Nancy Lou Alsvary Holden, 83, of Harrisburg (Chambers Hill), peacefully passed away in the presence of family on September 2, 2023, at Artis Senior Living West Shore. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph G.A. Holden. Nancy, born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on February 4, 1940, was the daughter of the late Louis and Rolandis Alsvary. Nancy graduated from Carlisle High School. Class of 1958. She attended West Chester College and earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from Penn State University. She also received her certification as a Reading Specialist. During her time in Carlisle, Nancy was a model for local Department Stores, Newspapers, and Magazines; often entering various local beauty pageants, a Dental Assistant for Ziegler Orthodontics, a Telephone Operator, and helped in the family owned Alsvary Grocery Store. Upon moving to Harrisburg, Nancy became a mother of two, taught Nursery School, participated in Welcome Wagon, had been a Member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and President of her chapter Xi Beta, and was even an Avon Lady. A parishioner of St. Catherine Laboure since 1965, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and also taught at St. Catherine’s School for 29 years. She loved teaching. It was in her soul. In many ways she was ahead of her time in educating children. Nancy, renowned for her culinary skills, was an avid Philadelphia Phillies, Penn State football, and Villanova basketball fan. When March Madness rolled around, Nancy was excited to fill out her brackets; very close to winning the pool a time or two. She enjoyed jazz music from Artists like Johnny Mathis to Nat King Cole. She loved to dance and had an artistic hand for drawing. Nancy had an affection for dogs, especially Scottie dogs. Throughout her life, Nancy was part of numerous causes and organizations. Many focused on introducing, reinforcing, and advancing the Christian Catholic faith. She was a wonderful, devoted mother and loving and supportive grandmother. A friend to all who had the good fortune to cross her path, Nancy is survived by her son, Matthew Holden (Michelle) of Brentwood, Tennessee, a daughter, Kristen Conway (Mike) of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, eight grandchildren Louis Guyer, Claire Holden, Addison Guyer, Joseph Holden, Benjamin Guyer, Robert Holden, Benjamin Holden, Jude Guyer, and two sisters, Frances Green, of Birmingham, Alabama and Barbara Persing, of Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. Visitation will be held at St. Catherine Laboure Church, 4000 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 9:30 A.M. A Roman Catholic Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be immediately after at Resurrection Cemetery. Flowers are welcome. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association, HopeForOurTimes.com, Samaritans Purse, or St Catherine Laboure.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neillharrisburg.com for the Holden family.
