Mari P. Nelson Holms, 70

Mari Patricia Nelson Holms passed away at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula unexpectedly on March 26, 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 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 noon on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing, Helena. A reception will be held following Mass in the Brondel Center, located in the lower level of the Cathedral. 

Please visit aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mari.