Megan Elizabeth Holmes

I worked with Megan at BUMCP when she was a PCU nurse... the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Megan is this bright, beautiful light. She was so intelligent and caring with her patients and she showed a warmth towards them that made you know, she had the right heart for what she did. When we had rough shifts, she was there with a smile, a joke or just to listen or help any way she could. She was someone, even if you only knew her for a little while, still left an imprint on your heart. Her smile was infectious to everyone around her and when I saw she was part of the team for my shift, I knew it was going to be a great day, no matter what was thrown at us. She was beautiful inside and out and will be remembered always ❤️

Nursing is notorious for “eating their young” and starting as a brand new nurse in the ER did NOT help this stereotype. In the midst of the chaos Megan made sure to be a bright light, always willing to help, and was just this positive energy to be around. I knew my day was going to be a good one and that I’d be sure to get a few laughs in if I saw Megan in the morning huddle. She was kind, loving, and when I got engaged she was one of the first people to give her approval on the ring. If there’s one thing she talked about more than anything was her love for her family. I know she will be terribly missed.

At one time in her life Meg gave acting a try. I would joke with her and call her "Mega-Star". In remembering this, I am now struck by how truly accurate it was; Meg was a Star. Through her energy and over-all personality she shone bright as any star in the sky. She was one of the most positive and life-loving people I have ever known. She had an ever-present smile, and I cannot remember seeing her angry or hearing her be critical about someone. There most likely were times that she was angry or critical, but I have to believe that they were very few and far between. Beckett and Henry, my wish for you (and for all of us who have been blessed to know Megan!), is that you also be a Star and shine positively and bright in your life like your mother did in hers.

Megan was one of the most beautiful women, I have ever seen! The first time I saw her, in person I felt as if I saw a Raphael Madonna. She was flawless in her appearance, the beauty she possessed was merely physical but it was astonishing and it was perfect, she looked like an angel. She was so kind and had a gentle humor that made her, someone you immediately liked- you rooted for, you wanted the best for her & Billy. It was because she was innately kind. They say beauty is skin deep. Megan's beauty was so astonishing that her kindness, generosity, and tenderness, that came from within and bubbled up, meant she had a heart a thousand times as big and was capable of such love to her adored Baby Sons and, her love, her Husband, Billy. As well, as her Family, Friends. But, also the person simply in need of her care as a nurse. The beauty she possessed in her heart, swelled up to her appearance. And when you gazed upon her, what one saw, belied the loveliness of who she was in every way. If you met her, you were lucky, if you knew her it was a gift and if you loved her, you were blessed.

Megan was the brightest light and so much fun to spend time with! She was always smiling and laughing while brightening anyone’s day! We were friends in high school while we hosted many birthday parties at our high school job together and later shared our college experience studying hard while in separate nursing schools. Once we had our families and littles, our families connected and we all became very close family friends. My favorite memories were having many play dates with our littles and also visiting different coffee shops! One of the pictures I have shared shows me pregnant with my second baby Carter at my baby sprinkle, while she was pregnant with baby Henry! She loved being a mom and a wife to Billy. She will forever be missed and our family thinks of her and her family often. We love you Megan and miss you so much. Keep shining your light for all to see.

Megan was one of my best friends growing up, and her friendship was one of the great joys of my life. When I think back on those years, it feels like our own little land of make-believe, filled with endless imagination and laughter. We were always dreaming up games, stories, and performances—writing letters to convince our parents to let us have sleepovers, making up dances to Britney Spears and S Club 7, or turning dress-up fashion shows into full productions.

One of our favorite inventions was “the David game,” where we acted out our future lives and who we might marry. (The name still makes me laugh now, since David is my dad’s name.) And of course, Megan and I would argue over who was going to marry Jonathon, our neighbor.

Megan’s creativity showed up everywhere. She was always filling notebooks with ideas, clipping pictures for her dream home, and she shined on stage. I’ll never forget her as Miss Hannigan to my Annie, or how she lit up the stage as Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods.

