Mrs. Helen Holmes

Helen passed away peacefully surrounded by family December 17, 2024, at Battlefords Union Hospital, at 90 yrs of age. Helen was born on the family farm in Mayfair, Saskatchewan to John and Helen Toews.

Helen is dearly loved and remembered by; 3 sons, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren; Beverly (Timothy) Fleury and Krista, Brittany, Chelsea and Logan (Saskatoon, SK); Earl Holmes (Mayfair, SK); David Holmes (Mayfair, SK); Donna (Rick) Romaniuk and Jonathan, Stephanie, and Brian (Cassia) (Kelowna, BC); Eric (Lorrie) Holmes and Jada (Bryan), Robin, Hailey (Adam), Conor (Kim), Ethan Holmes (Mayfair SK), Joe and Jesse (Glaslyn, SK); Daughter in Law Renee Holmes and Aimee Oliver, Michael Bekolay, Hendrik, Sunniva, and Cezar (Alberta).

She is also survived by siblings and extended family: Walter Toews (Spiritwood, SK); George (Jean)Toews (Saskatoon, SK); Hilda Stanwood (Yarmouth, NS); Arnold (Jeanette) Toews (Calgary, AB); Dorothy (Art) Talbot (Tees, AB); Sister-in-law Marion Toews (Saskatoon, SK); Carol Toews (Surrey, BC); Also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nephews and great nieces.

Predeceased by loving husband Gilbert (Gib) Lorne Holmes and son Robert John Holmes. Also predeceased by Parents John and Helen Toews. Brothers: Johnny Toews, Bernie (Florence) Toews, Art Toews. Sisters: Elizabeth (Jerry) Evanishen; Mary Toews. Nephew Brent Evanishen, great niece Emily Toews. George and Jessie Holmes, Harold (Annie) Holmes, Ethel (Gordon) Huot, Wallace (Alice) Holmes, Alice (Spike) Litzenberger

Helen had fond memories growing up with her brothers and sisters on the family farm; attending Raven Head School traveling by horse and skis. Her passion for learning/ caring nature led her to seek out the St. Paul’s Hospital’s Nursing program, successfully obtaining her Registered Nurse diploma in 1956.

Helen continued with this career for 41yrs. Working in areas such as general duty, OR, home care, public health, and supervisor. With years of rural nursing taking her down grid roads around Rabbit Lake and the Battlefords area she got to be known as “the flying nurse”. Helen married Gib Holmes in 1957 and raised their six children on the family farm. Moving around for Gib’s construction work they farmed in Speers, then Battleford, and finally settling down in Mayfair, SK.

Her caring nature did not only extend to nursing, it also shone through in her personal life as well. She was known for her hospitality and was “mom”, “grandma” and “auntie” to many. Her proudest accomplishment was being mother to all. Helen was fond of painting, sewing, quilting, cooking, being out in nature, and enjoying her garden. In her younger years Helen kept active with cross country skiing and running. Even entering multiple ski races and 10km runs, always encouraging family to join in. She was fortunate to travel Canada coast to coast, with her furthest trip abroad being Germany, all to visit numerous family members. With age came some health issues and Helen would keep persevering. She would never complain and was always in good spirits, her faith in God would uphold her. Helen will be greatly missed, for her kindness, generosity, and witty sense of humour. She was an example to many family and friends. She will be forever loved and remembered.

The service for Helen will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024 -1:00 p.m. at the Mayfair Community Hall, with Pastor Don Unger. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Church Mayfair, Sk.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Larissa Wack Apprentice Funeral Director .