Obituary of Marian Frances Holmes

Marian Frances (Walker) Holmes, 87, of Belfast, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born in Searsport on October 20, 1937 to Frances and Kenneth Walker and was the youngest of five children. 

Marian lived in Searsport throughout her childhood, swimming in the salt water and enjoying the blessings of a small, close-knit community. She graduated from Searsport High School, where she played basketball, was class president, and loved spending time with her friends, (especially her dear friend Doris), and roller skating at the Belfast pier.  

After high school Marian married Sidney McIntire and was blessed with a step son, Sid McIntire Jr. Marian and Sidney had two daughters, Sheila and Toni, as well as a baby boy named Scott who went to heaven before he had a chance to experience the world. 

Years later, Marian married Charles Holmes and they had a daughter, Paula. Marian and Charlie raised their three girls in Belfast, where Charlie had built a home many years before meeting Marian. The love and laughter of our family made this small house a home. The many grandchildren and great grands continued to bless the space and bring joy for years to come. There was always room for another plate at the table. There was always a cup of coffee and a warm welcome; a hand if you needed it, a supportive, kind word regardless of the situation. 

Marian spent many years working in factories, retiring from Mathews Brothers where she made many friends, while making windows. She loved to fish, garden, play cards, go for walks, birdwatch, raise butterflies with her friend Lindsay, kayak, knit, cross country ski, and create stained glass works. One of her favorite places was the family camp, where she planted flowers and fed the hummingbirds with great dedication. Marian was famous for her whoopie pies and fudge, and many other delicious treats. She gave of herself fully, to her First Baptist Church commitments, to her friends, and especially to her family, who meant the world to her. Marian was loved by all who met her. In recent years she travelled some with her daughters; a trip to Mexico and to the Redwood Forest. She had fun taking old car trips with her friends and family, particularly to Campobello Island, Jasper Beach and other spots in Downeast Maine. 

Marian had a strong, unwavering faith in God. She looked forward to meeting Jesus and reuniting with loved ones who have passed before her. She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Holmes, her parents, Frances and Kenneth Walker, her four siblings, Linwood Walker (and wife Shirley), Chester Walker, Lula Wright (and husband Ken), and Gene Walker, as well as her step son Sidney McIntire Jr and his father Sid Sr., a son in law Paul Simmons, parents in law Blanche and Clement Holmes, as well as sisters-in-law Cathy Gilmore (and husband Rodney), Louise Butler (and husband Albert) and several nephews and nieces in her biological and married families. 

She is survived by her three daughters, Sheila (McIntire) Leach, Toni (McIntire) Story (and husband Steve), Paula Holmes (and husband Tracy), as well as daughter-in-law Becky McIntire, brother-in-law Bernard Holmes (partner Debbie), sister-in-law Jean Walker, and many beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of her family. Marian is also survived by a large group of grandchildren, including Darice, Mandy, Heather (and partner Josh), Matt (and wife Danielle), Tyler, Erica (and partner Kyle), Felicia (and husband Kevin), Ethan (and wife Kendra), and Liza, and great grandchildren Brandon, Bryce, Sydney, Caleb, Braeden, Ayla, Carter, Maddie, Jonathan, Kolton, Henry, Nathan, Danica, Landon, Jasmine, Esme and Theron, and great-great grandson Hudson. Marian had many close friends who were like family to her, including Rose, Mel and Bonnie, Doris, Jeannie, Skip and Sandy, and many more friends from her church and neighborhood. 

A celebration of life for Marian will be held at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 31st at 1:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church ministries, 95 High Street, Belfast, ME 04915.