WEST BOYLSTON-Elna V. (Segelson) Holm of West Boylston passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at the age of 97, just 2 months shy of her 98th birthday. She was married for 40 years to Harry R. Holm who died in 1982.
She leaves her special caregivers-daughter Donna V. (Holm) Holt and grandson Scott R. Holt of West Boylston as well as Scott’s wife Helen and children Matthew J.R., Nathan and Kelsey. She leaves a son Robert R. Holm and his wife JoAnn of Great Barrington, MA., grandchildren, great grandchildren and several cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by son Paul H. Holm, son-in-law Richard C. Holt, infant grandson Matthew R. Holt and her sister Myrtle R. Friberg.
Elna (Ellie) was born in Worcester daughter of Charles C. and Nora M. (Solberg) Segelson and educated in the Worcester school system. She was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church in West Boylston, a former member of Clement and Wachusett Chapters of the Order of Eastern Star, a former member of the West Boylston Senior Citizens, the West Boylston Historic Society, and the Women’s Club of West Boylston. She enjoyed the company of special friends who called themselves the “Golden Girls”. In addition to raising her family and maintaining the home she so loved, she helped her husband put their three children through college by working first at the former Crossroads Restaurant and later at the IGA Market in West Boylston.
Elna was a fabulous homemaker and cook who was very proud of her Swedish/Norwegian heritage as evidenced by her love of Christmas and especially the Christmas Eve smorgasbord. Her home was always warm and inviting, and she loved sharing the handiwork of knitting and crocheting that her Norwegian mother had taught her as a child. She enjoyed precious time with her loved ones and was a joy to share life with. She loved traveling with her daughter especially their many country drives exploring New England and their favorite places in Maine and Vermont, picnics, fun lunches and dinners together. She was a dynamic, intelligent, strong willed woman with a zest for life who took great pride in all that she accomplished. Elna cherished the home she and her husband built in West Boylston in 1955 and, with the help of her daughter and grandson, was able to maintain it until the time of her passing.
At her request a simple graveside service will be held in Mount Vernon Cemetery on Monday, August 8 at 2pm where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA c/o Nevin’s Farm, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130. Arrangements are in the care of Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston Street.