Mary Martins Holmes

Mary Martins Holmes, 88 of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Alden Court Nursing Facility. She was the wife of the late Gabriel R. Holmes, Jr.

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Simmons) Martins; she was a lifelong resident of New Bedford. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and later worked at various nursing homes as a nurse aide. At the time of her retirement, she was employed at Alden Court in Fairhaven.

Mary (Gaga as she was affectionately known by many) loved her family dearly. For many years she enjoyed playing bingo, especially at the Knights of Columbus in Mattapoisett, she also loved the slots at the casino, most recently at the Hard Rock in Tampa with her best friend Linda.

Raising three boys with dad, in the early years she enjoyed skiing in New Hampshire in the winter, and routinely in the warmer weather going to Provincetown to spend time with “pup”. In recent years she traveled to Georgia, the Bahamas, and several trips to Florida.

Mary had a very full life with her family and spent many years working at various nursing homes in the New Bedford area, her final nursing home was Alden Court Nursing Facility, where years later she became a patient, and eventually passed away. Many thanks to the staff, there were a few who worked with gaga when she retired.

She is survived by her two sons, Stephen Holmes (Dolores) of GA and Gabriel R. Holmes III (Margaret) of MA, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late James J. Holmes, sister to the late Caroline Mello, and her brother the late Joseph Martins.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9:00AM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in St. Gabriel the Archangel, Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 8:00PM. Burial in St. John’s Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com