Judith Gatens Holmes, 64, of North Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on October 4, 2022, surrounded by her five sisters. Judy was a spiritual, thoughtful, intuitive, and compassionate woman who rejoiced in the love of her husband Robert and took great pleasure in her beloved cats. Robert was her greatest blessing. In him she found the love of her life. Together they created a warm and loving home that reflected the strength and joy they took in their marriage.
Judy was deeply thankful for her family and friends. She loved making and giving gifts for special occasions, and playful gag gifts for Robert and the sisters and their families. Judy lived for
Christmas. Judy grew up with her parents Edward and Tracey Gatens and her five sisters in Dunbar, WV. She graduated from Charleston Catholic High School and earned her B.S. in Education from West Virginia State College. She was an early childhood teacher for many years until she became an associate baker at Walmart in Cape Coral, Florida.
Judy was predeceased by her husband Robert and her parents, Edward and Tracey Gatens. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Gatens Renn, Barbara Melby (Mike), Paula Gatens, Mary Gatens, and Marty Shahady (Ed) as well as her niece Sarah Shahady, and nephews Sean Melby (Maddi), Michael Shahady, Joseph Shahady and great nephew Clinton Melby.
A Funeral Mass Celebrating Judy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on October 26 th , St.Therese Catholic Church, 20115 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.
Flowers may be sent to the church prior to 9 a.m. on the day of the funeral.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 27, 12:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Sarasota. The address is 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
