Mary Youngkin Obituary (1949 – 2021) – Salt Lake City, UT

Mary E. Youngkin

1949 – 2021 / In fond memories

Salt Lake City, UT – Mary E. Youngkin died on July 11, 2021 at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a dear friend and colleague, she leaves her brothers Tom Gillespie from Winterset, Iowa and Dan Gillespie from Glen Allen, Virginia, and his family. Her parents Leo and Jean Gillespie preceded her in death.

Mary graduated from the University of Iowa, BA with a Certificate of Teaching in English and later earned her Masters in Library Science from Brigham Young University. In the 1980s she was a member of the modern dance group RDT2. She retired as Librarian Emeritus in 2011 after 36 years at the University of Utah’s Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, where she has served as the Reference and Public Service Director since the late 1980s, where her teaching commitment , Service and student success is still legendary. Mary’s passion and knowledge of horticulture and the history of medicine came together when she started the library’s medicinal garden using plants from her own garden. She leaves behind many friends and colleagues and a legacy of friendliness, warmth and humor. Her passionate enthusiasm for live music, especially “Them Blues”, expanded her circle of humanity. Dance to Maria! Listen to music, preferably live, to celebrate your life. “All kind deeds are lights in the struggle for justice.” – Joy Harjo

A celebration of life is planned later in the fall.

Donations can be made to: Eccles Health Sciences Library Medicinal Garden or Utah Blues Society or Tree Utah

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune July 22 to July 27, 2021.

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