MaryJane Holmes

MaryJane Holmes, 81, of Mecosta, Michigan, died on April 8, 2022, peacefully at the end of a full and exciting life in Florida with her husband and daughter at her side.

She was born to the late Lucille and Banner Fuller on February 11, 1941; her grandparents, Charles and Mildred Emmett raised her to be the outstanding woman she grew to be. MaryJane graduated from JW Sexton HS class of 1959 and maintained close ties with her high school friends. After her children were grown, she continued her education at Lansing Community College, maintaining an A average.

She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Michael D. Holmes, who she married later in life and referred to as her “Knight in Shining Armor.” They lived in Mecosta, Michigan, traveling to Leesburg, Florida, as “snowbirds” for the last 25 years. MaryJane is survived by 2 children: Terry (Merry) Gardner and Loree’ (Lanny) Sisson; and 2 stepchildren: Michelle (Perry) Jennings and Timothy (Nicki) Holmes. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen (Walter) Siegrist.

MaryJane worked 30 years for the State of Michigan. She started with the Army National Guard, especially enjoying her role as Administrator for the Vietnam Bonus Section, where she excelled in helping Veterans claim their well-deserved benefits.

Her next position was the executive administrative assistant to Brigadier General Ronald L. Seely, Assistant Adjutant General for the Michigan Air National Guard. She was president of the School Section Lake Association.

Outside of work, she loved to travel the world, visiting Asia, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. This would also include a 20-day cruise on the Mediterranean Sea during a typhoon by the boot of Italy! MaryJane and Mike toured the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, putting in over 68,000 miles in their airstreams. She was a season ticket holder for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, enjoying the music and never missing a concert.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave, Lansing MI 48933, with entombment to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI.  Visitation will be Thursday 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933.