Rita C. (Arell) Nygard, the Town of Holden’s oldest resident at age 102, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in the presence of her loving niece, Lenore Souza, at Holden Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.  She was born on May 12, 1915 in Auburn, the daughter of Louis and Lena (DeLude) Arell.

Rita was a graduate of Holden High School and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, serving the last 17 years as Postmaster of the Jefferson Post Office.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson and its Sodality Group, the Holden Garden Club, the National Association of Postmasters, and fundraised for many years on behalf of Easter Seals.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband, sisters, cousins, and others, especially to Europe, Maine, and Florida, as well as taking cruises to the Caribbean Islands.  Rita was a great cook and loved to entertain, hosting many holiday parties for family and friends.  She also enjoyed playing cards and bingo.

Her beloved husband of 69 years, Edwin N. Nygard, passed away in 2005.  Rita is predeceased by her sisters, Jeanette L. Morin of Leominster and Lorraine E. Fleming of Worcester/Holden; and brothers, Rene R. Arell of Jefferson and Richard A. Arell of Holden.  She will be lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law, Joseph (Armand) Morin; sister-in-law, Blanche Arell; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rita’s family on Monday, August 14, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, until leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson for a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.  Entombment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, P.O. Box 2200, Jefferson, MA 01522 or Easter Seals, 484 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.