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TOUGHKENAMON, Pa. – Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Holman, 93, formerly of Kennett Square, Pa., died Nov. 4, 2025, with family at her side.

Born June 24, 1932, in Chester, Pa., she was the only child of Jacob and Elizabeth McKinney.

Betty graduated from Chester High School in 1950 and, with her striking red hair and always fashionable clothes, first worked at Weinberg’s Department Store in Chester, Pa. and later at Kitty Dugan’s Dress Shop in Lima, Pa.

She married John “Harry” Holman (1928-2005) on Sept. 16, 1950, and they celebrated 54 years of marriage before Harry died.

They raised five children in West Chester, Pa. and later had a vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

She was a longtime member at St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square, Pa., the Ladies Guild and a 15-year volunteer at Longwood Gardens. She moved to the home of her youngest son, Thomas Holman and his wife Ann Marie, in Toughkenamon, Pa. in January 2023.

Along with Thomas and his wife, Betty is survived by her children, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Adams of Richmond, John Jacob Holman (Cathy) of St. Marys, Ga., and Christopher Holman (J.J. Allen) of Leland, N.C.

She was predeceased by her son, James J. Holman.

She was a loving, caring and enthusiastic grandmother and great-grandmother and is survived by nine grandchildren, Glenn Adams (Heather) of Oakland, Paul Adams of Augusta, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Adams (Warner) of Austin, Texas, Mary Holman of Columbia, Pa., James Holman of St. Marys, Ga., Chris Holman (Leeanne) of Hampstead, N.C., John David Holman, of Leland, N.C., Meredith Space (Robert) of Coatesville, Pa., and Thomas John Holman (Nina) of Parkesburg, Pa.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10, at St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square, PA 19348, followed by her funeral mass 11 a.m., interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to

Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF

P.O. Box 5042

Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042

online at: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2

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