Why am I here?
I often ask myself
That deep existential question: “Why am I here?”
Then I remember,
I came to the basement
For a jar of pickles—
That’s why I’m here.
Molly Holmes
January 15, 2019
October 1, 1927 – May 24, 2022
Molly grew up during the depression on a small farm and orchard in the Yakima Valley. She graduated from Central Washington University where she excelled and was offered a scholarship to a prestigious school in the east. She turned this offer down to marry Phil Parker. They spent two summers in the mountains where Phil manned the fire lookouts and Molly cared for their first two daughters without electricity or running water - if you didn’t count the nearby creek.
After graduation, they started a newspaper in the small town of Quincy, Washington. They named the paper The Quincy Valley Register and it still continues on now as a daily paper.
In 1956, the couple moved to Olympia, now with three daughters and a son in tow, where both were active in Democratic politics. They divorced in 1968, but stayed friends for life.
Molly later married Paul Holmes with whom she kayaked the northwest and built an octagonal house in Key Center, Washington, collecting river rocks to construct the fireplace. She volunteered at the area charitable thrift shop, raised funds for art at the local library, and commuted to Seattle where she taught elementary special education for 25 years.
Molly was a hiker, an avid reader, crossword solver, and a keen Scrabble player who, in her final days, won two of three games.
She packed light to travel throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. She loved the theater, and volunteered at the Bathhouse Theater at Green Lake. On trips to London, she’d see a play a day for two weeks.
Molly made many friends in exercise and walking groups. She loved the outdoors and organized several groups that hiked weekly. Molly had a passion for public transportation and arranged bus expeditions for groups of friends. They circumnavigated the Olympic peninsula and one year, visited every one of Seattle’s public libraries.
Her wry humor featured prominently in her poetry and in writing song lyrics to celebrate friends.
Her 50 years owning a Green Lake co-op apartment forged many friendships. She served for several years on the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services. She was a champion for public toilets and a supporter of Real Change and Habitat for Humanity.
Over the years, Molly became increasingly connected to extended family. She will be missed by her cherished family - from her four children and their spouses, to her eight grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren - as well as cousins and other relatives.
A memorial will be held at Horizon House - 900 University St. - Seattle, WA 98101
Sunday, June 12, 2022 - two to four pm
Donations in her honor may be made to: