Jean Holden, 83

Born: Bridgeport
Lived: Shelton

Jean Smart Holden, age 83, beloved wife of Harry A. Holden, passed away on November 24, 2013 at the home of her son, Mark S. Holden, in Shelton, CT. At her bedside were her husband Harry, son Mark S. Holden and his wife Wendy Winkworth Holden, daughter Janis Holden-Toruno and her husband Eric J. Toruno-Holden. Jean Holden was born in Bridgeport, CT on July 11, 1930. Shortly after her graduation from Harding High School in 1948, she married Harry in what would be a 65-year love affair that resultedin three children and much happiness.

In 1950, Jean joined the Order of the Amaranth and served as the Royal Matron in 1967 and as secretary for the following ten years.She was the Grand Royal Matron of the Amaranth for the State of Connecticut from 1977-1978 and served as a Deputy Supreme Royal Matron for the World-wide Order of the Amaranth on several occasions. In that capacity, she visited Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. She and Harry loved traveling and visited most of Europe and North America. Upon retirement in 1986 from the Holden Agency, Jean and Harry moved to Naples, FL, but returned each summer to Connecticut to visit family and friends.

Jean is survived by her husband Harry, son Mark and his wife Wendy, daughter Janis and her husband Eric, son William and his wife Cheryl, grandsons David Merrill, Steven Holden, and Thomas Holden and his wife Nicole and by great grandchildren Skye, Cape, and Kali.

Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm.Burial will be at the convenience of the family.