BOSCAWEN, NH:  Sally Ann (Michalenoick) Holmes, 79, of Boscawen, NH died April 14, 2020 at the Merrimack County Nursing Home. 

She was born February 13, 1941 to the Late Charles J. and Gladys V. (Arquiette) Michalenoick, Sr.  She was also predeceased by her husband Lyle A. Holmes. 

Sally is happy to let you know that Elvis is playing on the jukebox and that she is currently among friends, family and her husband Lyle A. Holmes, whom she has not seen in years. She is attending events which offer socializing, dancing, laughter and tall drinks; the food is outstanding and there is never a line to the bathroom. 

There are treasures that are irreplaceable and will go with her wherever her journey takes her. These memories include the pink, family home growing up on Bank Avenue in Claremont, NH; celebrating at each residence hoping to find the right house to return to. Tapping eggs at Easter time, knowing her father, Charles Michalenoick, Sr., always cheated by dying the eggs in a secret beet juice formula. The time she spent with her mother, Gladys Michalenoick, who dedicated her life to her, giving her physical therapy at home every day for years, helping her to eventually walk. Summer’s at Lake Sunapee with her older brother Charles, Jr. and wife Cathy. Family gatherings at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Road trips with her younger brother, Richard and his wife Sharon. They would go to remote places that no wheelchair had ever seen. But, the love of a sister was something that Sally worshiped. She admired Judy Usko and her brother-in-law, Tony with all her heart. 

It is said that “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and that is evident when you saw Sally and her only child, Lynn, get into it. The reflection is shown in their eyes as well as the love in their hearts, especially when someone walks across a freshly washed floor with dirty boots or leaves nasty dishes in the sink. 

Sally lived for her grandchildren, Parker and Riley; in passing, Sally knows that her prize treasures are well taken care of by her son-in-law, Gary Bennett, a man like no other. 

We want Sally to know that she did a great job during her time here. She raised a family, worked for the State of New Hampshire for 39 years and gave it her all, right up until the end. We will remember her smile, her love for life, family and friends, but also those who came into her house late at night and broke her rules by eating Oreo cookies in bed and leaving toothpaste in the sink for her to clean. 

Sally would not want you to cry because she’s gone but instead be happy that she was here. For today she is happy, walking and dancing to the beat of a different drum. 

A celebration of Sally’s life will gather at a future date. 

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Henniker, NH is assisting the family. 

In lieu of flowers, take a special friend or family member out for a drink and reflect on what is good in each of your lives.