SOUTH PORTLAND — Katherine Romano Holmes, 103, of Cole Street died peacefully Monday, May 21, with her loving family by her side.

Katherine was born in Berlin, N.H., April 7, 1915, the daughter of the late Bartolomew and Marie (LePore) Romano. She was educated in Canton schools and graduated from Canton High School in the Class of 1935.

On July 6, 1940, Katherine married the love of her life, Norman Holmes, and together they shared 69 years together.

Katherine worked her entire life as a homemaker, caring for her home and raising her two daughters, always being an active part of their lives and school activities. She loved to sew, especially making potholders, and embroidering pillow cases.

Her greatest love and talent was cooking; her family commented that she made an awesome apple pie. Katherine won several awards for both her needlework and her apple pies. She loved to travel and spent many winters in California; she was a huge fan of the “Pioneer Woman” cooking show on the Cooking Channel, and checked the obit section of the newspaper every day. She was a very social person with a great attitude. Even though macular degeneration stole her ability to see, she was still always willing to help others.

She was a life member of Cape Elizabeth Grange 242, where she received the gold cane award for the oldest member, life member of the Order of the Eastern Star — Corner Stone Chapter, 193, and life member of the Daughters of Nile Temple 94.

Katherine was predeceased by her husband, Norman Holmes, in 2002; three sisters, Angeline, Mary and Margaret; and three brothers, Albert, Joseph and Nickole.

She is survived by two daughters, Constance Holmes and Marie and her husband, Jerry Morrison; two grandchildren, Christopher Conn and Stephanie and her husband, Curtiss Croft; her beloved dogs André and Buddy; several nieces and nephews.

To view Katherine’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Katherine R. Holmes