Obituary of Rebecca HOLMES

April 1980 – Calgary, Alberta

June 30, 2021 – Red Deer, Alberta

With infinite love and deep sadness, we announce Rebecca’s passing on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 due to cancer at the young age of 41 years.

Rebecca was our “Mighty Mouse”; though a relatively quiet person, she was never afraid to stand up for herself or others, despite her diminutive size.

Though born in Calgary, Rebecca spent her entire childhood growing up in Red Deer, where she attended school through college. She obtained Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Nutritional Science degrees from the University of Alberta. After completing her dietetic internship in Calgary, she worked as a clinical dietitian on the renal and bone marrow transplant units at Foothills Medical Centre from 2007 until her passing. While at the Foothills, Rebecca cared for many of the most vulnerable patients to pass through the hospital’s doors.

A lifelong learner, Rebecca completed a Master of Epidemiology degree through the University of Calgary while continuing to work full time. Rebecca actively promoted and supported the dietetics profession for many years, including chairing the Dietitians of Canada Continuing Education Committee-Calgary from 2016 to 2021.

An avid athlete, Rebecca spent her time hiking, biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, or playing ultimate frisbee or slo-pitch. Rebecca is survived by her parents, Dr. Donald H. Holmes and Brenda Clayton; her siblings David Holmes, Dr. Sheila Holmes (Gregor Pachmann) and Teresa Holmes (Greg Siemens); her maternal grandparents, Stan and Peg Clayton; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues; and her fur baby, her 16-year-old orange cat, Chestnut.

A special thanks to all the physicians, nurses and health care aides at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, and at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Central Alberta Cancer Centre, the Red Deer Home Care Palliative Team, and the Palliative Care Resource Team in Central Zone for their heartfelt, diligent care of Rebecca during this difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (https://cholangiocarcinoma.org) or your local SPCA.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), at  2:00 p.m. For those family and friends who are unable to attend in person you are invited to join Rebecca’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Rebecca Holmes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Rebecca's memorial card can be viewed using this link.

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