Jean M. Holden

Jean M. (Watkinson) Holden, age 78, of Fall River, died Saturday, January 22, 2011 in Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was the wife of Paul P. Holden Sr., to whom she has been married for the past 54 years.

Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late John Watkinson IV and Rose D. (Frain) Watkinson, she had been a lifelong area resident.

A graduate of Joseph Case High School, she worked at the Fall River Career Center at the time of her passing. Her prior work experience helping others included Nazareth Hall and the Association for Retarded Citizens in Fall River. Mrs. Holden enjoyed spending time with her family and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by six sons: Paul P. Holden Jr. and his wife Amy of Clifton, VA, Richard J. Holden III, Joseph C. Holden and his wife Cheryl, Kevin J. Holden, and Shawn M. Holden, all of Fall River, and Michael P. Holden and his wife Kristi of Hingham, MA. She is also survived by four sisters and two brothers: Dolores Trombley and Marlene Couitt of Warren, RI, Beverly LeBreux and her husband Raymond of South Windsor, CT., Ellen Forest of Livingston, NJ, Clinton Watkinson and his wife Monica of Swansea, and Edward Watkinson and his wife Joan of Cranston, RI. She is further survived by twenty-one grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was sister of the late Irene Charles, and John, William, Donald, and Robert Watkinson.

Her Funeral will be held Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE 178 Winter St. Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St. Fall River. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00PM. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 2233 Robeson Street, Fall River.