Athena Rene Holmer

life story

Athena Rene Holmer, 63, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 18, 2026. She was born on November 13, 1962, and passed peacefully at home beside her beloved husband, Phillip Leland Holmer (Lee).

Athena’s life was rooted in her faith in Jesus. That faith shaped her love for others, her devotion to family, and her life’s work. She shared a loving marriage with Lee since April 8, 1988.

Athena served as Executive Director of Love Lines, a suicide hotline nonprofit, where she brought hope and compassion to many. She loved people deeply and was “Mom” to anyone who needed one.

She is survived by her children: Leanna Holmes and her partner, Jake Villavicencio; and Phillip Holmer and his wife, Lauren Holmer. She was a proud grandmother to Abigail, Judah, Ezra, Reuben, and Jubilee. Along with many children she accepted as her own. Her sister Pandora Handley and husband Kurt Handley, her nephew Chris Lenardi, and niece Catherine Gupton and husband Aaron Gupton son Vintage Gupton; and niece Alex Lenardi daughters Sophia, Adelynn and son Luke.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Carl Schaff (Jim); her stepmother, Marie Schaff; her mother, Penelope Ann Yackey; her grandfather James Donovan Boales, her grandmother Anna Loretta Boales, and her Uncle Anthony Edward Schaff (Tony).

Athena will be remembered for her strong faith, her love for others, and the lives she touched.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

May 30, 2026

Summit Church Saint Paul 845 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA

Athena touched more lives than anyone will ever know, so although we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love she brought each of us who knew her. To honor her memory, her family would love you to join them for a service and a potluck luncheon. If you knew her, you know she had a saying: "If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault." This will be a time for everyone to come hug, cry, laugh, share memories, and celebrate her life together. Please bring an item or items to share with all. In loving memory of Athena, or as many knew her, Mom.

If you are not able to bring anything, please feel welcome to still join the fellowship.

You can park in the small lot behind the church or the Mitchell Hamline lot across the street.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services