Edna Estey Haines

PRINCETON - Edna Estey Haines, 90, of Princeton, Massachusetts, died Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Holden, MA on November 23, 1934 to Allan John Estey Sr. and Daisy (Smith) Estey.

Edna graduated from Holden High School, class of 1952. "Eddie" was active in her church and many clubs in school, Public Speaking and Debate, Orchestra, Field Hockey, and Glee Club. She was a Girl Scout and remembered helping with the recovery efforts after the big tornado of 1953. Edna was proud to keep in touch with her classmates and attended all of her high school reunions.

Edna is best known for her musical accomplishments. Edna began playing the piano as a child and by high school was playing for all the school events. She attended the new England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she studied piano. Later she graduated from Atlantic Union College with a BA in Music. While at AUC, Edna studied the organ at Thayer Conservatory. She was hired as the Organist and Choir Director at the First Congregational Church of Princeton and stayed there for over 30 years. Edna loved working with the soloists and choirs in various churches. She often staged a cantata at Easter or Christmas and gave organ recitals as well. She has played the organ in over 20 churches around the area and as far away as Saco, Maine, where she and her husband owned a home for several years.

Well known throughout Holden and Princeton, Edna taught piano lessons for over 50 years. She opened her first piano studio in Holden in her 20s and continued giving piano lessons until the age of 89. Edna immensely enjoyed working with youth. She and her husband Robert were mentors for the Young Peoples Group in Princeton for several years. She and Robert met and married in 1962. They had five children together, whom they raised on their farm in Princeton. Edna loved working in the vegetable garden and continued to do so well into her eighties. She often cajoled her children in the summer months, "After you weed a row we will go to Comet Pond for a swim." Edna frequented Cape Cod and the ocean and was sure to get a fried clam dinner when she was there. Edna was a huge Red Sox fan and could always tell you when the next game was going to be played. Edna loved to drive and could be seen all over Holden, Princeton, and Westminster with her beloved dog Greta. They were inseparable.
Edna grew up in Holden, MA with her 3 older brothers Allan John Estey Jr., Willard Estey, and David Estey (all deceased) and her younger sister Marilyn (Estey) Johnson now of West Harwich, MA. She leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families.

Edna was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Robert Edward Haines, Ph.D, as well as a grandson, Charles Miller of Wellesley, MA. She leaves five children and their spouses, Grace and Jack Miller of Harvard, MA, Sarah and Amin Harbeh of Worcester, MA, Faith and Alex Kolb of Franklin, MA, Robert and Holly Haines of Rutland, MA, and Steven and Pamela Haines of Hubbardston, MA. Edna had 12 grandchildren, whom she enjoyed and loved very much, Laith Harbeh, Timothy, Benjamin and Lillian Kolb, Evan Haines, Bryce Haines and his wife Lilly, Hayley and Hannah Haines, Marjorie, Rebecca and Robin Miller. She was awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 7th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, April 8th at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Her internment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Princeton on April 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.