The Holmes family is saddened to announce the passing of Gretchen Conrad Holmes, age 89, of Raleigh, NC, on April 12, 2024. Gretchen Mae Conrad was born December 5, 1934 in Duluth, MN to O. Gordon Conrad and Ruth Baker Conrad. She was a graduate of Webster Groves HS in St. Louis, MO. Gretchen’s educational achievements include a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio Wesleyan University where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta house, and a Master’s Degree from The Ohio State University in Home Economics. She worked as a tester for the Hoover Company prior to marrying Gregory J. Holmes of Shaker Heights, OH June 18, 1960, and becoming a full-time homemaker to three children.
At the age of 10, Gretchen discovered her love for music when she began playing the trombone under her father’s guidance. Her musical journey led her to be a part of various ensembles, Philharmonic in high school. She continued her musical pursuits throughout her life with the North Texas Symphony Orchestra, Lima (OH) Symphony Orchestra, even learning to play the euphonium in the Cherry Hill (NJ) Wind Symphony. In 1992, she and Greg made their move to Raleigh, NC where they have spent 32 active years in the community. Gretchen continued her musical career at the Raleigh and Durham (guest artist) Symphony Orchestras and at her church. She also taught many young musicians to play the trombone while volunteering at the Community Music School of Raleigh.
While in NJ, she served as an officer in the Panhellenic Society. Once in Raleigh, she provided daycare/after school services to her daughter, Debbie which led to babysitting other families in her neighborhood. She was a dedicated member of Millbrook United Methodist Church in Raleigh, where she found joy in singing in the choir and participating in other special music programs. In her free time, Gretchen enjoyed gardening, tennis, water sports, racquetball, sewing, arts and crafts, staying active with fitness programs at her gym, and cherishing moments with her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Gregory Joel Holmes, her younger sister, Judith Conrad DeVere, and her three children, Debra Holmes Vizcaino, Gordon Conrad Holmes, and Leslie Suzanne (Susie) Stuart.
A memorial service in honor of Gretchen’s life will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2024, at 3pm at Millbrook United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC.
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