SANTA BARBARA, Calif. Hilda Holmes, 79, passed away Jan. 8, 2008, with her family by her side at Cottage Hospital. She was born June 14, 1928, in Ashland, and as the eldest child, began working at a young age to help her parents support their large family. She married Judson Holmes, June 30, 1946, at Portage Lake, and resided in the Maine communities of Presque Isle and Van Buren, before moving to California in 1960 with her husband and young family. While raising her children was of utmost importance, Hilda also served her community, opening her home to exchange students, and working as a legal secretary and executive assistant. Her most recent employment was with the Santa Barbara County Education Office, where she retired at age 70. Hilda’s retirement was largely spent relaxing in her favorite place of all, her own home. After working hard all her life, she enjoyed simple pursuits there. She loved hosting friends, neighbors and family in her home. Everyone who visited, old and new acquaintances alike, could feel the warmth and love to be found there. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Judson; her sons, Jake and Steve; daughter-in-law, Minh Khai; grandchildren, Michael and Suzanne; sisters, Bertie Davis, Anita Raines, Millie Tyler and Myrtle Van Arsdalen; and brothers, Billy and Jackie Pinette. Her daughter, Bonnie, predeceased her in 1974. A simple graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Monday at Goleta Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.
HILDA HOLMES
