Maude “Louise” (nee Etchells) Holden, 100, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at Sterling House of Rotonda West, Fla.

Louise, as she was affectionately known by many of her family and friends, was born in Providence, R.I., in 1912.

She was the daughter of Zachariah and Maude (nee Beasley) Etchells, and the younger sister of Edmund Etchells. Dr. Allen I. Holden Jr., D.O., was the “love of her life.” At age 14, her father was injured in an accident that left him hemiplegic, and she determined at that time to become a nurse. Louise put herself through Newport Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1933. In a career spanning over 45 years, she was an operating room nurse, and also a nurse at the Ladd School in Exeter, R.I., retiring as the superintendent of nurses. In retirement she worked part time with the Visiting Nurses of Miami. Louise was an active member of the Eastern Star in Rhode Island, and a Past Worthy Matron of Adah Chapter in North Kingston, R.I. Her hobbies included playing Bridge, golf and gardening.

Louise is survived by her son, Allen C. Holden; stepsons, Arthur I. and Robert M. Holden; grandchildren, Allen, Russell and Sarah; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Edmund; parents, Zachariah and Maude; and her love, Dr. Allen Holden Jr., in 1993.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, Fla., with a funeral service to follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2970 University Parkway, Suite 104, Sarasota, FL 34243; or to Tidewell Hospice Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

Arrangements are by Farley Funeral Home, Venice, Fla.