SHAMSAI, HOLLY E. nee Townsend, age 79, died at home on March 26, 2015, with her husband of 52 years by her side, of advanced dementia. Holly was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI, lived most of her adult life in Weston, MA, retired to Boxford, MA, and spent her final years in New York City. She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Javad Shamsai, and her three children, Peri, Heather, and Bennett, her five grandchildren, Hayden, Kyra, Weston, Henley and Berkeley, and her brother, the Rev. Dr. John T. Townsend and his family. Holly was known for her artistic flair, her amazing sense of style, and her fantastic cooking. She worked over 20 years in billing at Weston Pediatrics, while raising her three children and making all of her and her daughters’ clothes. Everyone who crossed her path knew her to be a strong, elegant and intelligent woman.
There will be a graveside service at Linwood Cemetery in Weston, MA, on Monday, March 30th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Taub Institiute of Columbia University at https://giving.columbia.edu/giveonline/?schoolstyle=523.