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Community Helps Widow Rebuild Life

  • 27 minutes ago
  • 1 min read

After the sudden death of her husband, Rhea Holmes was overwhelmed by grief, leading to the loss of her job and home. For months, she quietly slept in a cemetery near his grave in Syracuse, New York, braving the elements to feel close to him. When local police officer James Pastorello was alerted that Holmes was sleeping in the cemetery, he stepped in to help. He helped her find temporary shelter in an unused dorm unit at Le Moyne College and rallied community support via GoFundMe to help Holmes get back on her feet. His act of kindness encouraged Holmes to rebuild her life, and she has since found a permanent home and employment. Holmes hopes her story can now inspire others who are experiencing a deep loss to accept help in all forms and never give up on themselves. 

Image via People 


Read other stories from the 2/16/26 newsletter:


Crime Fighting Llamas

Pen-Pal’s Shocking Discovery

Beanie to Identify Hearing Loss

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