The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that alumna and long-time Lafayette-area veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” (Diesch) Holmes, of West Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, April 29, at her home. She was 71.
A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Dr. Holmes completed her undergraduate studies at DePauw University, graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s in mathematics. She then worked for a few years in actuarial sciences before enrolling in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. After earning her DVM degree in 1983, she entered private practice in the Lafayette, Indiana area, where she spent her entire veterinary career, becoming the founder and owner of Petsburgh Pet Care. She retired in 2022 after serving pets and their humans for nearly 40 years. Dr. Holmes and her veterinary staff also were known for rescuing, treating, and finding homes for many stray dogs and cats.
An avid gardener, Dr. Holmes had a profound love of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. With a passion for exploration that fed her pursuit of lifelong learning, she also loved traveling with her husband and daughters.
No public memorial service was planned. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy in Dr. Holmes’ memory. Click here to view a complete obituary and to leave a message or share a memory.