Nelda Marie Heiner Holden

Nelda H. HoldenNelda Marie Heiner Holden, 87, of Belmont, Vermont, died May 3, 2012, at Life Care Center of Longmont, Colorado.She was born August 9, 1924, in Perryville, MO, the daughter of Walter Herman and Mildred (Thomas) Heiner. Nelda graduated from Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, MO, a suburb of St. Louis, in 1942. On Oct 18, 1942 she married William P. Goode in Lincoln, NE, just before his deployment in the Army Air Corps. She attended Southeast Missouri State College and graduated from University of Missouri, receiving a BS Education in 1947 and an MA Speech Pathology and Audiology in 1949. The Goodes raised three daughters in Dallas, TX, and divorced in 1978.After receiving her BS, Nelda was employed as an instructor in Speech at Stephens College, Columbia, MO, and as instructor/supervisor of the Speech and Hearing Clinic University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. From 1967 until retirement in 1986, she was Educational Audiologist for the Callier Hearing and Speech Center, Dallas, TX, where she also participated in research projects and taught at DCCC “ Eastfield College.On September 22, 1984, Nelda married James F. Holden of Belmont, VT, and joined the Belmont community in 1986. Although Mr. Holden predeceased her in 1994, she continued through the rest of her life to appreciate the love and quality of life he brought to her, and to cherish the interests they shared. Nelda relished her friendships with Mount Holly residents of several generations. Inspired by Jim's community involvement, she enthusiastically served on the boards of the Mt. Holly Community Association, the Mount Holly Town Library (treasurer), and the Mount Holly Community Historical Museum (membership), as well as the Mechanicsville Cemetery Association, the Garden Club and the Community Guild. Nelda was an avid reader, participating in several reading groups, reading to school children, and helping to organize the Mt. Holly school library. Eclectically, she enjoyed politics and p try, world travel and local festivals, the Metropolitan Opera and the Vermont Symphony, European art museums and collecting local artists. One of her greatest pleasures was driving Vermont byways, viewing the scenery and enjoying the fast curves. Having been a founding member of the Dallas MG Car Club, as a young woman she successfully competed in sports car rallies, and at various times owned ragtop convertibles: an MG, a Jaguar, and a Fiat. Her zest for life never left her. Survivors include three daughters: Darcy Juday (Richard) of Longmont, CO, Dana Goode (Stephen Weaver) of Baltimore, MD, and Jil Freund (Ken) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Tyler and Samuel Wittlinger, Brooks and Eria Goodweaver, and Matthew Weaver; and Jim's four grandchildren. Although Jim predeceased her in 1994, she continued the rest of her life in appreciation of the love and quality of life he brought to her. Her family would like to express their appreciation for the warmth and friendship of the Mount Holly community and for their caring support during her illness. A memorial service will be held at the Odd Fellows Hall, Belmont, VT on the evening of July 2. Burial will follow at the New Mechanicsville Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Holly Rescue Squad, Mount Holly Town Library or the Mount Holly Museum.