Holly MacLean-Ordway, of Worcester, Massachusetts, died of natural causes at her home on June 21. She was 85.

Mrs. MacLean was a social worker who spent her career helping high school students identify and reach their goals. She worked for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services and Framingham High School, later helping clients in private practice.

Mrs. MacLean was the daughter of Donald Barnes MacLean and Helen Virginia Remick. She received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Syracuse (N.Y.) University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.

In 1993, Ms. MacLean married Francis A. Ordway, who held positions in several Massachusetts youth service programs. Mr. Ordway died in 2008.

She is survived by stepson Joseph Ordway, stepdaughter Linda Ordway, cousins Ralph E. Brown of Hingham, Massachusetts, and his partner, Nan Doyle, Holly E. Brown of Sunnyvale, California, and Jesse T. Brown of Oakland, California.

Also, lifelong friends Isabelle and Robert Vrusho and their family; her “Neighborhood Helpful Haven,” including Laney Hammond, Pat Ritchie, Bobby McGrath, John Donohue, and Meredith and James Fidrocki; her caregiver, Gertrude Fortier, and her family; and her friend and confidant, Warner S. Fletcher. She also leaves behind many lifelong special friends.

As her picture and smile show, Holly was a very kind, warm, thoughtful, witty, and generous person who loved those around her with all her heart. In honor of Holly, you can plant a flower, tend to a garden, call a friend, tell a joke, or make a donation to Sterling Animal Shelter, Sterling, Massachusetts (www.sterlingshelter.org), as Holly was a dog lover.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Tuesday, July 15th, from 2:00 & 4:00 PM. Memorial service will follow.