Elsa Christine (Strom) Ahnrud

HOLDEN, MA – Elsa Christine (Strom) Ahnrud, 94, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Knollwood Nursing Home in Worcester, following an illness.

Born and raised in Worcester, Elsa was the beloved daughter of the late Axel and Elsa Strom. As a proud, first-generation Swedish American, she held her heritage close to her heart throughout her life. Elsa was a graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester and shared 52 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Ingvar E. Ahnrud, prior to his passing in 2003.

Elsa's professional life included dedicated years at Farnsworth Storage and later working in the purchasing department at Worcester Hahnemann Hospital, where she eventually retired.

Above all, Elsa cherished time spent with her family and friends. She took great joy in sharing Swedish holiday and food traditions with those she loved, keeping her heritage alive for generations to come. Elsa and Ingvar loved to travel together, making wonderful memories on trips with the Greendale Retired Men’s Club. Her life was also filled with vibrant memories of summers at Lake Winnipesaukee, camping adventures with her late brother, Eric Theodore "Ted" Strom and his family, and special trips back to Sweden to connect with her relatives.

In her retirement, she stayed active with water aerobics at the Auburn YWCA and looked forward to her regular coffee gatherings with her dear friends, affectionately known as "the muffin girls." She also found great joy in working on puzzles and playing games with her grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Elsa was a devoted member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holden, where she shared her love for music by singing in the choir for over 40 years.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and beautiful memories. Elsa is survived by her two devoted sons, Michael K. Ahnrud (and his wife, Sue) of Chepachet, RI, and Mark S. Ahnrud (and his wife, Vicki) of Greenville, SC; her four grandchildren, Eric Ahnrud of Holliston, MA, Gregory Ahnrud of Hope Valley, RI, Stephen Ahnrud, and Evelyn Ahnrud, both of Greenville, SC; and five cherished great-grandchildren.

Elsa’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Briarwood community and JHC Hospice of Worcester for the exceptionally loving care and comfort they provided to Elsa during her time with them.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury Street, Holden, MA 01520. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.

To share a message or offer a condolence, please visit her obituary at www.milesfuneralhome.com