Holly Marie Gandara
Our cherished mother, sister, daughter, and friend, Holly Marie Gandara, 55, of Lincoln, NE, passed away with her family by her side on May 17th, 2025 after months of battling cancer.
Holly was born on April 3rd, 1970, to Barb Decker and Donald Johnson in Hastings, NE. After moving to Lincoln, NE, Holly graduated from Southeast High school in 1988.
Her legacy is one of unyielding honesty and humor. She loved to spend time with her family, and would include them in her hobbies of hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, gardening and really anything that included being outdoors. She loved music like Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and 21 Pilots, and was known for singing and dancing no matter the time or place. Holly passed on her love of cooking, baking, and trying new food to her daughters. Some of the dishes she was known for are mashed potatoes and noodles, deviled eggs, chocolate chip cookies, and pecan tassies. She was also a lover of animals and nature, and helped save a multitude of dogs and other animals through fostering and adopting from animal rescues.
Holly is survived by her daughters, Ashley Embury, Storm (James) Mellick, and Rowan (Tyson) Mellick. Sons Dalton (Jamie) Gandara and Derrick (Kiley) Gandara. Close family friend Douglas Gandara. Her mother, Barb Decker, and siblings Mike (Fleur) Johnson, Joelle (Tim) Byrne, and David Johnson. As well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 8th from 11:00am – 3:00pm at the Pioneers Park Nature Center. Holly loved Pioneers Park, so we’ll be celebrating her life with stories and memories at a place where she found so much joy and peace. Pioneers Park Nature Center: 3201 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE 68522.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the organizations noted below that Holly felt strongly about supporting:
Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland
Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership:
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Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.