M. Eleanor Holmes

M. Eleanor (Cullen) Holmes, 91, of Worcester, died at home on Thursday, July 17, 2008.

She leaves her four daughters, Judith P. Holmes of Glendale, CA, Meredith L. Barnes and her husband William of Worcester, Nancy E. Bradley and her husband Michael of Worcester, and Cynthia M. Maki and her husband Jay of Holden; 10 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Ralph H. Holmes who passed away in 2003. Her husband was the owner and president of M.D. Holmes and Sons Co. in Worcester for many years. Her infant son died in 1953. A brother, C. Paige Cullen of Swampscott predeceased her in 1997.

Eleanor was born on November 13, 1916 in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Claude P. and Mary Julia (Needham) Cullen. She graduated from Swampscott High School, The School of Practical Arts in Boston in '37 and the Massachusetts Art School in '39.

Eleanor worked at the New England Deaconess Hospital and Factory Mutual Insurance Co., both in Boston, before moving to Worcester. She was a member of the United Congregational Church in Worcester. For more than 60 years she was a member of the Stella Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and she was a former member of the Worcester Tech. Alumni Wives Club. Eleanor loved to swim and was also a member of the Nereids Swim Club of the Worcester YWCA.

A private graveside service will be held at Hope Cemetery, Worcester. There are no calling hours. Donations in Eleanor's memory may be made to UMass Memorial Home Health & Hospice, 650 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is directing arrangements.

www.milesfuneralhome.com