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Janet Holmes Obituary
Jan was born May 29, 1957, at the Richardson House at Boston Lying-In Hospital in Boston, MA, to the late Barbara Jean (Hutchings) and Walter R. Gilbert, Jr.
Jan was raised in Mansfield, MA and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1975. After high school, Jan attended Rittner's School of Floral Design in Boston, MA, earning a diploma in Floral Design and Floral Business Practices. Upon graduation, Jan worked for Stobbart's Nurseries in Franklin, MA. and eventually owned her own business.
As an artist, Jan made the world around her more beautiful and was generous with her talent, from creating the perfect corsage for a first prom to transforming an entire space for a special day. In later years Jan expanded her creativity by making beautiful jewelry as well and teaching floral design and jewelry making.
On July 20, 1991, Jan married Richard Merrill Holmes. They celebrated over 33 years together before Rich's passing on October 7, 2024. They shared a life of love, family, travel, community and cats. Jan was a big supporter of the local Humane Society and rescued dozens of the most beautiful cats over the years who shared her spirit and never left her side.
Jan leaves behind her stepsons, Chris Holmes of Brookline, NH and Dan Holmes of Madbury, NH; daughters-in-law, Heddi and Helen; grandsons, Andrew, Justin, and Charles; granddaughter, Elyse; great-grandsons, Easton and Everett; sisters-in-law, Barbara and Merilyn Holmes; nephew and godson, Michael; and niece, Heather. Jan is also survived by her sisters, Marcia Jean (Paul) Desmarais and Elizabeth Gilbert (William) Cashman; nieces, Kathryn Cashman (Stephen) Brown and Vanessa Desmarais; and nephew, Christian Desmarais.
Jan's urn will be placed with Rich at Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon, MA.
Memorial donations in Jan's name may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society by visiting https://uvhs.org/donate-now/
To leave a message of remembrance or condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Holmes
Sponsored by Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lebanon.
5 Entries
carl wallin
March 11, 2025
Dick and Janet Holmes lived on my road. They were the nicest people you could imagine. They were always helping anyone who needed it and everyone on our road misses them.
Chrissy Bagley
March 5, 2025
Jan and I became fast friends. She will always in my heart. I love you Jan. Chrissy
Don Thomas
March 5, 2025
I met Jan just before she graduated high school in 1975. We dated for a few years and then became lifelong friends. She was an exceptionally kind and artistically talented person who created beauty from nature's gifts. I had the good fortune to watch Jan craft floral arrangements from cases of flowers while talking and sipping coffee at her shop, Country Gardens & Gifts. While she had mastered the creative process, the love of her work, the product, and the customer's joy were most important to her. I will fondly remember Jan for her kindness, sense of humor, love, and devotion to family, friends, and all the cats in her life. Rest peacefully, Jan.
Trish West
February 27, 2025
She will be missed so much. She was the sister I never had. Now she is at peace with Rich and out of pain. Sending love to the family for her and Rich.
Cheryl Beaudine
February 27, 2025
Please allow me to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of both Richard and Jan Holmes. I know words can never fully ease the pain of losing someone so special, but hope they find comfort in the beautiful memories shared with her. She was a truly wonderful person, and I know she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
My thoughts are with you and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
Jan was truly always a kind soul and terrific friend.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Beaudine
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