Helen Holmes

Helen Louise Ettl Holmes passed on to her eternal reward on May 28th at the age of 89. Born in Toledo Ohio December 10, 1931 to Joseph and Hazel Ettl, one of three sisters and two brothers. Helen attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Waite High School. She married James Holmes in October 1951, and followed him to Camp Lejeune, NC after US Marine Corps boot camp at Paris Island. They were married for 62 years and raised four children. Helen was a devout Catholic, active in Bible Studies and Charismatic Renewal. She knew Jesus and loved Him with all her heart and wished the same for her children, 22 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. Helen loved to laugh. She tried to find joy all around and her favorite saying was, "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." Helen's love was assertive, honest, and direct, but her heart of gold and sense of humor and goofiness drew all to her. Particularly her joy brought her grandchildren to her like bees to honey. Helen had an amazing ability to accept people where they were at.. while privately praying for their best or their healing She was proud that she'd taken communion to rest homes for many years. She worked at McDonalds on Front and Main for 30 years and relished meeting and serving others. Helen is survived by her sister Diane, Children Tom (Josephine) Holmes, Sandra ( Dennis) Allman. Larry ( Erika) Holmes, and Jim Holmes Jr. and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews . She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, mother Hazel, father Joseph, sister Evelyn (Gene) Rocosky, brother Gene (Chloe), and brother Bud (Esther) brother in law Don, nieces and nephews. Those of you who know Helen well will not be surprised that she planned her funeral, contributed to her obituary selected the music, her eulogist and Mass readings. She's still with us. Give dad big hug. We miss you. Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home - Oregon Chapel (3500 Navarre Ave Oregon Ohio 43616) Wednesday June 2nd and Thursday June 3rd from 2 to 5 and from 6 to 8, with a Rosary Thursday at 7. The Funeral Mass will be Friday 10.30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Morrison Ave East Toledo. Reception following planned.