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.

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