Mary Ellen Holmes Nov. 10, 2021, Mary Ellen Holmes, 84, of New Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Nov. 10, 2021.

Mary Ellen was born in Syracuse and lived her childhood in Nelson.

She was a graduate of Cazenovia High School and worked as a secretary in the office at the school. Mary Ellen married Edmund “Ned” Holmes in 1956 and raised their four children on Holmes Acre dairy farm in New Woodstock.

She loved to host gatherings big or small, play cards, weekly lunch dates with her friends, summer drives with an occasional stop for ice cream and surround herself with the people she loved the most. She was a spiritual woman who always thought of others first and radiated kindness to all.

Mary Ellen played an active role in the upbringing of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always there to support and encourage their growth. Mary Ellen was a member of CAVAC, New Woodstock Fire Department, the New Woodstock Community Church and the New Woodstock Historical Society. She devoted countless hours to her community and was always striving to help others. Her angelic spirit will be missed tremendously.

Mary Ellen is predeceased by her husband, Ned and parents, Earl and Sylvia Austin. She is survived by her four children, Jim (Lori) Holmes, Karen (Lee) Cowherd, Peter (Tracey) Holmes and Steve Holmes. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jesse, Riley, Mitch, Tyler, Niki, Austin, Morgan, Amanda and Cade; as well as her great-grandchildren, Lilly, Hunter, Cooper, Barret, Parker and Bailey.

Mary Ellen and her family would like to thank everyone for their calls, visits and thoughts over the past few months. Mary Ellen is forever grateful and feels blessed to have been part of such a wonderful community. A special thank you to Jen, Tina and Deb. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at the New Woodstock Community Church with burial to follow in New Woodstock Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any of the organizations mentioned above. Smith Funeral Home, DeRuyter has arrangements.