Lena E. Holmdahl MD PhD

Lena E. Holmdahl, MD, PhD, 57, of Grafton, a dedicated and passionate physician, author, researcher, mentor and colo-rectal surgeon, passed away in her home on Saturday, December 24, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, after a twenty-eight month battle with brain cancer. Lena is survived by her loving wife, Rebecca Cintron of Grafton; two sons, Per Holmdahl and Anders Holmdahl; a brother, Olle Norin and his family; a sister, Ulla Lindorin and her family; aunts and uncles, Kerstin and Gunnar Hellgren and Sixten and Gunnel Wimby all in Sweden; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was born in Lerum, Sweden, a daughter of the late Tord and Maj-Britt (Wimby) Norin. Dr. Holmdahl graduated from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden where she earned her M.D and PhD. She was a practicing colo-rectal surgeon in Sweden for almost twenty years, and was well known throughout the medical community as an expert in adhesions and wound repair. In July of 2001, she joined the Genzyme Corporation, in Cambridge Massachusetts. She was the Therapeutic Area Head of the Bio-Surgery Division, at the time of her retirement in July of 2011. Throughout her career, Dr. Holmdahl continued to sponsor a medical research laboratory at the University Hospital Gothenburg, where she educated and mentored PhD students. Lively discussions and work on manuscripts and dissertations occurred at her home in Grafton. Although a Swedish citizen, Lena loved America and also considered The United States to be her home. Dr Holmdahl was actively pursuing United States citizenship until her death. She enjoyed gardening, woodworking and hiking. She studied Viking history throughout her illness and was referred to as "Our Viking" in her battle against cancer. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lena's memory may be made to a "No Kill" animal shelter of the donors' choice.