Local College Offers Housing to Woman Living in Cemetery After Husband's Death

Rhea Holmes, 55, was sleeping in the cemetery where her husband was buried after losing her home, until a police officer and college stepped in to help.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:47pm

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A 55-year-old woman named Rhea Holmes was sleeping in the cemetery where her husband was buried after she lost her home following his unexpected death. A local police officer, James Pastorello, heard about Rhea's situation and provided her with a hotel room, then reached out to his network to find her more permanent housing. Pastorello connected Rhea with the president of Le Moyne College, Linda LeMura, who offered to temporarily house Rhea in an unused campus home during the winter break. The college then helped Rhea move into a small home provided by the nonprofit A Tiny Home for Good, allowing her to 'begin rebuilding her life'.

Why it matters

Rhea's story highlights the devastating impact that the loss of a spouse and home can have, especially for older adults. Her situation also underscores the importance of community support and social services to help those experiencing homelessness, particularly in harsh winter conditions. The college's swift action to provide Rhea with temporary housing and connect her to longer-term solutions demonstrates the positive difference institutions can make when they prioritize serving the most vulnerable.

The details

After her husband Eddie's sudden death in 2020, Rhea used the money they had planned to buy a house with to instead purchase a burial plot for him at Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse. Rhea, who had worked as an administrative assistant at a hospital, then lost her job and was eventually evicted from her home. She began sleeping at the cemetery next to her husband's grave, not wanting to burden others with her situation. Cemetery staff eventually alerted local police, who realized Rhea was the same woman Officer James Pastorello had given a ride to the cemetery just days earlier, assuming she was just visiting. Pastorello was shocked to learn Rhea was actually living there and immediately took action, purchasing a hotel room for her and reaching out to his network to find more permanent housing. That led him to connect with Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura, who offered to temporarily house Rhea in an unused campus home during the winter break. The college then helped Rhea move into a 300-square-foot tiny home provided by the nonprofit A Tiny Home for Good, allowing her to 'begin rebuilding her life'.

  • In 2020, Rhea and her husband Eddie made an offer on a house in Syracuse.
  • Shortly after, Eddie died of a sudden heart condition.
  • Rhea eventually lost her job and was evicted from her home, leading her to start sleeping at her husband's grave in Oakwood Cemetery.
  • In early 2023, cemetery staff alerted local police to Rhea's situation.
  • On January 5, 2023, Rhea was able to move into a tiny home provided by A Tiny Home for Good.

The players

Rhea Holmes

A 55-year-old woman who lost her home and job after the unexpected death of her husband, leading her to sleep at his cemetery gravesite until a police officer and college stepped in to help.

Eddie Holmes

Rhea's husband of 26 years, who died of a sudden heart condition in 2020.

Officer James Pastorello

A 33-year-old local police officer who heard about Rhea's situation, provided her with a hotel room, and connected her with resources to find more permanent housing.

Linda LeMura

The president of Le Moyne College, who offered to temporarily house Rhea in an unused campus home during the winter break.

A Tiny Home for Good

A nonprofit organization that provides small homes to people in need, and which helped place Rhea in a 300-square-foot tiny home.

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What they’re saying

“This is what I purchased.”

— Rhea Holmes

“I assumed that I was going to die there.”

— Rhea Holmes

“When I found out she was sleeping outside, especially with how cold it was getting, that really hit me.”

— Officer James Pastorello

“It was clear that Rhea's situation was dire. Central New York winters can be brutal, so it was imperative that we found a temporary place for her to live while a long-term solution was being identified.”

— Linda LeMura, President of Le Moyne College

“My old house was so close to the cemetery, and this feels like a true new beginning. It's amazing. I don't even have the words to describe it.”

— Rhea Holmes

What’s next

The nonprofit A Tiny Home for Good will continue to work with Rhea to help her settle into her new 300-square-foot home and provide any additional support she may need as she rebuilds her life.

The takeaway

Rhea's story underscores the vital role that community support and social services can play in helping those experiencing homelessness, especially older adults who have faced devastating personal losses. The swift action taken by Officer Pastorello, Le Moyne College, and the nonprofit A Tiny Home for Good to provide Rhea with temporary housing and long-term solutions demonstrates the positive impact that can come from institutions and individuals prioritizing compassion and social justice.