Holmes, Barbara Frances, 70, of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, after a brief illness. Memories of her immeasurable love, contagious cackle, quick wit, loyal friendship, and unparalleled generosity will be cherished by all who knew her.
Barbara grew up and lived for most of her life on Keystone Street in West Roxbury, a place she loved. She received her education at St. Theresa’s and St. Clare’s, then went straight to work at the Boston Police Department headquarters for more than 40 years. She was a proud employee and a proud Bostonian. She chronicled the history of the city’s people and landmarks for anyone that was curious, never forgetting a face or a name.
Barbara was a skilled painter, an art she taught herself in adulthood. Her frequent subject was the landscapes of Truro, her home away from home. She never failed to capture the light and the breeze of summer in her paintings.
Barbara loved to read. She loved telling stories. She loved beating her family at Wordle, frequenting the Pleasant Cafe, and a good episode of Jeopardy. She loved keeping up with old friends and being with her family.
More than anything else, she adored her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, who always felt her love. Their memories of her and because of her — Saturday morning trips to Toys R Us, first trip to New York City, first Broadway show, Sunday pasta dinners, summer cookouts, unlimited popsicles, road trips, beach days— will remain vivid.
She is predeceased by her parents, William D. and Rita F. Holmes, and her sister and best friend, Rita M. Holmes.
Loving sister of Robert and Janet Holmes of Dedham, Brian Holmes of Marshfield, and sister in law Barbara R. Holmes of West Roxbury. She also leaves behind the lights of her life, her nieces and nephews — Erin Kelleher, Eileen Keenan, Lauren Holmes-Pennington, Michelle Holmes, Bobby Holmes, Catherine Holmes, and Daniel Holmes — as well as her 10 treasured grandnieces and grandnephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 4-7PM at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 16, at 11AM at St Theresa Parish, 2078 Centre St. West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Barbara's memory to the Boston Police Activities League, PO Box 220645, Dorchester, MA 02122 or visit bostonpal.org/donate/