Mary Jane Carroll

HOLDEN – Mary Jane Carroll, 86, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. She was born in Calais, Maine on November 27, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Francis P. and Audrey R. Rutherford.

Mary Jane was an honors graduate of Calais Memorial High school and continued her education at Colby College, the University of New Brunswick, Canada and the International Academy of Spanish, Mexico. For 15 years, Mary Jane taught Spanish in high schools and colleges in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Quebec, Canada.

After moving to Holden, MA she pursued a career in real estate. For 30 years she sold homes and property in the Wachusett area. Her favorite clients were first-time buyers because she could use her educational background to help buyers learn what to look for and become knowledgeable about the home-buying process.

Mary Jane was a member of the First Congregational Church of Holden and the Holden Woman’s Club.

With her family she enjoyed sailing, downhill and cross-country skiing and cycling. She was also a world traveler and an avid reader. As well, she loved her grandchildren immensely and enjoyed watching their various athletic events.

Mary Jane is survived by her two sons, Brian J. Carroll and his wife, Liesl of Franklin, MA and Christopher J. Carroll and his wife, Deirdre of Monument, CO as well as six grandchildren, Hannah, Matthew, William, Sarah, Colin and Cameron. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Shawn P. Carroll of New London, NH, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Betty K. McMillan of Calais, ME.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 19 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 20 in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery, Holden, MA. In lieu of flowers, and to commemorate Mary Jane’s love of foreign languages, memorial donations may be made payable to Holden Women’s Club-Carroll Halliwell Scholarship Fund, and mailed to Kitty Bradshaw White, c/o HWC, 901 Oakwood St. Extension, Holden, MA, 01520.