Marie Claire Holden, 74, of Sacandaga Road, Perth, passed and began her journey home Tuesday evening December 17, 2013 at St. Mary's Healthcare, Amsterdam NY. She was surrounded by her loving children. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on July 7, 1939, a daughter of Marcel and Rita Couture Dunn. She was a 1957 graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy in St. Johnsbury. Marie resided in Perth since 1964. Mrs. Holden was employed at the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District for 30 years where she was greatly loved. She brought happiness to the entire staff through her laughter and fun-loving ways. She retired as district clerk and the administrative assistant to the superintendent in 1999. She was also a volunteer at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville for five years . She enjoyed many things in life and cooking was one of her greatest passions. She also enjoying traveling, golfing, quilting and spending time with her grandchildren. Marie engaged in a very active social life and was always content when spending time with family and friends. She was warm and compassionate towards everyone she met. Anyone who knew Marie, loved Marie. She embraced life and lived it to the fullest. She married Scott H. Holden, Sr. on June 27, 1959. He died May 17, 1994. Survivors include a son, Scott H. Holden, Jr. and his wife, Geeta, of Huntingtown, MD; three daughters, Sharon H. Riter and her husband, Scott, of Rochester, Susan H. Holden and her husband, Chris Hilly, of Perth, and Sandra H. Holden and her husband, Andrew Rosenberg, of Westchester; a brother, Albert Dunn of St. Johnsbury, VT; two sisters, Suzanne Dunn of Carpinteria, CA, and Jeannette (Kerry) Keenan of St. Johnsbury, VT; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Sean, Ritamarie, Kaitlyn, Michael, Elisabeth, Eric, Chelsea, Haley, and Maegan; her beloved grand dogs, Maggie and Teddie; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation was performed at Park View Crematorium, Schenectady. Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 1 - 3 pm at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 & Black Street) Johnstown followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3 pm conducted by Marie's sister, Rev. Suzanne Dunn. Reception will follow at the Perth Town Municipal building 1849 County Highway 107 (across from Broadalbin-Perth Middle School) Final burial will take place in the spring at St. Johnsbury Cemetery, Vermont. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice or to the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, both in care of the funeral home.