Obituary of Jean Hanna Holden

Jean Hanna Holden: A life filled with Love, Laughter and Loyalty

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jean Hanna Holden on Friday, October 18, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 20, 1930, to Bertha Macristy Hanna and James D. Hanna. Jean and her late husband R. Stuart Holden Sr., the love of her life, were married for 40 years. Jean and Stuart were long time residents of Wethersfield, CT, Glastonbury, CT, and East Orleans, MA. Jean attended Oxford School in Hartford, CT and Mount Vernon Seminary in Washington DC.  

After the passing of her husband, Jean became the Chairwoman of The Keeney Manufacturing Company for over 20 years. The Keeney Manufacturing Company, in Newington, CT. was founded in 1923 by Jean's mother, Bertha Macristy Hanna, and was the first manufacturing company in the state to be incorporated by a woman. Her husband, Stuart, and subsequently, their children and grandchildren led the organization to international success in the hardware industry.  

Jean was a daughter who cherished her parents, a wife who embraced life with a joyful, adventuresome spirit, a mother who dedicated herself to nurturing and guiding with unconditional love, and a grandmother who delighted in her grandchildren’s laughter and interests. Many knew her as a friend who offered a listening ear and a generous heart. Jean was a woman who made the world a brighter place. Her artistic talents, creativity, and passion for life brought a touch of her unique artistry to everything she undertook, from the beauty of her exquisite gardens, her intricate needlepoint creations to her masterful cooking, and designing her homes. For all her life she was an enthusiastic traveler. Jean was an active tennis player and energetic boater with her husband Stuart. Jean was an avid reader who thoroughly enjoyed a full variety of genres of the written word.

Jean’s legacy will live on in her family and the hearts of those she touched. She is survived by her four children: Stuart Holden and wife Holly, Virginia (Sissie) Atkins and husband Ned, Jessica Holden, James Holden and wife Cheri.  Her nine grandchildren include Alexandra and husband Maximilian Terhalle; Stuart Holden, III and wife Karen; Caroline and husband Edward Lewis; Sarah Atkins; Edwin Atkins III and wife Jessica; William Atkins and wife Amanda; Andrew Holden and wife Elizabeth; Gordon Holden and wife Caileen; Kelley Holden and husband Geordie Easterbrook.  Her 20 great-grandchildren: Felicity, Friedrich, Caroline, and Constantin Terhalle; Charlotte and Stuart, IV Holden; Kinsley and Isabelle Lewis; Julianna Atkins; Hannah, Emma, and Grace Atkins; Wyatt and Jaxon Atkins; Woodrow and Hugo Holden; Parry, Ryder, and Olivia Holden; and Luna Easterbrook. 

Jean Holden will be remembered for her vibrant personality, kind spirit, and remarkable love for family, friends, and her very spoiled dogs. Though she may be gone, her memory will continue to shine brightly, reminding us to embrace life with the same passion and joie de vivre she shared with the world.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Children’s Foundation Inc., Attn: Memorial Gifts, PO Box 41290, Boston, MA 02241-2901 or give.connecticutchildrens.org. Please include Jean Hanna Holden in the memo line. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.