Carolyn Suzanne Holden

In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Carolyn Holden Memorial Fund, 8601 Wolftrap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182.

Carolyn Suzanne Holden (nee Marzigliano) passed away July 3, 2026 at the age of 61. Carolyn was born in the Bronx and spent her formative years in Farmingdale, NY. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Marzigliano, in January 2025.

Carolyn was the beloved and devoted wife of 31 wonderful years to Kevin Holden; cherished mother to the joy of her life, Zachary Dominick Holden; devoted daughter of Dominick Marzigliano, Patricia and Nicholas Holden; beloved sister to MaryAnn Skyler, Michael Holden (Laura), Debbie Holden, John Holden (Michael Lonardo); adored aunt to Dustin Robert Skyler, Jordan Louisa Skyler (Cody Garbrandt), Connor Jon Skyler, Annie Holden, Abby Holden, Sara Holden and her newest joy, great niece, Harley Rose.

Carrie’s childhood in Farmingdale was idyllic, filled with dance lessons, Pony Tail softball, and many happy days being active in sports, outdoor activities, and countless fun adventures. Her earliest job was as a camp counselor at Farmingdale Youth Council—a great precursor to her forever career.

Carolyn is an alumna of Plattsburgh University in Upstate New York, where she developed her tolerance to brittle cold temperatures; she was the original sweater weather girl! There she enjoyed Intramural Broom Ball, beautiful Lake Placid, and short trips to Canada with friends. She majored in Finance and entered the workforce with Shearson Lehman in New York City, specializing in international branch accounts, foreign currency, stocks, and bonds. One of her highlights at Shearson was being near her idol, her father Dominick, whose stories of Wall Street intrigued her. Sharing lunches and commiserating as to the doings on “the street” brought both of them great joy. Not many girls are lucky enough to work so closely with their dad. She was excellent at her career but realized something was missing in her life: her love of children.  This subsequently brought Carolyn back to school, earning an M.S.Ed. in Elementary Education at Dowling College.

Soon after, Carolyn’s beloved Kevin came into her life. Their meeting was nothing short of Kismet. Carolyn was living in New York. Kevin had just moved to Virginia, and they found a way to not let the distance get in the way of what was meant to be. There are no words to describe their love story and how devoted they were to one another. Not many couples are in sync the way Carrie and Kevin were. If you were lucky enough to be in their orbit, you were able to witness a love that most could only hope for.

Carolyn’s next big move was to Virginia to be with her dear Kevin and near her sister. She and Kevin settled in lovely Vienna, where they have lived a fulfilling life, surrounded by incredible friends and neighbors. The move led her career to an administrative position handling institutional planning, research, and statistics at Strayer University, making lifelong friendships with her colleagues and mentors.

The greatest joy of Carolyn’s life was becoming Zack’s mom. Their mother-son bond was extraordinary, and together they became the incredible trifecta that made up the tight-knit Holden Family on, of course, Harmony Drive.

In 2006, Carolyn found her forever professional home at Our Lady of Good Council Catholic School, where she taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Library, and Technology before moving into administration in the school office. She loved it at OLGC. It was her family. In Carolyn’s own words, she enjoyed helping new families begin their journey at OLGC and forming lasting bonds with the students. She especially loved seeing the second graders through their First Holy Communion. It brought her great joy. Another special moment was when the high schoolers would come back to visit. It always made her smile as she would recant stories of their latest achievements. She felt blessed that her own son, Zack, was able to be part of that community from Kindergarten to Eighth Grade.

Carolyn certainly loved spending time with her family, friends, and neighbors and stayed closely connected to her nieces and nephews, always checking in and celebrating their lives. They surely loved and enjoyed their Aunt Carrie. Her niece Jordan thought Aunt Carrie had the coolest taste in clothing, shoes, beauty products, and home decor. One of Carrie’s greatest gifts was her ability to connect with every generation. All were seen, understood, and loved by her and welcomed by her radiant smile.

Carolyn’s favorite thing was attending Zack’s many sporting events, including his recent marathons, most notably the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Orlando, and even more recently, qualifying for the upcoming 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. She was also beaming with pride over both his college graduations, first as an undergraduate from UVA and then as a Masters student from Georgetown this spring. She enjoyed her hometown Nationals and loved attending baseball games with Kevin and Zack, as well as kayaking, playing pickleball, gardening, baking, boating, and visiting her happy place, Smith Mountain Lake. She found serenity in her faith, knitting, and reading. If you needed anything at any time, Carolyn was your person. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held this Friday, July 10, at Our Lady of Good Counsel. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the OLGC School Counsel Room, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the School Gym. Visitation and Funeral Mass attendees should enter the School Building through building door #3, the Blessed Fr. Brisson Gym entrance (closest to the upper field). Funeral Mass live stream link HERE.