Mrs. Mary D. (Gosselin) Holt

NEW HARTFORD - Mrs. Mary D. (Gosselin) Holt, a gentle woman on this side of heaven, went home to the Lord on February 16, 2023 at the age of 101½ years, and now finds peace in His presence. At the time of her crossing over, she was in the loving thoughts and company of her family. Born in North Stratford, New Hampshire on May 5, 1921, Mary was the daughter of the late Delphus and Delvena (LaCasse) Gosselin. She was of French Canadian descent, and hailed from a humble working family. During the Great Depression, in order for all their siblings to survive, Mary and her 2 sisters were raised by nuns in Springfield, Vermont. As her sister, Andrea became of age, Mary embraced those years of her life and returned them to their original home in Springfield. She was proud to have graduated from Springfield High School in 1940, and shortly after, she migrated to Utica for better opportunities. She enrolled in a 2-year college which enabled her to learn the responsibilities of a “Lab Technician” of that era. On August 10, 1946, at St. Mary’s Church in Springfield, Vermont, Mary wed Martin J. Holt. They met as young adults and were in admiration of one another, but because it was during World War II, and she was blessed with a deep faith in God, she held her husband in her heart and prayed for his safe return. The Lord heard her petitions and Martin made it home safely. On the day of her marriage, Mary wore part of her husband’s parachute fashioned as part of her wedding gown, a sacred treasure. During their 59 years together, their Roman Catholic faith was their foundation. As parents, they were blessed with a family who knew of their love; they bonded, persevered, and led everyone through any hardships and celebrated joyous moments prior to Martin’s passing on May 12, 2005. With her medical background as a Lab Technician, Mary began working at Rhoades Hospital caring for prisoners of war. It was her first opportunity to show her unique concern and compassion for humanity. She held so much history in her heart during those years, an experience that formed her formidable strength that lasted her lifetime. When she was raising her children she remained at home to instill in them her love and guidance. She was an amazing, astute example of living the Lord’s teachings in raising her children as Christians. She returned to her occupation working as a health care provider until the time of her retirement. Mary was a strong-willed woman and matriarch, yet kindness flourished from her sincere heart. As a family, they lived a simple, honest life, always grateful for the love and blessings of her home life. She was so proud that her household was a haven for many good times. Holidays and special occasions were always celebrated with her unique flair. She often provided a time-honored dinner of Irish boiled meal. She was a traditional wife, mom, and seamstress, embracing those factors with ease, during an era that made them emblematic. She developed a great physical constitution which allowed her years of longevity. She was an avid reader, and fiction entertained her as her genre of choice. Sitting in the sun and reading was an ultimately good day. She often reminisced the wonderful times in Liquillo Beach, Puerto Rico. Mary and Martin owned a simple abode at Third Lake just past Old Forge and it became a 2nd home where all were welcomed. Many memorable times were had, along with music, lights strung, good food, family, and friends. She adored her children as much as any mother could, and when she received the gift of grandchildren, they enhanced her life even more. She also enjoyed her 4th generation, her great-grandchildren ~ they were a glimmer in her eye, and the final jewels of her life. She engaged with them and instilled core virtues in them. Mary believed the biblical verse, “But by the grace of God go I. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you”. Mary worked hard to be a protective mother, from education to ethical principles, always on the straight and narrow. She knew how to rebuke any situation, and her children never remember a cross word when she was teaching them. Hers was a fulfilled and well-lived life, enshrined with cherished memories. Mary was an active member of St. Thomas Church in New Hartford for many years. She and Martin were founding members, active on many levels, and relied upon for their good judgement. Her faith and trust was rooted in the Lord and the Blessed Mother, and she devoted her prayers and life to them. She imparted wisdom and imbued kindness in all her tasks. May God remember all the ways she served him faithfully. She is now in peace and home in heaven with her husband who she dearly missed. Mary is survived by her children, Thomas M., Sr. (Cynthia) Holt, twin daughters, Catherine M. (John) Nobles and Kathleen H. (Philip/Retired UPD) Taurisano, and Michael D. (Elizabeth) Holt; cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Jr. (Kristen) Holt, Matthew Holt and Scott Carpenter, Rebecca (Gregory) Corso, Jacquelyn Loiacano and Shawn Holt; Kimberley (Brian) Lindley, Reneé (Todd) Spears; Robert (Kaylin) Sanderl, Kelly (Matthew) Grover, Courtney (Michael) Sprague, Philip A. (Kimberly) Taurisano; Jessica (Padraigh) Tully, and Rachel (Brian) Seitz; and a multitude of great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her siblings, Andrea Bush, Germaine “Jimmy” Gosselin, Dominick Gosselin, and Gracia Grover. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their families; and her many friendships formed over the years. The family extends sincere appreciation to Theresa King/CNA for the inseparable bond she formed with Mary that spanned over 12 years. She was kind, gentle, and the one who was trusted by Mary and the family to look over her as if she were one of her own, …forever grateful for loving her so much. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon, February 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee Street. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/c/JoeSalernoOLOL. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Mary's honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Green Lawn Cemetery in New Hartford at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Mary D. (Gosselin) Holt

May 5, 1921 - February 16, 2023