Mary (Kirwen) Holmes

We are saddened to announce that Mary Holmes passed away peacefully on Monday morning, June 17, 2024, in Grande Cache, Alberta, at the age of 82 years.

Mary was born on March 25, 1942, to Mary Ann (Kerr) and William Wood Kirwen in Nottingham, England.  She was raised with her older sister, Elizabeth, and younger brother, William (Bill).

Mary grew up in Nottingham and also spent some time in Malawi, Africa, with her parents.  It was in Nottingham that she would meet her husband and life-long companion, Gary. They were married in 1968 and welcomed their first son, Nigel, the following year.

It was at this time that they decided to make a life move to Canada and emigrated later in 1969, settling in Grande Cache.

They welcomed their second son, Jason, in 1970 and began to make a home in Canada.  In 1974 the family uprooted and moved to the Crowsnest Pass, making a new home in Coleman, AB. This is where they welcomed their third child, April, in 1980.

The family moved back to Grande Cache in 1985-86 and apart from a brief 2 year stay back in England, made Grande Cache their permanent home.

Mary enjoyed playing darts, social events and spending time with family. Later in life she enjoyed her bingos, puzzles, crafts, and playing scrabble. She was a kind-hearted soul and was always concerned with others.

Mary is survived by her sister in Australia, (Elizabeth), son Nigel (Erica), son Jason and daughter April (James).  Mary also had her loving grandchildren Megan (Cody), Trystan (Dayle), Brandon, Kennedy (Austin), Kaylee, Samantha, and Ayiana and great grandson Connor.

Mary is also survived by brother-in-law Alan as well as many cousins and nieces and nephews in England, Scotland and Ireland.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Gary, parents William and Mary, parents in law Fredrick and May, brother Bill and sister-in-law Pamela.

Mary did not want a funeral. She only asked that you spend some time with a loved one and give them a hug.  Reach out and contact an old friend or write them a letter and let them know you are thinking of them.

In lieu of flowers, please open your heart and make a donation to the Whispering Pines Lodge, where Mary lived for the last 10 years of her life.

Whispering Pines Lodge mailing address - Bag 9000 10210 Shand Ave., Grande Cache, AB T0E0Y0            or etransfer: finance@theegf.com

 – make sure to mention Mary in comments in etransfer to ensure it goes to her lodge.

We will be holding a family Celebration of Life for Mary at a later date.

Forever in our Hearts

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary (Kirwen) Holmes, please visit our floral store.