Kathleen A Holmes

Kathleen Anne Holmes, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2024, at the Pheasant Wood Center in Peterborough, NH. Kathy was born July 11, 1945 in the Bronx, New York City, the daughter of William Holmes and Jane Ryan Holmes. In 1953 the family relocated to Miami, Florida when her father obtained a job at Pan American World Airways. Despite living in Florida and New Hampshire for most of her life, Kathy remained a New York City girl at heart.

Kathy attended St. James Catholic School in North Miami and graduated from Lindsey Hopkins Technical High School in Miami. At Lindsey Hopkins she especially enjoyed classes in sewing and fashion design. As a young adult she volunteered at the Villa Maria Nursing Center in North Miami. She honed her skills of sewing, crocheting and baking and gifted her family and friends with cakes, cookies, and afghans. She created an entire wardrobe for her niece’s Barbie doll.

After her father retired, Kathy moved with her parents in 1981 to their new home in Vero Beach, FL.  In the mid 1990’s she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Even though her mobility was declining she was able to use a walker and a power chair to remain active in their neighborhood.

Although Kathleen had to make several moves during her lifetime, she always resisted the requirement to leave a familiar, comfortable place. Nevertheless, within a few short months, she adapted to her new neighborhoods and became friendly with the neighbors.

In 2003 her parents relocated to Melbourne, FL to be near their son and daughter-in-law. Kathy came to love being outdoors using her power chair to visit with neighbors, keep the yard free of palm fronds, and, when necessary, chase the neighborhood ducks away. She also made use of her “wheels” to deliver rumballs and other baked goods to the neighbors.

In 2007 when her parents moved to an assisted living facility, Kathy moved to Peterborough, New Hampshire to be near her sister Jane. Residing at the Woodland Heights Apartments, she made friends with the postman, maintenance staff, residents and anyone else who came to the lobby of the building. Despite being wheelchair bound she was able to live independently for many years with assistance from Jane, residents and caregivers.

By late 2020 her need for additional care had increased and she became a long-term care resident at Pheasant Wood Center. Once again, after initial reluctance, she adjusted well and often sat in her wheelchair near the main entrance and reception desk so she could chat with the staff and visitors. During her last month, as her condition declined rapidly, she received love and prayers from her family and comfort care by the Pheasant Wood staff.

Kathy was a master of the art of bantering and delighted in playful teasing. Among her sayings:

1.” Are you Irish?” This was the first question to every new person that she met.

 2. “My cousin Bobby is a lawyer in New Jersey. I can sue you.”

 3. “Up with Yankees! Down with Boston!”

4. “I ate waffles and ice cream for breakfast.” And she did.

5. “It’s going to snow today: basketball size”. This was said year-round. Even during the hottest days of summer, one still took a quick look out the window in case she was right.

Kathy is survived by her brother William (Bill) Holmes and wife Andrea of Satellite Beach, FL, nieces Christina Sims and husband Greg of Melbourne, FL, Julia Place and husband Matthew of Palm Bay, FL and Clare Gallagher and husband Gary Gorski of Peterborough, NH; nephews William (Will) Holmes and wife Sarah of Melbourne, FL and Brendan Gallagher of York, ME and his fiancé Nicole Montecalvo and by Kathleen’s brother-in-law, Christopher Gallagher of Dublin, NH.  She leaves three great-nieces, five great-nephews, and numerous cousins. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jane Holmes.

Kathy was a one-of-a-kind person who will be missed by family, friends, and her caregivers. The family thanks the caregivers at Pheasant Wood Center for their kindness and care.

 A celebration of life for Kathy and her sister Jane will be held in Satellite Beach, Florida on June 15, 2024. Her ashes will be laid to rest at Fountainhead Cemetery in Florida next to her parents. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org.

To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit the Cremation Society website at www.csnh.com.