Holly Warner

She was born Elinor Holland Warner in 1942 near Philadelphia. Her family lived for a time in the historic Blue Ball Inn, built in the 1800s. She graduated from Conestoga High School and Goucher College . She enrolled in a Masters program and taught high school before moving to Midpines in the early 1980s.

She soon became a strong advocate of public service. She came to Mariposa from the Bay Area with her life partner, Joan Conlan and they built and shared a lovely home together until Joan’s death in 2009.

Holly’s early community service involved her as a volunteer in the construction of the SPCA. She subsequently served on the SPCA board and was actively involved for years in the organization. Early on, she and Joan found work as rangers in Yosemite Park, using their teaching skills to guide tours and to assist visitors to the Park. Holly went on to work at the Yosemite Association as membership and events co-ordinator for more than a decade.

In spite of a demanding career, Holly found time to work as a hospice volunteer, and to advocate for others in need. Her private philanthropic efforts included hands-on advocacy for seniors who needed help navigating medical, social and mental health services. She loved cooking and sharing meals with friends. She raised money for a rural school in Africa and she made a difference in the lives she touched.

After her career at Yosemite Association, Holly served as Co-cordinator of the Upper Merced County Watershed Project. She was actively involved in projects that included grant writing and educating the public about the importance of protecting the watershed. She took on an active role in moving the organization forward towards its environmental goals.

Holly had a passion for gardening and she became president of Master Gardeners in 2019. During her administration, the organization strengthened its commitment to its mission of educating the public about gardening. Even during Covid, Holly kept the organization inspired through Zoom meetings; introducing new methods and gardening techniques.

She worked tirelessly in these efforts in spite of her own failing health until just weeks before her death.

She is survived by her nephew Nick Warner and his wife Selina Makana, and her cousin Susan Popescu. Holly is predeceased by her father, Paul McCurdy, mother, Elinor Armiger, sister Andrea Penn and brother Pete McCurdy.

Holly will be mourned by a large community of friends, many of whom shared her Buddhist philosophy. Her beloved cats, her book group and her admirers will all miss her giving spirit and her dedication to public service.