Arlene Zimmerman Holmes

Arlene Zimmerman Holmes, 93, of Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, in Harrisburg, PA.

Born on August 14, 1932, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Arlene was the daughter of Margaret (Downey) and William Zimmerman. She graduated from John Harris High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Grove City College. Following graduation, she taught at William Penn High School and had planned to pursue a career as an instructor for a flight attendant training school.

Life took a different and happier course when Robert A. Holmes proposed marriage. Arlene chose family, marrying Bob and beginning a partnership that would shape the rest of her life.

Together, Arlene and Bob owned and operated Holmes OK Letter Shop in Harrisburg and Lemoyne. After Bob's untimely passing at the age of 32, Arlene carried on the business, operating the Lemoyne location for over sixty years. Her dedication to the business was not merely professional—it was an enduring tribute to the husband she loved. When asked when she planned to retire, she would simply respond, “Why would I want to do that? Keeping the business going is the best way I can think of to honor Bob.”

Arlene's life was defined by perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic. Two simple rules guided her through life: “Keep getting out of bed and putting both feet on the floor,” and “Whatever life throws at you, don't give in to it.” Those principles carried her through the challenges of widowhood, business ownership, and the many changes of a long life, allowing her to remain active in the letter shop until nearly 91 years of age.

Faith, service, travel and community were also important parts of Arlene's life. She sang in her church choir, shared her faith as a Sunday school teacher, and was an active member of the Soroptimist Club, reflecting her lifelong commitment to serving others and strengthening her community.

Above all, Arlene was devoted to her family. She is survived by her brothers, Don Zimmerman and his wife, Diane (Goodall) Zimmerman, and Lynn Zimmerman. She leaves a lasting family legacy through her sons, Kenton D. Holmes and his wife, Kathy (Berry) Holmes, and Timothy A. Holmes and his wife, Beth (Kieffer) Holmes. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert A. Holmes, and son, Bradford R. Holmes, who passed away on April 11, 2018, and is survived by his wife, Kim (Slagle) Holmes.

Arlene was a proud and loving grandmother to Lindsey, Benjamin, Nathaniel, Amanda, Anna, Mackenzie, and Megan, and great-grandmother to Cecelia. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching her family grow and flourish through the generations.

The family kindly requests that, lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Services will be held privately at a later date at the convenience of the family.