Obituary of Barbara Carol Holmes

Barbara Holmes from Blooming Grove, NY passed away peacefully on September 10th, 2023 at the age of 86 surrounded by her family. Barbara was born in Detroit, Michigan to Carroll and Lillian (Ferns) DeWitt on June 3rd, 1937. She remained in Michigan throughout her childhood, and later moved to New York where she met her husband William "Bill" Holmes in 1957. Together they had two children, adopted two others, and graciously opened their home to many foster children. She worked for the Rockland Journal News for 25 years. Barbara's heart was always larger than life, and she was her family's biggest cheerleader. She never missed a game, meet, show, or school function, and had a smile you could pick out in any crowd. She enjoyed nothing more than having a house full of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were unconditionally welcomed no matter the occasion. She loved animals and could often be found on the couch on Sundays in the fall with her dog Pippa and cat Willow watching her favorite football team, the New York Jets. Barbara was known for her green thumb, and whenever possible spent time in her impressive garden of fruits, vegetables and flowers. She touched many lives leaving an incredible mark on the world no one will ever forget. Barbara is predeceased by her parents Carroll and Lillian DeWitt and her brother Jim DeWitt. She is survived by her husband Bill, brothers Larry (Janet) and Billy (Sue), children Lauren, David (Laura), Daniel and Tammy, grandchildren Leah, Jamie, Kaitlin, Lindsie, Jordan and Hailey, great grandchildren Wyatt and Nolan, as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be held in Barbara's honor on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church in Nyack, NY at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Barbara's name to the Dementia Society of America.