BSc Manch 1959, MB ChB 1961; FRCP 1979.
Holmes was born in Leeds on 19 February 1937 and was educated at Morecambe Grammar School and the University of Manchester. After qualifying, Holmes held junior positions at MRI before being appointed senior medical registrar and also lecturer in medicine. Holmes was later consultant physician for Salford Area Health Authority. She was a member of Manchester Medical Society and the Renal Association.