Colleen B. Holmes

Colleen Holmes was born Colleen Bridget McDonald on July 3, 1959, to Charles (Chuck) and Pauline McDonald in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley Region of Los Angeles, California. In 1969, when Colleen was 10 years old, Chuck and Pauline moved their eight children to North Idaho.

She married her first true love, Thomas Holmes, in April of 1983, and together they had three children: Kelly, Amanda, and Thomas. They have 7 biological grandchildren (and one more in July), and so many more they brought into their lives and loved as their own. Tom and Colleen recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. Colleen's selfless devotion as a wife was evident in her care and planning in their day-to-day lives.

Colleen loved being a mother, her greatest accomplishment, as she would say. She raised her children with a high value for gratefulness and a determination for a well-completed task. She treated her children with unmatched fairness and equality. We remember her as a patient and loving mother, fostering obedience through encouragement. She made cleaning a joyful and fun task. She really tried to make our childhood magical and full. You would never go without lots of snacks, playing in the yard, or having a swim day. She loved cake decorating for every birthday and setting up play areas dedicated to just that toy… Barbies, Fisher-Price, Legos, trolls, play kitchens, you name it! She recently completed a fantastic Gramma-Playroom where the grandchildren will remember her. While making our childhood magical, she fully endorsed Dad's love for the outdoors. We have fond memories of boating, fishing, water skiing, four-wheeling, camping, and hunting. We remember listening to her favorite music while driving to the cabin with Mom: Barry Manilow, The Grassroots, Air Supply, Journey, and Simon & Garfunkel. They set the bar high in family experiences and recreating outdoors for which to do in our own children’s lives.

She was definitely a mother to many, more than just her own children. As a close friend has so perfectly put it when reflecting on Colleen raising teenagers, “She was like a mother to all of us at one time in our lives; she was there for a good time, but was not afraid to smack you and tell you that you are being dumb.”

Through the many hardships throughout her life, Colleen grew a heart full of compassion. She loved deeply and cared fiercely for those around her. She was a defender, and she always advocated for hearing both sides to every story. Guided by her faith, she lived with quiet strength and unwavering selflessness, always putting others before herself, even in the midst of her own physical sufferings and struggles. She always made you feel like you belonged to her family, no matter who you were. She was a Comforter. She was always there for you with warmth and comfort without judgment.

She gave more than she asked. She reflected her generosity to so many. Throughout her life, often quietly, she helped numerous families or teens in need. She never hesitated to give financially or provide a place to live. Owning a business became more about her employees rather than a for-profit endeavor. She provided many first-time jobs, temporary jobs, or odd jobs to help those struggling to get back on their feet. Her unmatched fairness and drive for equality among her children and all her grandkids were displayed on every holiday :)

She owned Hot Shots Espresso in Post Falls from 1992 to 2006. Later in life, she loved getting away to go play at the casino. A true skill she nurtured and more often than not came back with winnings. Many of these casino visits were shared with her Mother, Pauline, and her best friend and sister, Anna.

Colleen's battle with cancer ended on the evening of May 15, 2025. She passed away at home surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, and two of her sisters. She leaves behind her Husband, three children, many grandchildren, and five of her siblings. She has left a legacy of love and kindness. Our hearts are completely broken. We feel homesick without her. She was the matriarch of our large family. There is a void that will never be filled. The quiet strength that still holds us together. A truly incredible mother, so loving to all of us in constant kindness. Always assuring us that she is okay and that everything will be okay with a big hug. Her strength and devotion to her family were apparent until her final moments. As those who have been blessed to have known her, she is never truly gone; you will see her more than ever in the little things.

Each time we hold our own children, we will think of the most loving mother who raised us, as raising her children was one of her greatest joys of life. Her life reflected true in her frequent refrain, LOVE YOU, MORE.

“Some people quietly shape the world around them with kindness, laughter, and love. She was one of those rare souls — and we are better for having known her.”