Alinda Boyce Franklin, a long time resident and local celebrity of Mariposa passed away Dec. 27, 2009 after a short, but valiant battle with cancer.

Alinda was born July 7, 1935 in Los Angeles and soon moved to Napa where she was raised. As a young adult, and inspiring artist, she moved to Big Sur during its heyday of cultural expansion with the likes of writers Henry Miller and Bob Nash. Here she participated in the start of the Esalan Institute where she worked for a time.

A few years later she enrolled in the Arts College of Oakland and then on to Mexico City College to continue her art studies, where she met here first husband Dwain Boyce. They lived for a time in Campo Lopez in Baja California. She loved that small “tar paper” shack they lived in and her free, bohemian lifestyle.

Soon realizing that it was necessary to become a responsible adult, they moved to LA to raise a family. It was in LA that she was inspired to her true artistic calling, that of making life-like, soft-sculptured dolls. Becoming a nationally recognized and award winning artist, she was commissioned to create dolls for Tom Selleck, Sylvester Stallone, Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson and the entire TV M*A*S*H cast. A picture of her M*A*S*H creations appeared on the cover of Life magazine.

Taking her creations on the road to craft shows and harvest festivals, she met an entertainer, love of her life and soul mate, Cousin Jack Franklin. They were married in 1987 and soon moved to Mariposa and set up shop in historic downtown Mariposa; Alinda selling her unique dolls and Cousin Jack became a music merchant, ambassador of good will and honorary Mayor of Mariposa.

They were both very involved with community activities such as the history center, arts council and wagon train and helped found the downtown merchants association. Alinda would be seen decorating the town for most all holidays. As every great man is followed by an even greater woman, they were both instrumental in the creation of the Cousin Jack and Alinda Art Park. For their efforts they were awarded the Business Man and Woman of the year in 2001.

After Cousin Jack’s passing in 2003, she remained active in the community that she loved so much and co-founded the Cousin Jack Music Foundation that has provided music scholarships to Mariposa County High School students each year since that time.

Her family feels so very lucky, to have such a giving artistic spirit in our friend, wife, mother and grand mother. Through thick and thin, she always expressed herself positively through her love of family, friends and the arts.

Alinda is survived by daughters Ericka Engelman and husband John; Hillary Boyce, son Theodor Boyce and wife, Olivia; grandchildren, Nicole, Brian and Danielle; and step-children Cheryl, Glenn and wife Lona, Ninya and John-Henry Franklin.

The family would like to thank all for the outpouring of love during Alinda’s illness and since her passing on to a better place.

There will be a celebration of Life, Sat. Jan. 23 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Mariposa “Cousin Jack and Alinda” Art Park. All are welcome to attend.