Helen (Thiele) Holmes age 79 of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully, Saturday at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, Haverhill, MA, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Clearwater, Nebraska to the late Ferdinand & Katherine (Morisse) Thiele. She was raised in Elgin, Nebraska and graduated from St. Boniface High School and Norfolk Beauty School. She later worked in Nebraska and Missouri as a cosmetologist. She left that field and worked for John H. Breck Co. in their marketing department. Helen traveled the US introducing new products for test marketing. In 1963 she was unified in marriage to Ben Holmes in Indianapolis, IN. In 1966 they settled in Salem, NH after stops in Maryland and New Jersey. Helen was very involved in her children’s activities, volunteering in the Salem, NH school libraries and chaperoning on most field trips. Later she was a substitute teacher and was the treasurer for Salem South Little League and the Salem High Booster Club.
She loved playing 45’s with family and friends, and watching and rooting for the Patriots, Red Sox, & her beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Helen was predeceased by her daughter Patti Holmes, & still born daughter Katie Holmes, Brother Gene Thiele, Sister & Brother in Law Virginia & Leland Anson, Father & Mother in Law Ben & Helen Holmes, Brother in Laws, Robert Holmes & Leo Walsh.
Helen is survived by her Husband of 49 years: Ben Holmes of Salem, NH
Sons: Tom & Tim Holmes of Salem, NH
Granddaughters: Erin & Molly Holmes
Brother: Jerry & his wife Rosemarie Thiele of Henderson, NV
Sisters in law: Marilyn Thiele of San Diego, CA
Mary Helene Walsh & Joan Holmes of Scranton, PA
Many Nieces & Nephews
Calling hours will be held Friday, July 8th from 5-8 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. Memorial services will be held Saturday July 9th at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the: Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830.