Elizabeth Maria Holderried

Elizabeth “Betty” Holderried, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by her family. Survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Holderried, son John Holderried and wife Michele Speruta, daughter Elizabeth Miller, her husband John Miller, and grandchildren Abigail Miller and Jack Miller. She was the daughter of the late Edward F. Swist and Katerina Swist, and sister to the late Carol Meunier-Swist.

Born in Boston, MA, Betty was raised and lived in Westwood most of her life. Graduating from Westwood High School in 1959, Betty continued her education obtaining a Masters in Music from Boston University in 1974. Betty was an accomplished pianist, organist and violinist. Having perfect pitch, she was known for being able to transpose music by ear at the piano and to play classical, Broadway, and popular songs from the 40s and 50s by memory.

Betty and Joe were married at St. Margaret Mary Church in Westwood and she spent many years as their organist and a choir member. As members of the Secular Franciscan Order, Betty and Joe were dedicated to service and helping others. Betty organized fundraisers for relocation goods and clothing for Boston area immigrants, she crocheted hats and scarves for organizations helping the unhomed in Boston, and volunteered with many Catholic charities. Betty and Joe also self-published a monthly newsletter to help build community and provide resources for members of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Boston for many years.

Betty was a K-5 music teacher in all three Canton Elementary Schools for over 38 years. In her later years, teaching children of her former students who still lived in Canton was one of her great joys. Betty loved sharing her passion for music. She created high energy choral concerts for all her students and directed full length musical theatre productions with her fifth graders every year. Betty and Joe also formed a non-profit theater company to produce musicals with Westwood teens.

Betty was deeply devoted to her family and most of all, Joe, as they shared their 60th wedding anniversary last July. Betty loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also lovingly created crocheted afghan blankets as gifts and baby blankets for every new member of her extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., Westwood on Thursday May 21st from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday May 22nd at 10am at St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in her name to My Brother’s Keeper https://www.mybrotherskeeper.org/