Holly Burnett-Hanley, 70, of Youngstown passed away peacefully at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring on Aug. 4, 2023 after a long illness.
Holly Jean was born on Dec. 26, 1952 in Youngstown, Ohio, the second child of Norma and Thomas Burnett. She was a 1970 graduate of Chaney High School and received her Christian education degree from Defiance College in 1974. She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Youngstown.
Holly relished her role as aunt, bringing music, art, hugs, laughter, and dancing to every occasion. Her life outside of family included various pursuits: church choir director, lead singer in a band, magazine publisher, public speaker, published writer, community activist, and coordinator of the Mahoning River Education Project at Youngstown State University for Youngstown City Schools.
Holly published the Speed of Sound magazine almost singlehandedly in the late ’80s and early ’90s. She shared her memories of childhood in Youngstown in Christine Davidson’s book, “Mill Creek Park Remembered.” Holly was co-editor of “The Ultimate Coloring Book of Mill Creek Metroparks,” which included 21 beautiful landmarks.
She was a devoted member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown and served as co-president. Holly’s vibrant personality, caring nature, and connection to the city made her a beloved person to many.
Holly leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Norma Irwin Burnett; her husband, Mark Hanley, whom she married on Aug. 27, 2005; a sister, Marsha Hamilton; a brother, James (Rebecca) Burnett; two brothers-in-law, Kurt Kridler and Bob (Pat) Hanley; two stepchildren, Zac and Mallory Hanley; an uncle, the Rev. Bruce (Barbara) Irwin; an aunt, Dorothy MacNaughton; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Holly was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Burnett; a sister, Connie Kridler; a stepson, Mitchell Hanely; her grandparents, Dorothy and William Burnett, and Mabel and Robert Irwin; and two loyal beagles, Buddy and Abby.
Holly has graciously donated her body for scientific research in hopes that she will help other patients and families faced with a frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) diagnosis. Holly’s family thanks the staff at Crandall Medical Center and Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care.
Holly had a fondness for Youngstown and all the things it had to offer. If Holly touched your life and you want to honor hers, please donate in her name to a Youngstown organization of your choosing. Finally, do as she would and tell those closest to you that you love them.
A Celebration of Life brunch honoring Holly’s memory will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept 30 at Western Reserve United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. Family and friends are invited “to reminisce about a life well-lived and the impact she had on us all.”
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