NORWAY — Iva Roxana Holden, 84, of Norway, passed away Monday, April 2.
She was born Dec. 17, 1933, in Waterford, to George Allen and Marilla (Bell-Hersey) Allen. She went to Norway High School and worked at the Norway Shoe Shop before joining the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and became a medical specialist until discharge. Iva received a degree in theology from Tennessee Temple Bible School in 1958.
After her first discharge she also spent a bit of time working at Stephens Memorial Hospital, where she met Donald Payson Holden of Norway, while he was recovering from an accident/amputation. She re-enlisted in the WAC and was honorably discharged after a tour in Germany, and then married Donald P. Holden on April 4, 1964. They had one child, Pearl Marion Holden (Ivey), in Norway, and built a home there where they would spend the rest of 50 years of married life together.
Iva was a devoted wife with unbounded enthusiasm, optimistic outlook and a generous heart. She enjoyed yard sales in her early married years, meeting people, Bible studies and church. She was a loving wife to Donald and caretaker/homemaker for her family. People who knew her well will remember her quirky and loving spirit.
She was predeceased by her sweetheart, Don, in 2014; two older sisters, Clarice Gibson and Marion Tucker. She also has two younger brothers, Daniel Allen and John Allen. She has one grandson, Kyle Steven Ivey, who serves as a dentist in the Army at Fort Bragg, one of several bases where Iva was stationed during her military career.
She enjoyed helping people and will be greatly missed.
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