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Mary Jo Holmes
A “Fourth of July Firecracker,” Mary Jo was born at home in 1935, the daughter of John “Jack” and Ardath. A lifelong resident of Scottville, Mary Jo was one of the very first Scottville Scotties under band director Gilbert Stansell (founder of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp). She spent many of her teenage years dancing and skating at Johnny’s in Custer, where she and her brother Doug were once asked if they were professional dancers.
After high school, Mary Jo followed in the footsteps of her maternal aunt to pursue education in nursing. After working and training in states around the country, she returned home and worked for several years at Paulina Stearns Hospital in Ludington. It was during that time that she met and married the love of her life, Fred Holmes.
A woman of strong faith, Mary Jo learned a sense of civic duty watching her mother volunteer in many capacities throughout her life. As her family of five children grew, she continued to work and volunteer her nursing services. Following the loss of her husband in the early 70s, she became the founding director of the Scottville Area Senior Center (SASC), which she ran for 26 years. During these years acting as mother, father, and sole supporter, she still found the time to volunteer with the community and school, to attend a multitude of school events for her kids: concerts, music festivals, sporting events, and spring musicals. She worked diligently to serve the senior citizens of Mason County, often writing budget and millage proposals well into the night. Her efforts at the Center were instrumental in establishing the Mason County Senior Millage in 1988, which to this day is the primary funding source for all four of the senior centers in the county. In November of 2023 she was the guest of honor at the 50th anniversary celebration at the SASC with Bill Kerans, the current director. During her time as director, Mary Jo also earned the title of Scottville Citizen of the Year in 1994 for her many years of dedication to the community.
During her retirement years in Ludington, Mary Jo enjoyed spending time with her family and her precious dog Maggie, quilting, crocheting, and making items to donate. She was also able realize a lifelong dream by traveling to Ireland and to Scotland, the birthplace of Clan MacArthur. She served at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington for many years.
Mary Jo spent her last week making new friends and enjoying the beauty of Lake Michigan from her apartment at Lake Michigan Senior Living before passing away unexpectedly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; and two brothers, Jim and Doug. She is survived by her children, Sharon (husband Terry), Sarah, Susan, David, and Kathleen (husband Alan), and her 10 grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Mary Jo has touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of public service and compassion for the least of these which will not be quickly forgotten.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Simon Catholic Church, in Ludington, with Father Wayne B. Wheeler presiding. Interment will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Free Soil Township. Visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 1 p.m. until time of Mass.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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