Cookie (Claire) Holmes – South Carolina

Born in the Bronx of New York on February 26, 1949, Cookie was the daughter of Miriam Winikoer (Fisher) and Martin Berman. In 1972, while visiting her sister, Carol, in Quantico, VA, she met Ronald Holmes. They made it official in 1973 and were married for 45 years before his passing in 2018.

Though she had been in the ICU for 2 weeks, Cookie made enough progress that thoughts about her release and plans for her return home were in the making. Her passing was unexpected and a huge shock to her family and friends.

A few hours after her departure, her sister Mary Ann DiGennaro also passed away and together they made their way to the loved ones who had crossed over previously and were waiting to welcome them both home. We take comfort in knowing neither of them had to make that last journey to the gates of heaven alone.

For Cookie, those waiting included her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Candido Alicea Jr., sister Sharon, her parents, and most importantly … the love of her life Ronald, whom she missed every single day. They are now reunited.

Cookie had a variety of jobs that she excelled in and always rose to the role of manager. The job she loved the most, however, was that of a cake baker and decorator. She made beautiful and tasty cakes, and whoever had the pleasure of tasting her cakes always walked away with a satisfied smile on their lips.

Cookie was a big sports fan, mainly basketball. She could often be seen at the games Ronald was coaching. She could also be heard across the court as she was anything but quiet in enthusiasm.

Cookie enjoyed watching basketball on TV and had subscribed to every sports channel she could find. Her favorite team was the Warriors, but she also had a not-so-secret crush on Stephen Curry. Other shows she enjoyed were Naked and Afraid, 90-Day Fiancé, and all things on the TLC channel and her all-time favorite musician was Elvis.

What brought Cookie the most joy, however, was time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and her extended family.

Cookie is survived by her children, Terry (Taya), Joyce, and Michelle. Grandchildren, Automne (Vince), Victoria, Andrew, Malorie, Trey (Jessica), Adrian, Clarissa (Eddie), Cameron, Miyah, Bryce (Mandy), and Maddax. 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving Cookie are siblings, Carl Berman and Sally Girkesh; Cousins, Janet Fisher Buckley and Edward Fisher; Nieces and Nephews, Mike DiGennaro, Michael Alicea, Matthew Alicea, Sheri Alicea, Terri Alicea, and Jason Winikoer, several grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and a whole host of friends.

Cookie’s spirit, her sass, and her ability to give all of herself to those she loved will be missed by all who knew and loved her in return.

“She loved you before you could give anything back. She stayed when you pushed her away. She showed up when you didn’t deserve it. She believed in you when no one else did. She tried her best. You were her whole world, and she loved you dearly.”