Lilian Joan Holmes

Lilian Joan Holmes passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, September 3, 2014 at Mt. Hope Home, Manheim, PA from complications of Alzheimer’s. Joan, as most people knew her, was born in 1925 in South Wales, United Kingdom, to Winifred and William Evan Treharne. She was educated in the Welsh school system and enjoyed riding horses in her leisure time. In 1946 during WWII, Joan met an American GI, Roger Holmes, at a canteen dance; they were soon married in Newport, Wales. When Roger was shipped stateside she soon followed on a troop ship, crossing the Atlantic with other war brides. She was proud of becoming a naturalized US citizen in 1957. Joan gave birth to two daughters in the early 1950’s in Wilmington, DE where Roger was a radio announcer for several stations, most notably WAMS. She was active in the PTA and saw that her girls got to swimming, dancing and tennis lessons even though she didn’t learn to drive until her 40’s. Joan nurtured imagination and creativity in her children, insuring that her daughters had fun-filled, enriched and secure childhoods. A fascination with the field of real estate led Joan to work for several realtors and developers in Delaware. She eventually spent 18 years as a law firm receptionist, in demand for her lovely British accent, with both Potter, Anderson & Coroon and Morris, James, Hitchens & Williams. After her divorce, Joan moved in 1989 to Lancaster, PA to be closer to her young grandchildren. There she secured a part time receptionist position with Pinnacle Mortgage. When Pinnacle closed in 1994, Joan returned to Wilmington and moved into Ingleside Retirement Apartments, where she soon headed up the facility’s library and arranged the Chapel services there each Sunday. In 2000, Joan again returned to live in Lancaster to be close to family as she was beginning to show signs of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. She lived independently in Landisville Apartments for a little over 8 years with much family support and attendance at adult day care at Landis Homes. In 2009 Joan moved into the Mt. Hope Home where she resided under the loving care of the amazing staff until her death. She endured the unrelenting ravages of Alzheimer’s with grace and ever ready smiles and gratitude toward her caregivers. Predeceasing Joan were her parents, her brother Roy Treharne, and her former husband Roger Holmes. Surviving are her loving daughters Wendy Eshleman, Lancaster, PA and Karen Pocius, Factoryville, PA and her beloved grandchildren Nicolette Pocius, Avon, CO and Matthew Eshleman, Shenzhen, China. Joan was known for her optimistic spirit; her sociability; her love of children, animals and nature; and for her strong belief in civil rights for all. The family would greatly appreciate donations in her memory to the non-profit nursing home where she resided for the past 5 ½ years, The Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community, 3026 Mt. Hope Home Road, Manheim, PA 17545. For more information, please visit:www.mthopenazarene.org/Donations.php A memorial service will be held at Mt. Hope, Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 2 pm. Directions to the home may be found at the above website.

Lilian Joan Holmes

September 11, 2014