Elizabeth “Liz” Mary Holmes

September 21, 1951 - April 29, 2023

Elizabeth (Liz) Mary Holmes, 71, of West Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones at home. She was born September 21, 1951, in Northbrook, IL to the late Walter and Mary (Mooney) Diesch. On June 21, 1980, she married Robert Michael Holmes in Thorntown, IN. Liz graduated from DePauw University in 1973 with a BA in mathematics, and after spending a few years in actuarial sciences, she applied and was accepted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. A practicing veterinarian in the Lafayette area from the time of her graduation (DVM class of 1983), she was the founder and owner of Petsburgh Pet Care in Lafayette, IN until her retirement in 2022. In addition to serving pets and their humans for 39 years, she and her veterinary staff also rescued, treated, and found homes for many stray dogs and cats over the years. Liz was an avid gardener with a profound love of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. She also loved traveling with her husband and daughters, as exploration fed her pursuit of lifelong learning. Surviving along with her husband are two daughters, Jessica Holmes (partner Aleksander Cholewa) and Katie Holmes (partner Jeremy Harris); a newly arrived grandson, Mario Aleksander; her older brother, Robert Diesch of New Richmond, WI; and beloved pets, Dr. Fauci (gregarious feline) and Margot (rambunctious canine). She is preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Barbara, and several cherished dogs and cats. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy (www.Nature.org) in Liz’s memory. Memorial services will be private.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Kristina Pelfree

Rhonda Vogelgesang

Sheri Benson

Pam & Denny Hardebeck

Jenny Clark

Shamika Bedoya

Rhonda and David Harris

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Mike I am so sincerely sorry to hear of your loss. We live on our memories with them. May God bless you and your family. Joycelyn Gates

Liz was a treasured member of the class of 1983 at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine where we all share so many wonderful memories. Liz was brilliant, thoughtful and caring. She will be deeply missed.

My sincere condolences! She was a wonderful lady and the BEST vet. When my boxer escaped from Petsburgh back kennel, she searched for him diligently. I got a calk the next day that she found him in brush thicket off N 9th St. When I arrived, she was sitting beside him in the brush and feeding him. Sheer perseverance on her part. I am forever endebted to her!!

Sending condolences from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Prayers for your family during these times. She will be deeply missed.

My heart breaks for you. When you loose a mate it is difficult.. They were our pardners. My sincere condolence.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our hearts are breaking for your loss. You were wonderful neighbors for many years, and we enjoyed seeing you each year at Christmas tree season. Liz was a wonderful vet and my favorite memory is the first time she met our new puppy. I told him to be a "good boy" and she laughed and looked him in the eyes and said, "It is going to be a long time before you are a good boy." She was so right on that. Liz was a truly kind and loving person. She will be missed by so many people. May God be with you in your sorrow.

Dr. Holmes was a great person as well as dvm. She gave me my first job at paw prints and was a great help in starting my dvm career. She will be greatly missed.

Dr. Holmes, I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences to you and your entire family.

It is with great sadness that we send our deepest sympathies to all of Liz's family on her recent passing. We met her as a partner to our close friend John Griese just as Petsburgh was about to open. Liz has rendered care to our many pets over the years and we've developed a warm friendship with her. She has always shown us and our pets genuine concern and much kindness. We felt our animals received excellent care from Liz. We grieve with you at Liz's passing. Petsburgh will not be the same without Liz's smiling face. Joe & Suzanne Farrell and our many pets

Mike and family, I am so sad and have a heavy heart after seeing Liz had passed. Over the years, Liz has helped us take care of our collie, three Goldens, a tiger cat and our two bengals. I had utmost respect for her as a professional. She was always so kind. We shared animal stories and sometimes tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

She was such a wonderful, caring , thoughtful woman, vet and friend for so many years. To her entire family ( both home and work family) I am deeply sorry for your loss. There can be no one to replace such a wonderful woman.

When we moved here from the Indianapolis area, I was concerned about finding a good vet for my 2 dogs and cats. Petsburg and Dr. Holmes were suggested. I found a wonderful, caring staff and Dr. Holmes was THE BEST. The facility is beyond my expectations. She is the only vet to sit on the floor and cry with me when we had to put down my sweet German Shepherd, Lucas. We agreed that if dogs didn't go to heaven, we were going where they were! My condolences to her family, friends, staff and especially her husband. My God grant you peace.

Dr. Holmes was never just a boss, she was family. I'm really going to miss our discussions in surgery and am grateful for being able to know her.

….There are never any perfect words during such a loss. I am so saddened to hear she lost her battle, but we know she tried soooo hard. She left a legacy of caring and kindness to those whom she met. I know you will miss her very much. I found it very sweet that you chose to post the picture of the both of you, as I know you were inseparable and enjoyed so much together during your 40+ years of marriage. I am grateful that you were retired and able to spend such precious time together before and after her diagnosis. We are praying that over time, your precious memories will fill your heart and give you peace and comfort. Love Diane and Steve

Liz, you were a wonderful boss. Your respect and love for all animals was beyond amazing.

In memory of Elizabeth “Liz” Mary Holmes, Jenny Clark lit a candle

Dr. Holmes was so compassionate when we had to put down our beloved ‘Kitty’. Such an incredible soul, heaven gained another Angel for sure. So thankful that she created such an amazing place to care for our fur babies? Prayers for strength and comfort to her family and friends ?

In memory of Elizabeth “Liz” Mary Holmes, Shamika Bedoya lit a candle

We are sorry for your loss and although words never are enough, we send your family our deepest feelings and prayers for peace.

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. I was always struck by how hard Liz worked both in her professional and personal life even when it was tough going. Her spirit, energy and resilience was truly admirable. She will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.