Obituary of Phyllis A Holmes

Phyllis (Haverstick) Holmes, 92 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28 after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born in Dayton, OH December 18, 1927 she graduated from Oakwood High School and went on to attended Miami of Ohio and George Williams College in Chicago. While attending George Williams, she met Charles Holmes and they married in 1952 and celebrated 57 years of marriage before his death in November 2009. She lived in Bloomfield Hills with her husband and children for 46 years. A member of the Birmingham First United Methodist Church she was an active volunteer for the annual Rummage Sale, the floral committee and assisted in the renovation of the sanctuary. In 2012 she moved to the Boston area living first to Andover and then Burlington where she resided until her death. During that time and until her death she saw two granddaughters married, grandsons graduate from high school and college. She was blessed with a great granddaughter and another great grandchild on the way. Phyllis returned to school to complete her education and earned her Bachelor of Art from Eastern Michigan University in 1969. She joined the Pontiac School District after her graduation and taught art for 22 years before her retirement in 1991. In that time, she also returned to Eastern Michigan and completed her master’s in art education. Known for her talent as a gifted artist with a passion for watercolor, architecture and nature. She applied that love to create many beautiful works of art. She was an avid gardener and no matter where she lived the yard and flower beds were filled with stunning perianal and annuals. She became an accomplished quilter and loved creating quilts for family and friends. Survived by her daughter Jennifer Boyle and son in law Sean Boyle; Son, Timothy and daughter in law Stella; daughter Rebecca Oteri. And the light of her life…..grandchildren Caitlin Hazlett, (Drew Hazlett), Maureen Boyle, Ashlyn Haury (Jacob Haury), Timothy and John Oteri; and a great granddaughter Maeve Hazlett. Her ashes will be interned with her husbands at a later date at the Memorial Garden at the Birmingham United Methodist Church. Her family wishes to thank the many friends and people she met who loved her spark, kindness, understanding zest for life. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Continuum Care Hospice Foundation, 500 West Cummings Park, Suite 6300, Woburn, MA 01801 www.continuumhospice.com