Shrewsbury – Sarah Holovnia (Thomasian), 94 passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on April 30, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Joseph T. Holovnia on March 30, 2022, and her sisters Beatrice Robledo, Susan Thomasian and Helen Thomasian.
Sarah was born in France during the fearful Armenian diaspora – midway between the land of her ancestors and the land of new beginnings. The child of parents fleeing terror and seeking opportunity, she would come to fulfil the American promise by living a long, peaceful, and rewarding life. She would learn English in a rural schoolhouse. She would be raised in a triple decker, over her father’s butcher shop. She would graduate from Commerce High School and contribute to the war effort as a welder of chain.
Her artistic talents found her enrolled in Boston’s George Vesper School of Art, leading to a more than a two-decade career in rendering and sketching, and retailing the latest fashions for Filene’s, Jordan Marsh, and Macy’s apparel offerings. She would marry Joe, purchase a home in Shrewsbury, and enjoy a 67-year marriage, raising with him their four children. She would live a life immersed in the music of her husband and children – professional musicians all. Over the years, the family so often enjoyed trips to Ogunquit beach and countless Church fairs sharing the culture and food of her homeland.
Sarah’s art graces so many walls. They are pictures of nature and culture, scenes of the world’s beauty as she saw them. Her colorful palette reflected her view of this world. And Sarah was a voracious reader, mysteries being her favorite genre. Her grasp of language and vocabulary conquered all crossword challenges. But of greatest importance, Sarah was a gentle spirit, a powerful yet quiet defender and supporter of her family, an extraordinary care giver, with eyes that with each glance afforded kindness and wisdom. Those bright eyes will be sorely missed.
She leaves behind her son Mark Holovnia, his wife Mary and adored granddaughter Jaclyn, three daughters Karin Holovnia and her partner Jim French of Sterling, Lisa Welty and her husband Jim of York, Pa., Kristin Holovnia and her partner Skip von Kuske of Portland Oregon, her sister Tami Roche of Marshfield and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held Monday, May 9th 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel 370 Plantation Street, Worcester,Ma 01605.
To leave a note of condolence for the family please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to The Armenian Church of Our Savior, 87 Salisbury St. Worcester (508) 756-2931.
