Mary Elizabeth (McGowan) Holmes was born June 13, 1932 in an Irish neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. She retained a Brooklyn accent, a quick wit, an Irish charm throughout her life and a strong sense of right and wrong. She married William “Coach” Holmes and together they raised five children: Kathleen (Sam) Stroupe, Thomas Holmes, Michele Holmes, Mary Alice Holmes and Karen (Jim) White.
She was a stay at home wife for many years. She contributed to the success of Coach Holmes’ football career including once feeding the team three meals daily for two weeks prior to the start of the college term. This gave the team a leg up on their opponents.
She was motivated to complete her teaching degree in three years due to a brief serious illness her husband overcame. Her professional life included teaching, being a principal, cooking and running a catering business, The Village Place in Fayette. Later, she returned to college to become a registered nurse; it was fulfilling to her.
She enjoyed many hobbies, soap making and quilting to name two. She gave many quilts and bars of soap to her family and friends. She might have been afraid because of the challenges she faced, but she was admired and loved by those fortunate enough to know her.
A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Mary’s life.
