Anna M. Holmes, 95, of Bethalto, died on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at 8:21 p.m. with her family by her side.
Funeral Mass was held Monday, Jan. 18, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto. Burial followed at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is assisting the family.
Mrs. Holmes was born March 8, 1925, in Witt, to John and Anna (Stupak) Kisak. She married John L. Holmes on Dec. 11, 1948, in Witt, and he preceded her in death.
She was born the daughter of immigrant parents, living in a three-bedroom house with no running water, indoor plumbing or electricity. She lived through the Depression, major wars and most recently a pandemic.
After losing her mother at an early age, Mrs. Holmes leaned on her faith through life’s tough times to become a strong-willed person.
She worked in a dress factory and the Glass Factory before becoming a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was happiest playing Bingo, watching Wheel of Fortune, enjoying board games with her grandchildren, and being a fan of UConn Women’s Basketball. She also loved traveling, especially trips to Las Vegas.
Mrs. Holmes was a charter member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto, and was instrumental in Our Lady Queen of Peace School. She always provided her time and talents to promote her faith. She was actively involved in OLQP School activities, Girl Scouts and the Smorgasbord.
She is survived by her children, Susan Holmes-Roper of Bethalto and Michael (wife Martina) Holmes of Godfrey; six grandchildren, Anna Roper, Emily (fiance Zachary Ross) Holmes, Rachel Holmes and Johnathan, Franklin and Catherine Matheny; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia (Holmes) Evans; sister, Mary (Kisak) Lowe; and three brothers, John Kisak, Mike Kisak and Stephen Kisak.
Memorials may be directed to Masses or Our Lady Queen of Peace School.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
