Amherst, Elizabeth “Betty” Holden, 81, of Amherst, wife of Herbert Holden, died Monday January 9, 2017 with her loved ones by her side.  She was born in Turner Falls to the late Peter and Mary Bergiel.  She worked in a variety of jobs over the years and was most recently employed as the administrative assistant to the Provost of UMASS.  Betty loved spending time out in her garden tending to her many flowers and watching the birds.  Her favorite was the cardinal.  She also loved relaxing with her family at the beach.  One thing is certain, her children were her priority, whether it was working in the school system so she would be home after school or driving them to their many commitments.  She would do anything for them.  Betty is survived by her sisters Agnes Dobez of Turner Falls, and Irene Russell of Hadley, and her three sons Jeff and his wife Shawnie of Kodiak, Alaska, Chris and his wife Kristin of Middletown, Connecticut, and Paul of Northampton, three grandchildren Michael and his wife Amanda, Jeffery and his wife Josette and Lindsey as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings Blanch Guilbault, Edward, Charlie and Raymond Bergiel.  The family would like to thank all the caregivers that were so amazing, especially Dr. and Mrs. Baecher and the staff at the Cooley Dickenson Hospital ICU.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Amherst.

Calling hours will be Friday January 13, 2017 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will follow in North Amherst Cemetery.