Obituary of Jill A Holmes

Jill A. Holmes, 66, of Westmoreland, became an angel on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, while surrounded by her loving husband, Pete, all her kids and grandkids and her brother Jack.

Jill was born December 5, 1946 to Richard and Doris (Murray) Graham in Utica, NY. She graduated from Whitesboro Central School. On October 17, 1980, Jill married Peter Holmes and shared a blessed union for 32 years. In 2008, she retired from the Rome Developmental Disabilities Office. In June 2000, Jill was Employee of the Year. She was previously employed by the Oneida County Community Action.

Jill was very involved in the volunteer fire service, her memberships include over 28 years as an active member of the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Westmoreland Fire Department, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association, Central New York Firemen's Association, Firemen's Association of the State of New York and the Oneida County Fire Police Association. She was formerly a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Whitesboro Fire Dept. Jill was on the bowling league at the Seafare & Mohawk Lanes. Jill also worked at Trinkaus.

Jill was pre-deceased by her parents, survivors include her wonderful husband Pete of Westmoreland, NY; children David and Tina (Brogdon) Cooney, Redington Beach, FL, Ken Holmes and Kelly Mizgala of Westmoreland, NY, Jim & Faith (Missy Murren) Cooney, Floyd, NY, Scott Cooney of Westmoreland, NY, Kelly Moyer of Rome, NY, Cari Kessler of Rome, NY and daughter-in-law Crystal Cooney, of Lee Center, NY. The grandchildren who were the love of her life were Patrick Cooney and friend Emily Fusco of NYC, Robert Cooney and Laura Kapala of Floyd, NY, Casie Moyer of Rome, NY, David Cooney, US Army, Fort Hood, TX,Sarah Jane Kessler of Oriskany, NY, Ken Holmes of Westmoreland, NY, Andrew & Princess Marialaina Cooney of Lee Center, NY, also Mike Hartwell, US Navy, Virginia Beach, VA, and Scott Shanley of Westmoreland, NY who were like grandsons to Jill. Jill is also survived by her three brothers and three sisters, Richard & Janet Graham of Landenberg, PA, Jack & Sharon Graham of Old Forge, NY, Jim Graham & his friend Pam of Virginia Beach, VA, Sue & Bill Seigle of Yakima, WA, Shelley & Mel Turner of Virginia Beach, VA, Lori & Pete Frederick of Port Angeles, WA; two aunts, Mary Murnane of Haverstraw, NY and Jill's traveling partner and summer house guest, Bette Copperwheat of Seminole, FL. Jill also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including her good friend, Pat Petras of Oriskany, NY and the IRA 10 lunch group, Karen (Cat), Gail, Lisa, Flora, and Denise. Ladies, thanks for loving mom as much as her kids do. Your friendship meant so much to her.

Jill loved to listen to Neil Diamond & Toby Keith and sing along with her kids and grandkids. Jill took great pride in her gardens at her home and camp in Hinckley. She loved to watch the birds especially the hummingbirds at her window thanks to daughter Kelly. Jill loved to watch baseball with grandkids and Aunt Bette. Her favorites were Andy VanSlyke and Josh Hamilton. Jill began her love of the Thousand Island at her grandparents' camp and the Trails End Campground, which Aunt Bette once owned, where Jill and Pete were seasonal campers

The family would like to thank Dr. Buch and his staff for all they've done and Kim & Jan from Hospice who were a Godsend during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department or to Hospice & Palliative Care.

Funeral services will be held at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Services, Inc, 35 College St., Clinton on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 11 AM. Burial will be in Westmoreland Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, February 15 from 4-8 PM at the funeral home. Westmoreland Fire Dept and other Firemen Associations will meet at 6:45 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM.