Skip to main content

In Memory: Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” (Diesch) Holmes (PU DVM ’83)

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.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

PVM Summer Research Program Launches a Season of Mentorship and Discovery

For 15 aspiring researchers, the start of summer marked the beginning of an immersive journey in scientific discovery through the Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s 2026 Veterinary Scholars Summer Research Program. The respected annual program pairs veterinary students and undergraduate students from Purdue and other universities with faculty mentors, providing hands-on experience in clinical and basic science research while helping to foster the next generation of veterinary and biomedical scientists.

PVM Specialists Receive Prestigious Awards at ACVIM Recognition Program

Congratulations are in order for Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni and faculty who are American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Diplomates and have been honored as 2026 ACVIM Recognition Award Recipients. Each year, the ACVIM Recognition Awards give the specialty college an opportunity to honor outstanding specialists who have pushed boundaries, elevated standards, and inspired generations of veterinary specialists.

“Paws Up” for Chandra Whippen – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we are happy to recognize Chandra Whippen, RVT, who is one of our veterinary technologists specializing in Cardiology.

In Memory – Dr. John Baker (PU DVM ’81); Dr. Timothy Bartlett (PU DVM ’81)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of two members of the DVM Class of 1981 - Dr. John Baker and Dr. Timothy Bartlett. Both were 70 years old.

“Paws Up” for Kyle Moffitt – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we extend appreciation for Kyle Moffitt who is a Senior IT Technician in PVMIT.

Purdue Veterinary Hospital Participates in One-Day National Effort to Preserve Sight of Service Dogs

The Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Ophthalmology Service came to the aid of canines dedicated to lives of service recently during a special day set aside for checking the eye health of service dogs. On May 12, the Ophthalmology Service participated in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam event by providing free eye exams for qualified service dogs.

Sophie’s Comeback: Purdue Veterinary Specialists Help a Lame Dog Walk Again

A series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital continues today as we share Sophie’s story. This story begins two years ago when an Easter morning emergency resulted in Sophie being brought to the hospital where veterinarians in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Service gave the paralyzed dog a second chance to walk.

Summer Break Signals Start of Summer Research for Purdue Veterinary Scholars

A feast of classic Indiana picnic food marked the traditional kick-off for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Scholars Summer Research Program. The annual program provides an opportunity for Purdue veterinary students as well as undergraduate students from Purdue and other universities to experience what it is like to conduct clinical and basic science research as they work with a faculty mentor to carry out a summer research project.