1933
Helen
2025
Helen Mae Gustafson Holmes
July 18, 1933 — February 28, 2025
HOLDEN - Helen Mae Gustafson Holmes, 91, of Holden, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, after a period of declining health.
Helen was born in Worcester, the daughter of Gunnar Manfrid and Elsie Judith (Carlson) Gustafson. She worked for many years for International Industries, performing administrative duties required for imports and exports from Korea. After retirement, she was an active volunteer at the Holden Senior Center. She was the Treasurer of the Friends of the Holden Council on Aging for many years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2009 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Helen also helped with newsletter mailings, the weekly coffee shop, and the yearly craft fair and gift cart.
Helen enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including gardening and spotting lady slippers in the woods around her property. She liked feeding the birds outside. She was an avid reader, audiobook listener, knitter, and enjoyed challenging crossword puzzles. She enjoyed baking a fresh batch of Christmas cookies for her family and friends.
She leaves behind her children, Susan B. McCoy and her husband, James of Worcester, MA, Lisa G.H. Webber of Rochester, NH, Sara S. Farmer and her husband, Alan of Lexington, KY, Laura T. Pierce of Whiting, ME; a sister, Judith Anderson of Suwanee, GA; 6 grandchildren, Amie Genthner and her husband, Pete of Barrington NH, Emilee Webber of Derry, NH, Khoury McCoy of Worcester, MA, Molly Pierce and her partner, Wen Le of Honolulu, HI, Ryan Pierce and his wife, Caitlyn of Mililani, HI, Ben Farmer of New Orleans, LA; and 6 great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Rianna Genthner, Norah and Lillian Smith, Oliver and Robin Le; and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, R. Taylor Holmes, Jr., who passed in 2000; and her sister, Ruth Holmes, who passed in 2010
She was known for being kind to everyone who crossed her path, even as her health declined, she never complained. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester for their compassionate care of Helen.
Services will be private. Donations in memory of Helen may be made to the Friends of Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden. To view Helen’s online tribute or leave a message for the family please visit her tribute wall.
Helen was born in Worcester, the daughter of Gunnar Manfrid and Elsie Judith (Carlson) Gustafson. She worked for many years for International Industries, performing administrative duties required for imports and exports from Korea. After retirement, she was an active volunteer at the Holden Senior Center. She was the Treasurer of the Friends of the Holden Council on Aging for many years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2009 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Helen also helped with newsletter mailings, the weekly coffee shop, and the yearly craft fair and gift cart.
Helen enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including gardening and spotting lady slippers in the woods around her property. She liked feeding the birds outside. She was an avid reader, audiobook listener, knitter, and enjoyed challenging crossword puzzles. She enjoyed baking a fresh batch of Christmas cookies for her family and friends.
She leaves behind her children, Susan B. McCoy and her husband, James of Worcester, MA, Lisa G.H. Webber of Rochester, NH, Sara S. Farmer and her husband, Alan of Lexington, KY, Laura T. Pierce of Whiting, ME; a sister, Judith Anderson of Suwanee, GA; 6 grandchildren, Amie Genthner and her husband, Pete of Barrington NH, Emilee Webber of Derry, NH, Khoury McCoy of Worcester, MA, Molly Pierce and her partner, Wen Le of Honolulu, HI, Ryan Pierce and his wife, Caitlyn of Mililani, HI, Ben Farmer of New Orleans, LA; and 6 great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Rianna Genthner, Norah and Lillian Smith, Oliver and Robin Le; and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, R. Taylor Holmes, Jr., who passed in 2000; and her sister, Ruth Holmes, who passed in 2010
She was known for being kind to everyone who crossed her path, even as her health declined, she never complained. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester for their compassionate care of Helen.
Services will be private. Donations in memory of Helen may be made to the Friends of Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden. To view Helen’s online tribute or leave a message for the family please visit her tribute wall.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Mae Gustafson Holmes, please visit our flower store.
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