Rose Elizabeth Holman

Rose Elizabeth Holman, 84, of Rockville, Maryland, died at Suburban Hospital on November 23, 2024 of natural causes. Rose passed away surrounded by family, as was often the case across her many blessed years.

Rose, an only child, was born and raised in central Massachusetts by John J. and Rose A. Donahue. Rose grew up in a loving, lively home often filled with family and close friends. Rose attended Boston College where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, Rose joined the emergency room nursing staff at Massachusetts General Hospital. Rose spoke fondly of her time at Massachusetts General Hospital for the remainder of her life.

In 1965, Rose married Francis W. Holman, Jr. The couple had two children. After moving to Maryland, Rose returned to school at the University of Maryland, where she obtained a Master of Science degree. Over the coming years, Rose (with the support of Frank) raised their children and worked various nursing jobs, including as a school nurse in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

Rose adored the medical field. Even after Rose retired, she would study epidemiology, doctors, and medical systems so she could help friends and family cope with diagnoses and make sound medical decisions. Rose liked investing in the stock market, something some would say Rose did competitively with Frank. Rose also enjoyed cooking, a skill she honed to near perfection. Later in life, Rose became a hardcore Washington Nationals fan.

No occupation, study, or hobby, however, matched Rose’s love for her family and friends. Rose had a seemingly limitless capacity of patience, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and sound advice, all shared liberally without judgment or criticism. As a consequence, Rose’s own medical battles were never spent alone.

Rose is survived by Francis W. Holman, Jr. (husband), Elise A. Holman (daughter), Craig A. Holman (son) and Cindy R. Holman (spouse), Wayne A. Holman (grandson) and Nina A. Koutsias (spouse), Ryan C. Holman (grandson) and Kendall C. Holman (spouse), Ben A. Holman (grandson), and Caroline M. Holman (granddaughter). Rose’s family will miss her dearly.

Friends may call at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 4101 Norbeck Road, Rockville, MD 20853 on Wednesday November 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment: All Souls Cemetery, 11401 Brink Road, Germantown, MD 20876.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at: www.heart.org or to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org