We were also in Girl Scouts together, with our moms as the troop leaders. We had the best time doing crafts and activities, though I have to admit our version of Girl Scouts was a little different—more like “Troop Beverly Hills,” since we didn’t go camping but did “hotel camp” at The Pointe at South Mountain instead.

I always loved going to the Golembiewski household. There was always laughter and fun, and the pinball machines and endless Mario Kart tournaments certainly helped make it feel like a second home.

Some of my happiest memories are the simple ones—walking home from school together, riding scooters around Park Promenade with friends, and grabbing white mochas from Seattle Espresso (her favorite). I can’t order one without thinking of her. I would always fall asleep early at sleepovers, but Megan would stay up all night watching ER. Looking back, it feels so fitting that she grew up to become a nurse—she carried that passion and sense of purpose even then.

Megan taught me how to be a friend. She had a gift for joy, imagination, and kindness, and I’ll forever carry those memories with me. She made my childhood so much brighter, and I’m so grateful I got to grow up with her by my side.

The photo of Meg on the soccer field made me laugh b/c Megan was not the best athlete. Correct that... she was absolutely terrible at sports! Her tenures on sports teams usually didn't make it past a few practices/games. But b/c we, as parents, insisted that our kids finish what they started, it often resulted in tears that we could not stand so we relinquished.

Fortunately for Meg, she had many other wonderful talents to rely on in life. She was beautiful inside and out.

So, Beckett and Henry, I sincerely hope that you have your father's athleticism! If not, there will be other options and we'll certainly be there to support you in your endeavors regardless.

Papa & Gigi

There are so many memories that I could share about my sister, but one really stands out.

When she was three or so she had an imaginary friend named Noot Noot. Not really sure why that was its name, but here we are. Noot Noot went everywhere with Megan, and our brother, Scott, was not a fan. Scott would "abuse" the imaginary friend by sitting on it, punching it, pushing it...you name it, he tried it. Megan would always get upset and storm off, leaving Scott to claim victory.

The amazing thing was that Megan would always come back a few minutes later, wanting to play with Scott, and having hope that Scott would play nice with poor Noot Noot.

This story embodies Megan. She was kind, easy going, and extremely forgiving. I am grateful for the time I was able to have with her and miss her every day.

Beckett and Henry...your Mom was the best, and she loved you more than you can imagine. I know she is looking out for you and cheering you on from heaven.

I had the pleasure of working with Megan at UMH in Miami. One of the best nurses I have worked with. She was always so pleasant, so kind and treated her patients so well. Looking at pictures of her boys they look just like her! I always will remember her fondly.

I had the absolute honor of meeting Megan through Billy. Billy and I went to elementary school together and then remained long distance friends for many, many years once I moved. My dad’s work took him to Arizona and I was so excited because I knew that meant I’d get to see Billy again and also meet Megan. I knew all about her from Billy already and could not wait to finally meet her!

She was everything he’d said she was and more. It felt like I’d known her forever! She was beautiful, smart, funny, and so incredibly kind.

Those two were absolutely meant for each other. I’ll never understand why their time together was cut short. But, I know that her babies can always be proud of who their mom was.

To all of the Holmes and Golembiewski family, I have and will continue to pray for you all daily. But find some peace knowing that there are people like me, who only got to see Megan a couple of times, but were impacted by the incredible person she was.

I had the honor of knowing Megan throughout nursing school at ASU. What a beautiful person inside and out! She was so smart and kind and loved to have fun! We would chat about what was going on in our life and I remember her telling me about how much she liked her boyfriend at the time, Billy. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face, and was also a wonderful friend. I knew she would make such an amazing nurse as our classes and clinical rotations went on, you could tell she really loved it. I am grateful for the time I knew Megan and the memories made with her. The world is a brighter place thanks to her. I know she still brings a smile to many faces.