Helene A. Holmes, 80, of Scranton, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Geisinger CMC, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Holmes Jr. After a long three decades since he passed, it comforts us to know that their love has been rekindled.
Born on February 2nd, 1945, Helene was one of Harry and Helen Kelly Seumenicht’s seven children. She was a member of St. Paul's Church and a graduate of Dunmore High School. After meeting the love of her life, Helene focused on nurturing her own growing family before working at Supermarket Service in Dunmore for a twenty-plus year tenure.
Helene was a devoted mother, Nana, and great-grandmother, and she fulfilled those roles with every fiber of her being. With a “Seumenicht Swat” or an expert listening ear, she managed to make every member of her large family feel special, noticed, and deeply loved—no matter what. Helene was cherished for her role as the Holmes family matriarch, always looking out for what made everyone happy. Helene Holmes will live immortal forever through the love of her four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Helene was our source of strength, our cheerleader, and our familial glue. She embodied everything good: empathy, humor, generosity, and beauty. She was always able to welcome new friends, make sassy remarks, and be a shoulder to cry on when times got tough. We were lucky beyond words to share our lives with her. Helene’s selfless light will live on in memories we have of her watching WWE wrestling matches (“Double H”!), being a dedicated Seattle Seahawks fan, drinking the occasional bourbon and Coke, or spending time with her family under a gazebo.
In addition to her husband and parents, Helene is preceded in death by three sisters: Ann Marie, Sally, and Alberta; one brother, John; and a son-in-law, Theodore “Duval” Miles Jr.
Surviving are her three daughters: Stephanie Holmes and fiancé Mark Coviello, Susan Nicholas and husband Barry, and Cynthia Holmes; one son, John “Jake” J. Holmes III and wife Breeda; two sisters: Charlotte Chiaro and husband Ralph, and Cathy Huff; nine grandchildren: Alyssa Kauffman and fiancé Tyler Farrell, Nico Cavalari, Olivia Kaschak, Aidan and Cael Nicholas, Mayah Miles, and Jacob, Caitlin, and Jack Holmes; two great-grandchildren, Jayce and Kai Farrell; and several nieces, nephews, and honorary children and grandchildren who were proud to call Helene “Nana.”
Friends may call July 11th from 10am to 12pm with a viewing at 12pm in the funeral home at the McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home at 1401 Capouse Avenue in Scranton, with an inurnment at Cathedral Cemetery.
Visitation
Please refer to above obituary for location and time.
Funeral Services
Please refer to above obituary for location and time.
Guestbook
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Brian Jones
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Kim and I want to send our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Your mother was a special lady and will be missed by all of those she touched over the years.
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Stubby Robacker
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Jake and Holmes family my deepest condolences.. RIP Helene you were a sweet lady.
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Barbara Seymour Bergeron
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Jake, Susan, Stephanie and Cynthia, and families,
Miy sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom. We were neighbors many years ago and I will always remember your Mom as the kindest woman. Stong as an ox and gentle as a lamb.
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Alicia Hunter
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Stephanie, Nico and Olivia….
I am so sorry for your loss..
Your Mom and Grandma was such the sweetest person I had the pleasure to know…
I know God needed an angel with him and he chose her to watch over all of you til you meet again..
I love you all..🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Ellenlynch
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She was always so sweet to me.prayers to Jake and the whole family. ❤️
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Ellenlynch
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She was always so sweet to me.prayers to Jake and the whole family. ❤️
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Ellenlynch
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She was always so sweet to me.prayers to Jake and the whole family. ❤️
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Barry Nicholas
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The squared circle in heaven is about to be dominated by Double H.
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Johnny, Sarah, and Reiltín Cronin Kerry, Ireland
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Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers across the Atlantic to you all during this sad time. May Helene rest in peace.
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Sheila krupski
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May the gate of heaven be open to her and her loving Jack be waiting to hold her hand 🤚 may she rest in peace forever
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Sheila krupski
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May the gate of heaven be open to her and her loving Jack be waiting to hold her hand 🤚 may she rest in peace forever
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Sue Blackledge
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So Sorry for your loss!! ❤️.
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Sue Pierson
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My deepest condolences to your family.i met your mom at John Adam’s school and Nancy and I love d going out after PTA meetings. She will be missed.
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Shannon Maiello
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I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of sweet Nana♥️ sending so many hugs and prayers your way
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Natalia Burgio
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Dear Stephanie and family my condolences on the loss of your mom. May she rest in eternal peace as she is reunited with her husband.
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Zach Yazdanparast
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Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and entire family. Zach
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Meaghen Bunic
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Stephanie & Family- I am so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful tribute to her life. This shows how deeply she was loved and an incredible impact she had on those around her. My thoughts are with you through this time Wishing you and your family peace and healing 3
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Joe Adams
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Jake and family,
So sorry to hear that your mom passed. I always thought she was a wonderful person.
She will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe,Jay and Liping
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Joanne DePoley
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Sending prayers to family for the loss of your mom. She was kind, sweet, caring and lovely person who had a kind n generous heart. May she rest in peace.
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Pamela Thompson
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Thoughts and prayers to you and your family so sorry for your loss
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Connie Nason
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I am so sorry for your loss. Your family was very blessed to have her and I know she felt the same with all her loved ones. May her beacon of light and love shine on you and your family over this difficult time. She will be with you in spirit always.
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Wendy Onello
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Stephanie
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, my thoughts are with you and your family
Best regards
Wendy Onello / Direct Travel
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Tom Herbert
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It’s hard to imagine not having not having Double H around but I am a better person for having known her. I will miss her sage advice, wit, kindness, compassion and awesome sense of humor. She is one special lady. Sending much love and prayers
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Maureen Androski
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So sorry Jake and family for your loss. I never met her but can tell she was a sweet, loving, caring person. She will always be with you in spirit guiding you.
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