Hermie M. Medley

Hermie May Medley died peacefully at home on February 28th, after a brief illness. Born in Centralia, WA and raised in Oregon, Hermie moved to Gilroy, CA in the 1950s and resided there for over 40 years. She taught children with disabilities at the Gateway Center in Gilroy for 20 years. She was active in any and all events her children participated in, from athletics to band and 4H. When her grandchildren took an interest in theater, she became a producer and a member of the local community theater. 17 years ago, Hermie relocated to Santa Cruz, where she invested her energies in writing poetry. Her work was frequently published in literary journals and she was a regular contributor at local poetry groups and the Celebration of the Muse, an annual reading of poetry by Santa Cruz County women writers. Hermie loved living near the ocean and the open, liberal attitude of the Santa Cruz community. She was a feminist and peace advocate and felt Santa Cruz embodied the beliefs she held dear. Hermie is survived by her daughter, Robin Medley; daughter-in-law, Jane Medley; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Megan and Kevin Tresham; grandsons, Ethan Stocks, Charlie Medley, Joe Medley, and Andy Medley; great-grandchildren, Kalen and Mason Tresham; three brothers, nieces, nephews and many, many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Medley; sons, Steven and Peter Medley; brother, Burt Palmer; and parents, Roy and Mina Palmer. A memorial service will be held for Hermie on Saturday, March 13, at 3:30 P.M. at Innerlight Ministries, 5630 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries or Poetry Santa Cruz. A special thanks to the many friends, old and new, who so lovingly cared for Hermie during her final weeks. Her family is eternally grateful for your love and support.