Ruth Holich, Beloved Community Figure, Passes Away at 99

Ruth (Buczala) Holich, a cherished member of the Florence, Massachusetts community, passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on October 31, 2025, at the Hospice of The Fisher Home. Born in May 1926, in Easthampton to Julia (Yurik) Buczala and John Buczala, Ruth’s life was marked by her deep ties to family, community, and creativity.

Ruth graduated from Easthampton High School in 1944 and later from Northampton Commercial College in 1946. She began her professional journey at Smith College, where she worked across various departments for several decades. Her family connection to the institution remained strong, as her husband, daughters, and nieces also contributed to its community.

In 1948, Ruth married John Holich, with whom she shared a partnership that lasted 59 years until his death in 2007. Together, they developed their property, nurtured friendships, and actively participated in local organizations, including the Park Hill Homemakers Group and the Easthampton Grange. Their commitment to community was evident through their involvement in various civic associations and 4-H groups.

Ruth was not only a dedicated community member but also an exceptionally talented artist and craftsman. Her creative pursuits included sewing clothing, horse show apparel, and home decor, as well as creating beautiful pen and ink illustrations and watercolor paintings. Throughout her life, she embraced a variety of crafts, including quilting and knitting, often sharing her skills with her daughters. Even during her time in hospice care, she sought to learn new skills, such as the Zentangle art form.

In the 1980s, Ruth and John traveled to their ancestral homeland of Slovakia, deepening their cultural heritage and passing it on to their family. Ruth was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke, and previously attended the Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in West Hatfield, founded by her grandfather.

Ruth’s legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and strength. She navigated the challenges of raising two daughters in the 1970s and was a beloved figure to many. She is survived by her daughters, Ilse Barron and her husband Glenn of Florence, and Amy Moscaritolo and her husband David of Greenfield. Ruth also leaves behind her grandsons, Ian and Nathan Barron, as well as step-grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, John; her sister, Betty Swiercz; and several other family members. The family expresses deep gratitude to the compassionate professionals at both Hospice of The Fisher Home and CDH Hospice for their support during Ruth’s final months. Their care ensured her journey was filled with love and dignity.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Czelusniak Funeral Home on North Street in Northampton on November 10 from 16:00 to 18:00. A funeral service will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on November 11 at 11:00, with interment at the Agawam Veterans Cemetery to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of The Fisher Home, located at 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002.

For online condolences and to sign the tribute book, please visit Czelusniakfuneralhome.com.