Obituary of Jean M. (Walsh) Holden

Jean (Walsh) Holden, of Peabody, died on Saturday March 26, 2011 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 78. She was born in Somerville, MA, the daughter of Edward T. and Agnes (Roache) Walsh. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1950. Jean is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of 51 years, Arthur E. Holden, Jr. Jean worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Holden Oil. Growing up in a close knit family of 6 girls, her sisters and their families were a source of great pride and joy, highlighted by a recent family reunion attended by over 125 members of the Walsh clan. She played tennis and golf, and was an avid reader and walker. Jean’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. Jean attended hundreds of sporting events over the years to cheer on her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time at her vacation home in New Hampshire swimming, playing games and golfing with her family. Jean and Arthur had many friends who they enjoyed spending time with, at home, in New Hampshire, and in Florida. In addition to her husband, Jean is survived by her children, daughter Donna Pallister and her husband Carl of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, son Chuck Holden and his wife Martha of Peabody, and daughter Kathy Bergeron and her husband Steve of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Jean was adored by her grandchildren, Elisabeth, Kristin, Tommy, Lauren, Sara, Keri, Anna, and Andrew. Jean is also survived by her sisters, Mary Crowe, Alice Barmarshi and her husband Peter, and Margaret Doncaster and her husband Francis, and was predeceased by her sisters Anne Penta and Ellen Callahan, and survived by their husbands, Joe Penta and Bob Callahan. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 9:00 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. If should desire, donations can be made in her name to a charity of one’s choice. For directions and on-line obituary, visit www.ccbfuneral.com