Nancy R. Holmes, 81, died at her home in South Portland on Jan. 21, 2017.

Nancy was born in Southport, Maine, daughter of Kenneth E. and Rita (Gaudette) Holmes. She attended local schools and graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School, Class of 1952.

Nancy moved to Portland and had a brief career working at American Can Co., before going to work for S.D. Warren Paper Company as a paper tester/inspector, a career that lasted over 25 years, until her retirement in 1998.

For many years, during the summer months, Nancy enjoyed tending a small vegetable garden in her back yard, growing and caring for her rose bushes, traveling throughout New England in search of covered bridges and taking many photos along the way, both of her travels and time spent with family. After she retired, Nancy occupied her spare time by belonging to the Westbrook and Scarborough historical societies and the Scarborough Garden Club. She enjoyed researching her family’s genealogy, doing the daily puzzles in the paper, feeding and watching the birds in her yard, and, being a long-time fan, watching the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Her greatest joys though came from spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Nancy was predeceased by a sister, Lorraine Oakland; a niece, Patty Bushnell; a great niece, Katie Reed; great nephew, John Macdonald.

She is survived by her sister, Sandra Lowe and her husband James; four nieces and nephews, Lynn Macdonald of Gorham; Paul Oakland and his wife Sue of Dresden; Kenneth Reed of Brunswick; and Nancy Condon and her husband Cliff of Saco. She is also survived by several great nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Oaklawn Cemetery in Boothbay Harbor. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. To view Nancy’s memorial page, or to share an on-line condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Those who wish may make contributions in Nancy’s memory to: The American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074; or the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb, ME 04556.