Beatrice L. Holland

Chicopee-Beatrice L. (Murray) Holland, 90, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018.She was born to Reed B. Murray and Ethel M. (Bristol) Murray on April 19, 1928, and has one brother Gordon Murray (predeceased). Beatrice was predeceased by her husband Leon Holland and had 8 children: Patricia Tempelman, Debra (Jeannie) Palmer (predeceased), Terrie Palmer, Elsie Thurston (Ronnie husband), Franklin Holland, John Holland, Toni Larose (Bob husband), and Leon G. Holland (predeceased); 19 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and her beloved pet Birdie that she adopted and loved very much. Beatrice was an accomplished seamstress for many years. She also worked at the Breck Co. in W Spfld. and in her later years at Millie's Pierogies in Chicopee, where in her 70's, was highlighted on the local news as being "the fastest pierogi pincher".Beatrice's children, family, and pets were the most important things in her long life. She loved them greatly and was generous to a fault with all of them. She had the ability to "turn a penny into a dollar" to support her generous nature; a skill that is lost in today's world. She always made the most delicious home-cooked meals from scratch for her family (to this day we still talk about those meals). She scrimped and saved in order to rent a cottage for summer vacations each year, and made the holidays extra special with homemade gifts, food, and treasures she found throughout the year. She enjoyed feeding the ducks at Forest Park, summer tag sales, and finding treasures at the Goodwill. Our hearts are all sad at her passing, but the memories she has left us with was her most generous gift of all. No services will be held. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Elsie Thurston, 117 Sunrise Terrace, Springfield, MA 01119 or donations to the MSPCA. Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, Southwick, is entrusted with final arrangements.