CONTOOCOOK, NH: Irlene Bernice (Young) Holmes 105, of Contoocook, NH died March 4, 2017 at the Presidential Oaks Nursing Home in Concord, NH. 

Born November 1, 1911 in Warner, NH the daughter of the late Irl Vincent and Bernice May (Bartlett) Young. She was also predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Leon Alston Holmes, who died in 1993, a son, Lyle Allen Holmes who died in 1986, and a sister Dorothy Hazel (Young) Carruthers. 

Irlene worked for the NH Division of Health and Welfare for 15 years before her retirement. She was a member of the Contoocook United Methodist Church, former President of the Hopkinton Women’s Club, and the Contoocook Grange.  Irlene loved being at home with her family and friends, baking, reading, knitting and cooking. 

Survived by two sons, Lloyd Alden Holmes, of Contoocook, NH and Donald Leon and his wife Anna Holmes, of Florida, a daughter, Sandra Jane (Holmes) and her husband Kenneth Smart, of Contoocook, NH, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and nieces. 

Graveside services will be held at the Contoocook Village Cemetery, Contoocook, NH in spring. 

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Henniker, NH, is in charge of the arrangements.