Mardi Wormhoudt

Mardi- was thinking about you the other day. Thank you for all your good works for humans and for the earth. Rest In Peace sister.

It's been a year, and not a day goes by that I am not reminded of Mardi in some way. So many of the good things in Santa Cruz - beautiful, hard-won things that are taken for granted - bear her mark. For me, it's as if the sparkle went out of our town. No one can do what she did, with the brains, energy and style that she had. She was my hero. I miss her as a friend, and wonder what will become of our community without her extraordinary leadership. I send thoughts of comfort to her bereft family.

When my husband and I got married in 2008 the first day the courts allowed it, Mardi Wormhoudt was the one who married us. She'd volunteered her time for any couple who wanted an onsite ceremony that day. She will always be a part of our wonderful happiness. I just wish she could've lived to see more of it.

Mardi Wormhoudt was one of my heroes and I so admired her strength and resolve. The few times I stood in the county chambers to address the board of supervisors on critical local issues, she really paid attention. Living on the North Coast, I see and enjoy, every day, the fruits of her labors to help preserve the green belt and wildlife in and around Santa Cruz. She is a great example for us all of a compassionate activist who cared about and fought for the common good.

Mardi Wormhoudt will be missed by everyone who have had the opportunity and privilege to have worked with her.

Mardi's death leaves a huge void, but her life serves as an inspiration to all of us to work hard to make our community better and more just, and preserve our incredibly beautiful environment. She was a brilliant strategist, articulate and fearless advocate, and a warm and funny friend. Her assistance and counsel were invaluable as I worked with her to preserve and protect the North Coast and its citizens. I will miss her terribly, as will all who were touched by her, and there were so many.

Mardi Wormhoudt was an inspiration as a tireless advocate for women's rights. She was not afraid to "push the limits" to achieve what others had only dreamed of doing.

As an Executive Director of a local non profit and later the Coordinator for the County Women's Commission, I had the privilege to interact with her and benefit from her guidance. Her presence will definitely be missed.

The world, especially Santa Cruz, is a better place because of her.

Mardi Wormhoudt was a remarkable woman. She was a leader, an activist, a mentor and a dear friend who touched the lives of many. She made it her life’s mission to make a positive difference in the world and she did. I was blessed to have known and worked with her and I will always miss her.

My prayers are with her family, friends and the community during this most difficult time.