It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Holli Lynn Long, 62, of Wooster. She passed away on July 9, 2026, at hospice, after her very long fight with cancer. She passed peacefully, with the beautiful pond, and with her granddaughters conning Hospice staff out of cookies and snacks – just as she would have wanted.
She was born, May 3,1964, to Frances Noble Confere and Franklin W. Long.
Holli was unique. She was someone you met and knew that she was not an everyday person. She could hold the most deep and intellectual conversations. She was a lover of music, movies, nature, animals, crafting, thrift shopping, seasoning her food with unacceptable amounts of salt, and chicken salad with little cranberries. She had a passion for exploring new things and an unswerving pursuit of feeding every homeless cat in Wayne County.
She lived many different lives; many of which were hard times that she somehow overcame in ways that can be seen as nothing more than extraordinary. She in her youth was a fantastic gymnast – having been screened for Olympic training – and only lost that chance due to moving. She was a mother to Chris and Cody and loved them with her entire heart. She wanted nothing more towards the end than to see her son Cody again.
Her short but meaningful life will forever leave a legacy of humor, wit, and learning that will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Holli is survived by her “son”/dog Dallas; her son Chris McIlvaine, her daughter-in-law Maria Hernandez, and her grandsons Taylor and Alex McIlvaine of Arkansas, her daughter-in-law Kaitlin Brenner, and grandchildren Lily, Eden, and Nova of Wooster; fellow Yaya, Jenny Grimsley of Wooster; her cousin Cynthia Massie of Wooster; her sister Connie Lyons of Akron, her sister Wendy Long of Wooster; and many, many loving, extended family members, as well as her friends.
Thank you immensely to all of those who have reached out to extend your condolences.
Holli was preceded in death by her son Cody (Kodi) Brenner, Brother Randy Diegler, Brother Mario Carosone, Father Franklin W. Long, and Mother Frances Noble Confere.
The family, in trying to respect Holli’s wishes, will not be having a funeral service. She was very adamant that this was something she genuinely did not want and we are positive she will haunt us if we don’t follow her instructions. We, however, are discussing at a later date, perhaps a small Celebration of life when her son Chris and family are able to make it to the Ohio area.
Holli will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
I already miss Holli. I know that her behaviors were sometimes difficult, but if you looked past that, you would encounter a funny, kind-hearted and terribly bright woman. She loved fiercely and was more generous than one could even imagine. I will miss being a fellow grandma with her and seeing her at family events. She suffered so much at the end, and I know she is in a better place now. But she is somebody that I will never forget.
I love you Holli and miss you so much I’m so honored to have taken care of you of for the short time I had with you.Laughing with you and watching music videos and for being so kind to me and Paul and Virginia and for giving Virginia all of those beads for bracelets.I will always remember your kind words and beautiful smile!Your with Cody again and can be together again.Fly high my friend love you so much and always will remember you!
You have always been loved by your Aunt Winnie. I so enjoyed the times we were able to see each other and wish we had been able to spend more time together. You are loved and missed.
Your Aunt Winnie
Oh Holli I will cherish our memories alot of fun we had fly high in the sky my friend now u are in no more pain may prayers for her son Chris and grandkids R.i.p.
I already miss u my dear friend…I always have all our memories our laughs our food and our crazy ass times together..Just k ow u will be missed and we all know u are at peace now and that u are watching over us all.
Love u always
I already miss u my dear friend…I always have all our memories our laughs our food and our crazy ass times together.. Just know u will be missed and we all know u are at peace now and that u are watching over us all.
Love u always
You definitely made your mark in alot of live’s Holli. You always made me feel special, loved, and welcomed no matter what faze of life we were passing through when we ran into each other. I know you will be at the gates to welcome me. Until then fly high my friend. I love ya
Annie Pleban
I have known Holli since she was 16 years old. She was my sister-in-law and the mother of my nephew Christopher. She was a kind person. Rest in piece Holli
I love you Holli and you will be missed .. one of the many blessings was calling you my friend I’ll never forget ya sis ❤️💯
I will miss you my friend.You always had my back.Love Yvonneand Hendo
Rip Holli … you sure was 1 of a kind glad i was able to get to know you an spend a lil time with you… may you rest in ✌️…
Our heavenly father has welcomed you home. Nothing but love, peace and no pain. Dance in the arms of your son and shine your beautiful presence above, down on Chris and all you love. Rest in peace my friend.