Marcelline G. Holtje, 79

WELLESLEY, MASS. — Marcelline “Marcie” Govoni Holtje, a lifelong resident of Wellesley Mass. and a 30-year summer resident of North Sebago, Maine, passed away on July 15, 2013, after living with Alzheimer’s disease for five years. She was 79.

Born in Newton, Mass. in 1934, Marcie attended Wellesley public schools. She graduated from Wellesley High School in 1952, where she was a twirler and head majorette in the marching band. After graduating from Lasell Jr. College in Newton, Marcie took a job in what would become a career of over 40 years, working as the medical secretary for Dr. Stephen Peabody in Wellesley. It was while working for Dr. Peabody that Marcie met her best friend, life partner and devoted husband of 54 years, Peter Holtje. They were married in 1959. While Peter was an MBA student at Babson College, Marcie was president of the Babson Wives Club. While their three children were growing up, Marcie was active in school and community groups. She served on the Hardy School PTA, was a member of the St. James Women’s Guild in the 1960s, taught CCD, and volunteered with her daughters’ Brownie and Girl Scout troops. Marcie embraced her Italian heritage and made several trips to Europe, many to her father’s hometown of Pieve di Cento, where she met and enjoyed visits with relatives. Marcie’s giving spirit and her devotion to Catholicism led her and Peter to make a dozen pilgrimages to Medugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. They traveled there with Medugorje Messengers of Framingham to witness the miracle of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary and to bring needed supplies for refugees of the war.  Marcie and Peter spent countless volunteer hours together in the offices of Medugorje Messengers in the 1990s.

Marcie was predeceased by her parents, Alceo M. Govoni and Josephine B. Govoni; and by her beloved son Steven D. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Peter Holtje of Wellesley; brother Dr. Norman Govoni of Medfield; daughter Margaret Holtje of North Bridgton, Maine; daughter Elizabeth Woodman and her husband Kenneth of Framingham, Mass.; granddaughters Karen Plain, Kelly Woodman and Molly Woodman; great-granddaughter Lilly Evangeline Woodman; nine nieces and nephews; and many relatives in the Wellesley and West Springfield areas. Special thanks go to Jane Collins for her tireless home companionship in the last several months.

Arrangements are being made by George F. Doherty and Sons of Wellesley. A funeral mass will be said at St. Paul Church, Washington St., Wellesley, and interment is to be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley.