PHYLLIS HOLDEN

PHYLLIS (SHAND) HOLDEN - BURLINGTON - Phyllis (Shand) Holden, 87, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, in the Starr Farm Nursing Center. Phyllis was born on Dec. 21, 1926, in Pittsfield, Mass., the daughter of Edith (Fraser) and Howard Shand. She lived in many cities and towns in various states growing up because her dad worked for a construction company and the family traveled where the work was. During her high school years, they lived in Burlington where she graduated from Burlington High School. On Nov. 20, 1946, Phyllis married William "Bill" Holden. It had been her dream to marry young and have children and grandchildren. She achieved her dream by raising four children who gave her eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She loved and lived for her family. She is survived by her husband, Bill Holden of Burlington; son, Dave Holden and his wife, Helen, of Burlington; daughter, Judi Gillilan of Fletcher; son, Howard Holden of Fletcher; daughter, Sandi Seaver and her husband, Jeff, of Ferrisburgh; grandchildren, Tracie and Jim Foster, Matt Holden, Sara and Justin Couture, Justin Holden, Donny and Jennifer Gillilan, Deborah (Gillilan) Kendall, Jodie and Michael Casarico, and Jessica Robair and her fiance, Kent Wright V; and the 17 great-grandchildren, Skyelen Riley, Adia and Declan Couture, Corinne, Mike, Madison, Chelsea and Cameron Casarico, Christopher, Courtney and Alexander Loomis, Sarah Jean Wright, Tyler Gillilan, Bethany (Kendall), Covey, and Charlie, Jeffrey and Jaymi Kendall. Also surviving Phyllis is her sister, Dottie Ignawzewski of Essex Junction; her brother, Howard Shand and his wife, Regina, of Carbondale, Ill.; brother-in-law, Cameron Pundt of Broken Arrow, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was predeceased by her sisters, Marion Shand and Shirley Pundt; her son-in-law, Lester Gillilan; and brother-in-law, Frank Ignawzewski. Phyllis's family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Pillsbury Manor South and Starr Farm Nursing Center. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church at 61 Main St., in Essex Junction. Visiting hours will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.