Madeline Teresa Holmes was born January 27, 1918 in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada, the daughter of James and Hannah (Ivey) Hamilton. She was baptized and confirmed in Newfoundland, and attended school at Presentation Convent School. On April 10, 1944, Madeline was united in marriage to William Holmes at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in St. John's Newfoundland. They were blessed with four children and 55 years of marriage. Madeline and William lived for a short time in Newfoundland, then moved to Benson. Madeline was employed at the Swift County Benson Hospital for many years. William passed away in 1999 and in 2006, Madeline moved to Starbuck. Madeline was a member of the Swift County Benson Hospital Auxiliary, the VFW Women's Auxiliary, and the St. Francis Women's Guild. Among the things she enjoyed were poetry, reading, music, and movies. She was primarily devoted to the care and love of her family. Madeline was called from this life on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. She attained the age of 93 years, 1 month and 23 days. Madeline is survived by her children: James (Donna) Holmes of Cyrus, Patricia (Cliff) Martinson of Big Lake, Ray (Deborah) Holmes of Lowry, and Joan (Reed) Egerstrom of Benson; grandchildren: Sean Egerstrom, Scott Egerstrom, Steven Egerstrom, Jennifer Egerstrom, Russell Holmes, Matthew Holmes, Alethia Scheet, and Nathan Martinson; step grandchildren: Timothy James, Jennifer James, Erik Webber, and Lisa Webber; great grandchildren: Abigail Egerstrom, Autumn Egerstrom, Jasmine Egerstrom, Eliana Scheet, Brennan Scheet, Dylan Holmes, and Jackson Holmes; step great grandchildren: Prudence and Alex James; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband William; a grandson, Andy Holmes; her parents; brothers: George and James Hamilton; and a sister Maude Hamilton.
