Marlene H. Holmes, 88, of Bridgewater, NH, died Tuesday January 21, 2025, at her home. She was born on February 20, 1936, in Andover, MA, a daughter of the late George and Isabella (Craig) Hurst. She had been a resident of Bridgewater for the past 3 years, formerly living in Hooksett, NH for 20 years, Chester, NH for over 30 years and Andover, MA during her childhood and young adult life. She also spent several years in St. Augustine, FL.
Marlene will be remembered as a pleasant and friendly lady, who always loved having a laugh. She was an always present wife, mother, auntie, nana and friend. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage and made the best shortbread around. She loved cars and often talked about her old Mustang or her Chevy Corvair. She was a member of the Free Church in Andover, MA, Chester Congregational Church, Calvary Bible Church in Derry and Hooksett Congregational Church. She worked as a phone operator for many years in Andover, prior to relocating to NH with her husband, Phil, where they raised their family. In Chester, she was always involved with the community and her daughters’ lives. She was the softball coach for her oldest daughter’s undefeated team. She was a member of the PTA. To her daughter’s friends, she was simply known as "Mom". She took classes at White Pines college. She was an Elliot Junior hospital volunteer. She was a member of the American Legion. After Phil passed away, she moved to Hooksett where she became a member of the senior citizens group, The Hooksettites, where she made so many new friends. She loved to bowl and was a member of a local women's league in Goffstown. Marlene had quite a collection of lighthouses symbolizing her love of the ocean. Hampton Beach, where she spent many fun days with her best friend, Carole. York Beach, where she enjoyed visiting her cousin, Kay. Cape Cod, vacationing there annually. And St. Augustine, where she enjoyed vacations and a few years of retirement with her beloved husband before he passed away.
She is survived by her daughters, Jean Clement, and husband Dale, of Palm Coast, FL, and Jennifer Holmes of Bridgewater, NH; three grandchildren, Karissa Merrill, Charlotte Clement, and Maya Sargent; two great grandchildren, Graham Merrill and Penelope Merrill; her sister, Donna McCann, as well as Donna's children, Robert, Robin and Brenda; and her sister-in-law, Else Hurst. She was predeceased by her husband, Philip B. Holmes, Jr., in 2000, and her brothers, George Hurst and Craig A. Hurst.
She will be buried next to her husband in Great Hill Cemetery in Chester, NH in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to staugustinelighthouse.org. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.