Obituary of Laurel Jean Simmons

GENEVA/SYRACUSE/ROCHESTER — Laurel Jean (Cowan, Holmes) Simmons, 80, passed away peacefully Thursday (June 12, 2025) at Kirkhaven Nursing Home in Rochester, NY. Laurel was born June 27, 1944 in Rochester, NY, the daughter of William and Esther Ida Schrader Cowan. She was a graduate of Madison High School and received her associate's degree from the Crouse Irving School of Nursing. Laurel worked as a nurse at James Square Nursing Home in Syracuse, NY. Laurel is survived by her sons Marcus (Tammy Baldwin) Holmes of Waterloo, NY, Richard Holmes of Lexington, SC and Vernon (Lisa) Holmes of Shelburne, New Hampshire; and sisters Joan Granger and Linda Hudson of Hamlin, NY. Laurel was the proud gramma to 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was predeceased by the love of her life, husband Theodore Holmes; her eldest son Daryl Holmes; Baby Girl Holmes who didn't survive delivery; and brothers William and Donald Cowan. Momma worked as, and cherished being a CNA. She spent her career loving and caring for her patients at nursing homes throughout the Syracuse area. After retirement, mom had a passion for reading, puzzle books, knitting, board games and spending time with friends. One of her true passions was spending time fishing, whether she caught something or not, she just loved being outside. Her plants and her extreme love of owls is well known and will remain a source of stories forever. Her spirit was infectious, her laugh, smile, and just a look or touch made you know you were loved. She was and will always be our source for inspiration, she was our ROCK, our source for guidance, advice, and role models. Momma will be missed by all that knew and loved her, and her memory will live on in stories as we tell her great grandchildren about their Gramma Holmes. In keeping with the family's wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. A private burial will be in Oakwood Morningside Cemetery in Syracuse, NY. A celebration of life for family and friends will be in Waterloo, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 10727, Rochester, NY 14610 or American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.