Angelina Fabela Holden, 87, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Juniper Village at Brookline in State College. She was born in Toluca, Mexico, on February 5, 1938, to the late, José “Don Pepe” Fabela Gutiérrez and María de la Luz Magdalena “Mague” Amada Muciño-Arroyo. She was preceded by her beloved husband, John “Johncito” F. Holden.
Angelina spent her early life in Mexico, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mexico’s Autonomous University. While living in Mexico City, she met her beloved husband, John “Johncito” F. Holden, with whom she moved to Bellefonte to begin a new life. For over 35 years, she worked as a Romance Languages Librarian at Penn State University Pattee and Paterno Libraries, demonstrating great passion and commitment in her work.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her loving parents, and her dear sisters, Elisa “Chata” and María Antonieta “La Güerita”, all of whom loved her deeply.
Angelina will be remembered and continue to live in the hearts of her sisters, Celerina and Rosa María Fabela Muciño, as well as her many nieces and nephews—Ancelin “Ance”, Rosa, and Yolanda “Yoli” Garrido Fabela; José “Pepe” and Elisa Quiroz Fabela; and Guadalupe, Antonieta, Jesús, and Alfonso Gutiérrez Fabela—and in the cherished memory of those who preceded her, including Joaquín Gutiérrez Fabela, and Antonio and Alejandro “Alex” Quiroz Fabela— together with all of their descendants.
Angelina was also deeply loved by Richard “Wit”, Dorothy, Thomas “Tom”, Elizabeth “Liz”, Lauren and Gabrielle (Haupt) Davidson, who, in addition to sharing countless happy moments with her over the years, became more than close friends, becoming cherished and caring family members until her last day on Earth.
Angelina will always be remembered for her joyful personality, tenacity, humor, and her deep love for her husband and her two beloved cats, “Motita” and “Traviesa.”
Friends and family are invited to honor Angelina’s life on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte. The day will begin with a viewing from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic wake at 11:00 a.m, featuring prayers led by the priest Father Brian Saylor officiating and an opportunity for attendees to share thoughts and memories, and concluding with a final blessing.
Online condolences may be made to the family at wetzlerfuneralhome.com