Helen S. Harding

HOLDEN – Helen S. Harding, 101, a lifelong servant of the Holden community, died peacefully at the Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in West Boylston on the evening of Friday, June 29, 2012. Helen was born in Worcester on February 16, 1911, the daughter of Charles E. and Amy Louise (Randall) Snow, and lived most of her life in Holden.

Her loving husband of 46 years, Kenneth C. Harding died in 1980. Helen is survived by her daughter, Nola H. Branche of Hudson, Florida; three grandchildren, Lorna S. Gross, John K. Stotz and Susan E. Swenson; four great grandchildren; Melissa, Sarah, and Jessica Gross, and Nicholas Swenson; one great great granddaughter; and several nephews and nieces.

Helen graduated from Holden High School and went on to study teaching at the former Normal School in Worcester, now Worcester State College. She taught elementary school in Auburn and at the Rice Elementary School in Holden. Although she had a passion for teaching and nurturing eager young minds, Helen decided to move on to a life of public service when she joined the Gale Free Library in Holden in 1948 as an assistant to her mother, librarian Amy L. Snow. She replaced her mother as head librarian in 1959, and remained in that position until her retirement in 1984. During Helen’s tenure as Head Librarian, the Gale Free Library began offering bookmobile services, acquired video equipment, initiated “Talking Books” services for blind and physically handicapped citizens, and improved the inter-library loan service. Helen held office in regional, state, and New England library associations. In 1978 Helen received the “Golden Deed Award”, an award earned by Holden town citizens who unselfishly serve the community. Her legacy lives in the hearts and minds of her students and in all of those who have benefited from her years at the Gale Free Library, and beyond.

Helen was a member of the first Holden Cable Committee, which formed in 1980, and was one of the first Holden residents to take a class preparing them to do filming, editing, and programming for local access television. By 1990, she had worked on more than 250 cable projects, and was producer/director of several popular local access TV series, including “On the Arts” and “The Law Journal.” Helen remained active serving on the Holden Cable Committee and doing TV productions until 2001. Throughout the years she was an active volunteer with several other organizations in Holden, including the Congregational Church.

Helen chose to serve others even in death by donating her body to the advancement of scientific research. A memorial service honoring Helen’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 26 at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Immediately following the service, all are welcome to join in an informal gathering of family, friends and acquaintances in the nearby Helen S. Harding Library Park, adjacent to the Gale Free Library, to celebrated her life further by sharing their stories and fond memories.

Donations in Helen’s name may be made to the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is assisting the family with arrangements.

To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com