Obituary of Alta Mary Loreen Holmes

HOLMES, Alta M.L.

(née Phillips)

Alta Holmes died gently on Friday, November 23, 2018, age 96. She left her home in Moose Jaw and trained as a nurse at Toronto Western Hospital and worked in the OR at Saskatoon City Hospital. In 1945, Alta married Loyde and they raised Robert (Janet), Jim (Donna), and Susan (Chris Bailey). She has seven grandchildren, Dale, Nathan (Teslin), John (Kelsey), Christopher (Kristal), Sabrina, Justin, Robert (Anna) and eleven great-grandchildren. Alta is survived by her brother Lyle “Oz” Phillips (Joanne) and many nieces and nephews. Alta and Loyde loved golfing, cross-country skiing, and especially travelling. They visited most of Canada, much of the United States, and Europe. After Loyde’s death in 1978, Alta continued these activities and added cycling, until she was hit by a car in 1993. After weeks in a coma, she made a long and difficult recovery.  Although Alta had limited mobility, she continued her travels, sometimes solo until she was put ashore for medical reasons in Cartagena, Columbia. Alta still continued to travel, but then always with family. She always maintained a strong network of friends, some new, and some from school days. For over 50 years, Alta regularly attended the reunion of her nursing class. We always knew when she volunteered at the Blood Donor Clinic because she appeared in her carefully starched nurse’s uniform. Alta volunteered for many community organizations, including the Boards of the YWCA, Regina General Hospital, the Regina Housing Authority, John Howard Society, and Family Service Bureau. She organized services so seniors could maintain their independence. Alta was a staunch feminist serving as president of the Action Committee, Status of Women. She considered this a continuation of her mother’s commitment to women’s rights. As a mature adult, Alta studied at the University of Regina both for credit and at the Lifelong Learning Centre, and often attended Elderhostel combining study and travel. She enjoyed opera and the symphony, attending until recently with her niece Mary Arpin. Alta’s family will gather for a private celebration of her life and interment beside her love, Loyde. Our gratitude to the health care workers who helped Alta over the years. Special thanks to all the staff at College Park II. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifelong Learning Centre, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2; the Regina Symphony Orchestra, 2424 College Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 1C8 or the Isabel Johnson Shelter, YWCA, 1940 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3.