Holly Sullivan Credit: Courtesy Holly Sullivan died on November 22. She grew up in New York City and made her home in New York. Holly earned a bachelor’s in studio art and a master’s in urban and environmental studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She served as executive director of a domestic violence and rape crisis agency before becoming senior planner with the Hudson River Valley Greenway, a New York State agency focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. An artist, Holly described creativity as deep focus where time seemed to fall away. Though life pulled her from studio work, art remained central to her identity. Early on, she was an avid weaver and created a sweater coat from hair shed by their rescued white German shepherd, Wolfy. In her forties, Holly took up running, competing in multiple marathons. She became a dedicated hiker and winter mountaineer, completing all Adirondack 46 high peaks in summer and winter — an achievement requiring exceptional preparation and resilience. She loved winter hiking for its solitude and stark beauty. Her experiences included Mount Whitney, the Highlands of Scotland and peaks in the Andes. In 2002, Holly met Craig Reynolds on an Adirondack hike. They became close friends, then a couple. In 2005, Holly moved to Charlotte and became director of the Charlotte Family Senior Center. She lived in Vermont for nearly 18 years. Holly and Craig gardened, camped, hiked and sailed on Lake Champlain. She regularly hiked and skied with the Women of UVM. To her daughter, Holly’s greatest influence was personal. She raised her child vegetarian for ethical reasons, shaping respect for animals. As her daughter became vegan, Holly became vegan as well out of compassion for animals. Holly deeply loved her cats, Rufus and Henry, and took great joy in their companionship. Holly valued purpose, integrity and living by one’s principles. Her legacy lives on through the values she passed down, the people she influenced, and the lasting impact of a life shaped by intention and depth. She leaves behind two daughters, Jill and Alana, and a beloved sister, Jayne. The post Obituary: Holly Sullivan, 1947-2025 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less