Wendy Holmes

On Saturday, September 1, 2018, Wendy Holmes, loving mother, sister, daughter and friend, passed away at the age of 54 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Wendy was born in Keene, NH on December 13, 1963, the daughter of Peter and Gloria (Russ) Perrin. A long time resident of Dartmouth, MA, Wendy returned to her birthplace during the last weeks of her life to be with her family and life-long friends.

A graduate of Keene High School and Massasoit Community College, Wendy continued her studies in Sociology as a Continuing Education student at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

Over her lifetime Wendy held a variety of roles in different industries and on different coasts. Those included work in the semiconductor industry, employment advocacy for special needs individuals and the fashion, furniture and greeting card industries. Most recently, she worked for the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, first in the Professional and Continuing Education Department and then, in the Foreign Language Department. Wendy was very passionate about UMD - its administration, the faculty and staff and the many students with whom she formed lasting relationships.

The true center of Wendy's life was her beloved son Mitchell. She kept herself and her son very involved in the community, helping wherever she saw a need and participating fully in the sports, civic and arts life of the South Coast region. Always adventuresome, Wendy was quick to explore the region's new restaurants, volunteer at music festivals or attend a lecture that sounded intriguing. An enthusiastic supporter of her son's love of baseball, she was to be found in the stands or along the baseline, never missing Mitchell's games. Together, they joined the Dartmouth Grange, embracing its fellowship, focus on agriculture and support of individuals and families within the community. Wendy and Mitchell enjoyed volunteering at Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) Daffodil Fields and Marion's Christmas Stroll each year. When visiting Keene, Wendy and Mitchell were to be found without fail at The Pub for breakfast on Sunday morning with friends and family. Wendy was a parishioner at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth and had a very strong faith.

She is survived by her son, Mitchell Holmes; her mother, Gloria Perrin; her sister Hope Therrien and Hope's son Jaime; her brother, Kim Perrin, his wife Marina and their children, Imogen and Olen; her godmother and aunt, Patricia Moriarty, her godfather and uncle, Frank Ductile and many extended family members as well as her former spouse and Mitchell's father, William Holmes. Wendy is predeceased by her father and an infant daughter Elizabeth. She leaves behind an abundance of friends whom she loved with all her heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bernard Church, 185 Main St. Keene, NH on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 1 pm. Family and friends are invited to join the family, after the Mass, at the Pub Restaurant, 131 Winchester St. Keene, NH from 2 to 4 PM to celebrate Wendy's life.

On Saturday, October 27 from 1 to 3 PM, a Celebration of Wendy's Life will be held at the Woodland Commons on the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth campus. The address is 285 Old Westport Road (proceed to Ring Road and follow signs to parking for Woodland Commons), Dartmouth, MA .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Road,Dartmouth, MA 02747-1035.