Lornalee Holmes

Lornalee Holmes, born on May 13, 1941, at Sutter Hospital in Sacramento, passed away at home on November 11, 2025, with her family at her side. She lived a life filled with devotion, generosity, and deep love for those around her.

Growing up in a military family, Lornalee attended nine elementary schools across several states—including Texas and Washington—before her family settled in Carmichael, where she entered seventh grade. She was part of the inaugural graduating class of La Sierra High School in 1959, where she expressed her love of music through the Trio, Madrigal Choir, and A Cappella Choir.

After graduation, Lornalee worked for Retailers Credit Union before beginning her career with Sacramento County. She worked for the Welfare Department, the Planning Department, and later as a key punch operator for the Recorder’s Office.

In 1959, she met Darrel, the love of her life. After four years of dating, they married in August 1963 at Carmichael Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the choir. Together, they raised three daughters—Melanie, Heidi, and Julie—who brought immense joy and purpose to her life.

A dedicated mother, Lornalee volunteered at Carmichael School as a classroom helper and room mother. She also led Blue Bird and Camp Fire Girls groups for four years. Her daughters’ involvement in community musical theater became a cherished part of family life, and she poured her heart into sewing their costumes and driving them to rehearsals and dance and voice lessons. She also sewed countless prom dresses, pageant dresses, and Halloween costumes over the years.

Lornalee explored tole painting, stained glass, knitting, embroidery, and other needle arts. She later discovered a passion for gardening and lovingly tended her yards with care and pride. She loved her family, her home, her garden, tradition, and cooking for family gatherings—especially when it meant bringing everyone together under one roof.

One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother to Juliana and Olivia. She and Darrel treasured the years they spent caring for them before they entered school.

In her later years, Lornalee enjoyed traveling the world by cruise ship, visiting many countries and collecting memories along the way. She was also a proud member of the Carmichael Seniors Club and valued the friendships she made there.

Lornalee will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the beauty she created, and the traditions she lovingly passed down.

She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Fair Oaks Cemetery.