Jessica M Holmes

MADISON-The final chapter in the life of Jessica Holmes was written on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, when she left us at 90 years old.  She died at home, with her children and her dog, Rasta, by her side. Jessica was born on Dec. 31, 1926. She was the daughter of Grant and May (Fallon) Morse of Hollandale, Wis. She married Andrew Holmes on May 27, 1946.  Their marriage lasted for 55 years until Andrew's death in 2001.  Jess knew the importance of an education and the power of the written word. After graduating from St. Clara Academy, Sinsinawa, Wis., in 1943, she received her B.A. in speech and drama in 1951 and her M.A. in Library Science in 1963 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She joined the Madison Metropolitan School District in 1963.  Jess was a school librarian for 26 years, three years at Marquette School and 23 years at Samuel Gompers Middle School. In addition, she taught the Instructional Materials Production Course for the University of Wisconsin Library School for 12 years.  At her retirement dinner in 1990, a library school student and colleague wrote the following about Jess:  "When I became acquainted with Jess, I recognized her as a true expert on literature for young people.  My experiences with her led me to always associate her with what I was taught and came to believe an LMC person should be: open to all forms and formats of media, appreciating and respecting each for its unique contribution, able and willing to adopt the new while preserving the value of the old. Jess' expertise in print and non-print media as well as her excellent rapport with her staff and students played a very important role in my life."  Jess was an inspirational teacher.  She was committed to bringing out the best in her students.  Her quick wit and unbridled imagination made learning fun and exciting. She opened minds, piqued curiosity and led students to learn more about and appreciate the world we live in.  Jess loved a good story, she loved to read them, and she loved to tell them.  It gave her great joy to share stories with friends, family, and students. For 49 years Jess was an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, a women's professional organization that focuses on community service.  She had a special place in her heart for raising funds for scholarships and was truly committed to this cause.  A day never went by that she wasn't reading a book. Her house was full of countless magazines and publications. When not reading she was an avid Badgers fan. She had football season tickets for over 60 years. After experiencing what she called "The Congo Line Years of 1, 2, 3 - Kick" she was then able to go to two Rose Bowl Games.  Her cheer for DEEEEFENSE will truly be missed.  Jess is survived by her children, Debby Homes (Craig Gunsul), Jon Holmes and Druan (Skip) Vogel; grandchildren, Kari McKahan and Joe Holmes; niece, Michelle Garvey; grand-nephew, Andrew (Kelsey) Garvey; grand-niece Jessica Garvey; and great-grand-niece, Avery Garvey. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Andrew; sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Thomas Garvey; and nephew, Bill Garvey.  A Celebration of Jess' Life will be held at THE SKY BAR - THE EDGEWATER, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jess' name to Wisconsin Delta Educators Scholarship Foundation c/o S. Talarczyk, 2902 Irvington Way Madison, WI 53713.  A special thanks to the 3rd floor staff at St. Mary's Hospital and also the Home Health United Hospice Staff for taking such good care of her.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive       608-221-5420