Mari Patricia Nelson Holms passed away in Missoula, at St. Patrick’s Hospital, unexpectedly on March 26th, after suffering a heart attack. She was surrounded by her loving family. The weeks before her death she was riding her tractor, clearing the road of windblown debris and finishing outdoor projects. Mari was a person of energy and vitality. She carried that vitality with her to her lake lifestyle and enjoyed diving and swimming off her dock.
Mari was born in Helena, Montana, on June 4, 1955, to parents James and Patricia Nelson. She belonged to a family of seven other siblings. She graduated from Helena High School in 1973. She lived a life in motion starting with high school athletics, then continuing with her cheerleading business, then karate, and also kick boxing. Her father’s favorite nickname for Mari was “Racer”.
Mari married Val M. Holms in 1979. She and Val moved to Tulsa for a short time, and in 1991, they returned to Helena, where they owned and operated Tra Ho Sutra Kempo Karate, and the Big Sky Cheering Section. She earned a 6th Degree Black Belt. Mari enjoyed working with young people, and she was affectionately known as “Miss Mari”.
In 2011, Mari decided to return to the University of Montana to finish her degree. She loved learning, and going back to school was a great joy. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
After retiring from their business, Mari and Val left Helena and moved to Polson. Life on the lake was special to them. She and Val were married for 37 years until Val’s passing in 2016.
Mari never took for granted the beauty of Flathead Lake. She loved photography, and the lake and mountains provided plenty of opportunities for awe inspiring photos. She was a great cook and host to those dining at her home. She brought energy to a room whether it be a dinner party, social event or special holiday. She would inject that energy, along with love, laughter and humor, into those around including her family, friends, or her students. Mari engaged with her nephews and nieces with the energy of a perpetual cheer coach. Mari’s competitive nature revealed itself throughout her life in school and work, and with family and friends when playing cribbage and cards. She adored her pups, Finley, Folly, and Nellie.
Mari enjoyed being a part of The Immaculate Conception Church family. Mari was a woman of faith, and her prayer life was important to her. She was an active member of her church and loved being a part of the Ladies Book Club. The Cathedral of St. Helena was also a special place where Mari was baptized, confirmed and married. Mari was one of the last eighth grade graduating classes from Bishop Gilmore Catholic School.
Mari is preceded in death by her husband Val Holms, brother James III, and her parents James and Patricia Nelson.
She is survived by her siblings, John Nelson, Mike (Stephanie)Nelson, Julie (Brett) Albertson, Kate (Jack) Dartman, Stephen (Lynn) Nelson, and Johanna (Andrew) Steele. She was also an awesome aunt to many of her nephews and nieces including her godson, Evan. She is also survived by cousins Bernie (Kathy) Hubley, John (Becky) Hubley, and Mary Berg.
A special thank you to the caring and skilled doctors and ICU nurses at St. Patrick’s Hospital.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Immaculate Conception Church in Polson, or the Cathedral of St. Helena.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing, Helena, Montana. A reception will be held following Mass in the Brondel Center, located in the lower level of the Cathedral.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 P.M.
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Brondel Center, Located in the lower level of the Cathedral
,
Inurnment
Private Burial with Family Present
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Columbarium Niche at Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 P.M.
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Brondel Center, Located in the lower level of the Cathedral
,
Inurnment
Private Burial with Family Present
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Columbarium Niche at Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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Mark & Joanne Gilert says
It is with great sadness that we hear of Miss Marys passing. Both myself and my wife were friends of Mary and Val, having attended the Karate studio as well as perhaps better., the Bible studies held in their home as well as that of Marys parents. It is through that teaching that I came to the Lord. She was a wonderful person, never having a sour note for anyone, rather a welcoming smilea and a kind word for anyone she met. She will be truly missed, but she and Val are together again, in the arms of the Lord. Our prayers to the family who are left behind.
Rest in the comfort of the Lord, Miss Mary and Coach Val
Nikki Johnson says
Mari was, on the surface, our daughters’ dance and gymnastics instructor—but to call her only that would miss the heart of who she truly was. She was a mentor in every sense of the word, someone who shaped not just skills, but character. In her presence, my girls learned self-worth, strength, leadership, and confidence. She had a rare gift for seeing something special in every child and helping them see it in themselves.
Mari created more than a place to learn a sport—she built a space where girls could grow into who they were meant to be. She encouraged them to reach for the stars and reminded them, again and again, that they were capable of anything they set their minds to. Those lessons will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
To our family, Mari was so much more than a teacher. She was a dear friend, someone whose kindness and spirit became woven into our everyday lives. We will deeply miss the joy in her voice, especially the way she called our daughters by their nicknames—“Birdseed” and “Sparrowlegs”—little moments that meant so much and will never be forgotten.
Though our hearts are heavy with the loss, we find comfort in believing she is reunited with Val. And while she may no longer be here with us, the impact she made—the confidence she built, the love she gave, and the lives she shaped—will continue on in every child she touched.
We will carry her with us always. Hands on those hips, smiles on those lips forever Miss Mari- Love Nikki and Dean Johnson, Layne Schleeman and Deven Wall.
Rebecca Reber says
I am so saddened to hear this news. Mari and I grew up together, same class at Bishop Gilmore and Helena High School. Our families knew each other. Mari was a force. It was so much fun to see her at our 50th class reunion. We had a lot of laughs and she looked amazingly fit and was really happy. Sending my love to her family. RIP sweet girl.
Rebecca (Becky) Reber- Burness
Donna Mueller Davidson says
One of Bishop Gilmore girls! Her and Val taught our son,Joel,karate and he loved their class. They really made a difference in a lot of kid’s lives. It was nice to see her at the 50th class reunion. My parents were very good friends with her parents.
Our condolences to her surviving family. What a great life she had.
Donna Mueller Davidson and John Davidson.
Kathleen Hamill says
Mike and Stephanie,
So sorry to hear about Mari’s death. Our prayers for your family and all who loved her.
Kathy and Maury Hamill
Kent Atwood says
So sorry to hear of Miss Mari’s passing, she was so full of life! We and our children were long time students of Val & Mari’s T.H.S. Karate studio. We will never forget going in with our infant daughter before class and there Mari was, grabbing and draping our white dish towel burp towel over her faded black Karate Ghe shoulder and carrying around our daughter while bustling around before class. Good times.
Mary Beth white Fisette says
God bless Mari. Now she is with her husband and parents. I just heard of her passing. I’m so sorry for all of the family, friends, and any life she touched! Mari touched mine! Grew up on 6th Ave. thinking of you all!
Carol Vosbeck says
Miss Mari, was such an integral part of our lives. She was my daughters and her friends gymnastic/ cheerleading teacher. She touched so many lives She was such a positive role model, she always had a smile. One of her motto’s ” hands on those hips and smile on those lips ” will always stick with us.
Our hearts are broken to hear of her passing and she will be missed. Her spirit will always be with us. Our prayers and love to her family. ❤️
Carolyn Pelletier says
So sorry to read of Mari’s passing. However, what an extraordinary life she lived and lived well. My deepest sympathies to her entire family. I’m sure she and Val have been reunited again.
Ted Polette says
I’m so sorry to hear about Mari’s passing.She was a gentle soul and a genuinely good person. I knew her and Val from the gymnastics days long ago and was Val’s neighbor up Miller Creek in Missoula 50+ years ago. I miss them both.
“Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories!” May Mari and Val’s garden bloom brilliantly forever.