Ruth Holland

Gardner- Ruth E. (Fay) Holland, 103, of Gardner, died peacefully at her home on Sunday January 13, 2013 with her friends and niece at her side. She was born on November 12, 1909 in Lancaster, MA, she was the youngest of eleven children to the late Ellis and Celia (Keyes) Fay. Ruth lived many years in Lancaster, prior to her marriage to Joseph “Harold” Holland. She worked as a secretary at Goodnow-Pearson Clothing and Furniture in Gardner and later at Simplex Time Recorder in Gardner until her retirement. Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gardner. Although she was unable to attend services, she appreciated the many visits by her pastor, Rev, James Hinds. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards with friends, knitting and going out to eat, especially at The Hen House, for her omelet. She was a lover of animals, peacefully enjoying the companionship of her cat Smokey. Ruth leaves behind two special friends, Leo and Lena Melanson. Early on they enjoyed good times and vacationed together. In later years, the Melanson’s became her devoted caretakers. Because of their loving care 7 days a week, Ruth was allowed to stay in her home until the time of her death. She also leaves behind her nephew, John Fay and his wife Jane of Leominster, her niece, Lucille Demaree of Kentucky, her great-niece, Carol Henrickson and her husband Roy of Oquossoc, Maine, and great-nephew, Mark Stowell and his wife Jeannie of Hubbardston, MA. The family would like to thank Ruth’s doctors, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Reddy and would also like to thank the staff at GVNA Healthcare of Gardner for their dedicated loving care and expertise. A graveside service officiated by the Rev. James Hinds, will be held on Wednesday January 16, 2012 in the Eastwood Cemetery 330 Old Common Road, Lancaster at 10:00AM. All those that are planning on attending, please meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Donations in Ruth’s name may be made to the First Baptist of Gardner, 14 High Street, Gardner, MA 01440 For more information or to sign our online guestbook, please visit our website at www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon Street, Gardner, MA is assisting with arrangements $(document).ready(function(){ });