Kathleen Holmes

Kathleen Holmes

Peterborough NH - Kathleen Anne Holmes, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2024, at the Pheasant Wood Center in Peterborough, NH. Kathy was born on 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. Despite living in Florida and New Hampshire for most of her life, Kathy remained a New York City Girl at heart.

After her father retired, Kathy moved with her parents to Vero Beach, FL. and later to Melbourne, FL. In the mid 1990's she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Although her mobility was declining, she used a walker and powerchair to visit with neighbors often delivering rumballs, cakes and other baked goods to them. She was a master in the art of bantering and delighted in playful teasing. She had a nickname for everyone.

In 2007, when her parents moved to assisted living, Kathy relocated to Woodland Heights Apartments in Peterborough, NH to be near her sister Jane. Once again, she connected with residents, the postman, and really anyone who came to the building. She was able to live quite independently for many years with assistance from Jane, the Woodland residents and community caregivers.

In November of 2020 she became a long-term care resident at Pheasant Wood Center. She often sat in her wheelchair near the main entrance and reception desk so she could chat with residents, staff and visitors.

Kathy had many sayings that she used :

"Are you Irish?" This said to every person that she met.

"My cousin Bobby is a lawyer from New Jersey. I can sue you."

"Up with Yankees! Down with Boston!"

"I ate waffles and ice cream for breakfast." And she did.

"It's going to snow today: basketball size". This was said year-round. Even in the heat of summer one took a quick look out the window just in case she was right.

During her last month, as her condition declined rapidly, she received love and prayers from her family and excellent comfort care by the Pheasant Wood Center staff.

Kathy is survived by her brother William (Bill) Holmes and wife Andrea of Satellite Beach, FL. Brother-in Law Christopher Gallagher of Dublin, NH; Nieces Clare Gallagher of Peterborough, NH ; Christina Sims of Melbourne, FL ; and Julia Place of Palm Bay FL; and nephews Will Holmes of Melbourne, FL and Brendan Gallagher of York, ME. Also many grandnieces, grandnephews and 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 staff 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. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a donation to St. Jude 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.