WORCESTER-Ruth A. (Collins) Holmes, 90, formerly of Worcester, Holden, Brookfield and Southbridge, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2015 at St. Mary Healthcare in Worcester. Her husband of 39 years, Robert F. Holmes predeceased her in 1992. She is survived by her children; Sandra L. (Fortin) Brown and her husband Peter of Southbridge, with whom she lived for a short time, Eugene A. Fortin “Gene” of Southbridge, Cheryl A. (Holmes) Bovaird and her husband James of Spencer, John R. Holmes and his wife Carolyn of Spartanburg, SC; eight grandchildren; two step grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by four sisters, Mary, Claire, Virginia and A. Patricia, and two brothers, George and William.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of George W. and Anna Mae (Hudson) Collins. Ruth moved to Massachusetts in 1932, graduated from Commerce High School and lived in Worcester for nearly 40 years. Ruth was employed at Digital for 10 years. She loved her family, her flower gardens and especially her poodle “Tangie”.
The funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 12 at CALLAHAN FAY CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visiting hours are Monday, May 11 from 5-7 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to St. Mary Healthcare-Alzheimer’s Unit, 39 Queen Street, Worcester, MA 01610.