Matilda A Holland

Matilda "Tillie" A. (Galli) Holland, 72, of Grafton and Dennis Port, formerly of Millbury, passed away, Sunday, September 20, 2009, at home surrounded by her loving family. Her husband, Gerald F. Holland, predeceased her in October 2002. Tillie is survived by a daughter, Donna M. Dunn and her husband David, with whom she lived; two sons, Gerald "Jim" Holland and his wife Cheri of Grafton and Daniel Holland and his wife Gina of Millbury; two brothers, Arthur "Teo" Galli of Sherman Oaks, California and Hugo Galli of Shrewsbury; five sisters, Ida R. Blood of Shrewsbury, Gloria Meola of West Boylston, Alice Michaud, Mary Trent, and Dora Caputo all of Worcester; eight grandchildren, Courtney, Nicholas and Zachary Dunn, Sarah, Jacob, Jesse, Polly, and Domenic Holland; her long time friend and travel companion, John Doherty of Millbury; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was pre-deceased by six brothers and sisters, John, Victor and Domenic Galli; Grace Langowski, Viola Dusak and Assunta Butler. Tillie was born in Worcester, the youngest of fourteen children, to Paul and Anna (Antinarella) Galli. Matilda and her husband, owned and operated J & B Auto Repair for many years, before retiring. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the Scandinavian Athletic Club Ladies Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed the beach and her home on Cape Cod. Her trips to Florida in the Winter allowed her to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the beach all year. Tillie enjoyed travel, dancing and socializing with friends and relatives. She enjoyed all that life had offered her, but her most cherished gift was her family. The funeral for Matilida will be held Thursday, September 24, from MERCADATNE FUNERALHOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church 1290 Grafton Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint Philip's Cemetery, Grafton. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 23, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home. To sign her personal on-line guest book please visit mercadantefuneral.com