Olive “Ollie” Blanning passed away peacefully at her home in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Sunday, May 22, 2022. She is survived by her two children, Natalie and Brian; her brother, Larry; and her grandson, Danny.
Ollie was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on January 18, 1938 and grew up in Washington, DC. After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in journalism she worked doing research at the Library of Congress.
After moving to California in the late 60’s, Ollie volunteered on Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich’s election campaigns and then served as his senior field deputy in Pasadena for 20 years. Her remit included special assignments overseeing the County’s emergency preparedness plans and representing the county on the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, eventually becoming president of the Commission. Ollie was especially proud of the key role she played in the foundation of the L.A. County High School for the Arts.
Throughout her life, Ollie dedicated time and energy to many organizations close to her heart. She was a board member of the A Noise Within Theater, the Wildlife Waystation, Foothill Family Services, and Southern California Presbyterian Homes. She was also active in her church as a deacon and a Stephen Minister at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church.
Ollie loved to travel, both around the US and internationally. At home she especially loved America’s national parks and abroad there was not a river cruise she wouldn’t take! She loved to travel with family and friends, and she made many more friends along the way. Ollie reported that her favorite place to visit was the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and she would move in there if they would let her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ollie’s memory to A Noise Within Theater, Adams Farm Presbyterian Church, or Hospice at AuthoraCare Collective of Greensboro.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Blanning family.
