, developed a keen interest in investing and had an expert eye for photography. Roberta will be affectionately remembered and missed by her best friend and husband of 54 years, Arthur R. Bodwell; her daughter Lori Marie Bodwell and her husband, Gene Gustafson of Clemmons, NC; and daughter Carolyn Hope Bodwell of Munson, MA and numerous extended family members and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Monday, March 20, at St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street, Worcester. Spring burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Holden. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520 or St. John’s Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please "sign the guest book" on this page.