Mary " Mollie" Margaret Garnes

 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Mary Margaret “Mollie” Garnes (born Skinner), who sadly lost her battle to overcome brain illness and injury on June 17, 2025 at the age of 35. Mollie was incredibly bright and quick, endlessly curious, an avid learner and her laugh lit up the room. She lived a life filled with creativity, adventure and a deep appreciation for the natural world around her. Mollie graduated with high honors from St. Francis High School in Mountain View in May 2007 and earned the AP Scholar Award. She attended Santa Clara University, the Professional Culinary Institute, and the University of New Mexico. She was committed to using her talents to help people with mental health struggles. She studied psychology and neuroscience, volunteered for a crisis hotline, and conceived of an app that might help millions. Mollie was a loving and devoted mother to her son, Benjamin Garnes, the light of her life. She was also a talented writer and her words touched our souls. Mollie had a gift for capturing life’s beautiful moments through her photography, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. She loved to bring family and friends together around her table, where they all delighted in playing board games after she created chef-inspired meals all her own. She found her greatest peace in nature and with animals – whether riding horses, camping, walking on the beach or simply being outdoors and taking Ben on adventures. Mollie is survived by her beloved son Ben, and by Ben’s father, her ex-husband, Nicholas Garnes. She is also survived by her dear brother Colton Skinner (Vicky), her nephew Demitrius and her niece Roxanne, her loving parents Patricia Skinner and Graham Skinner (and his wife Joanne), her aunts and uncles Pamela Miller, Terry Pry (Christine), David Pry (Geri), Nathaniel Skinner, Henry Skinner (Diane) and her many cousins. She is also remembered fondly by her extended family and friends. Mollie’s legacy lives on in her son Ben, the photographs she captured, the stories she wrote, the dishes she created and most importantly in the hearts and memories of all who were blessed to know her. Her bright personality, adventurous spirit, creative soul, and sensitive heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mollie’s honor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at https://donate.nami.org/Mollie-Garnes.