AVIS HOLMES

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AVIS HOLMES Avis Holmes lived her life with dignity, independence and faith. She died in the same way. On April 10, 2002, Margaret Avis Holmes, surrounded by the love of the family she had nurtured and with her husband at her side, quietly passed away. Her passion and devotion for family will live on in the lives of those left behind. She will forever be celebrated by her beloved husband, Stuart, her children, Gord and his wife, Cathy, Rob and his wife Mary-Jo, Bruce and his wife Ardith, Sheila and her husband Joey. Avis embraced the lives of her grandchildren with pure joy, bountiful love and steadfast devotion. Her grandchildren, Bonnie, John, Michael, Emily, Kaylyn, Selena and "little" Michael were blessed with her many gifts of time, talent and patience. Her sister, Anne and husband Dave, brother, Ernie and wife Thelma, Mary-Joes daughters, Karey and Ashleigh, as well as many nieces and nephews, will also remember her with joy. Avis was predeceased by her mother, Annie, stepmother, Ada Ann, her father, Gordon and brother, Harry. Avis was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan on April 21, 1932. Her family moved to Manitoba in 1947. Avis attended Normal School in Winnipeg before teaching for several years in Amaranth and Buchan. On January 28, 1952, she married Stuart Holmes and together they worked side by side and hand in hand to build a home and a future for themselves and their family. After the birth of their children, Avis resumed her work in education with Seven Oaks School Division, becoming the first paraprofessional hired by the Division. Avis was passionate about her work and drew great strength and comfort from the friendships of her co-workers and the energy of the children. Avis family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and doctors of the St. Boniface Cancer Clinic and Palliative Care. A special thank you to Mary Bloor for her support during the last few months. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Avis Holmes will be held Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Gardens, No. 1 Hwy. East and Navin Road. Her family will struggle to live on without her abiding love and grace. In lieu of flowers her children and grandchildren ask you to celebrate her life with simple acts of charity and generosity - time with someone you love, a kindness to a stranger, an hour volunteering, a prayer for peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2002