1926 – 2015
NORWAY — Claribel May Holden, 88, died Sunday, June 21, at Norway Center for Health & Rehabilitation, following a period of failing health.
She was born Nov. 25, 1926, in West Paris, the daughter of James Merton and Florence (Rollins) Holden. She attended West Paris schools but attained her GED from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in 1989 at the age of 63.
Claribel worked for 20 years in local shoe shops until their closure and then continued stitching at home for Fancy Stitchers of Lewiston for an additional 15 years. A talented seamstress, she took in mending and tailoring for many years, once sewing a new ragtop for a convertible.
A strong and independent Maine woman, she maintained her own home, including wood heat and a large garden, until her admission to residential care in October 2013. In addition, she created Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, sock monkeys, mittens, quilts and other crafts, winning many blue ribbons. She was famous for her baking as well, making dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies and birthday cakes for lucky recipients.
She loved to travel and took many bus trips with her friend, Mary Lovejoy. She was a voracious reader and had read the Bible from cover to cover. Claribel was a formidable Scrabble opponent.
Survivors include niece, Darlene Glover and husband, Raymond, of South Paris; nephews, Dr. Matthew Holden and wife, Colleen, of West Paris, and Albert Holden and wife, Nancy, of Arrey, N.M.; foster nephews, Clarence Faulkner and wife, Leigh, of Hebron and Timothy Fairbanks of Northglenn, Colo.; many beloved great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Clara loved her Pottle Road neighbors, Tom and Debbie Wiles and Jane and Wayne Lewis and the Lewis’ children and grandchildren, to whom she was an honorary “Grammie.”
She was predeceased by her parents; her three brothers, Albert Holden and wife, Margaret, Charles Holden and wife, Kathleen, and Peter Holden and wife, Maude.
The family wishes to thank Norway Center for Health & Rehabilitation for their expert, compassionate and personalized care of our Aunt Clara.
Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.
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