Ernesteen McConnell, who cofounded McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams with her husband Gordon, has died at age 104, the company announced.
In a post on Instagram , the chain of ice cream spots described “Ernie” as “a pistol.”
“Sharp, spirited and energetic, she was a woman of boundless energy, positivity and generosity of spirit,” the post says.
Olivia’s taste buds put to the test at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
McConnell, who was approaching her 105th birthday later this month , helped found the store in 1950 after she and her husband moved to Santa Barbara.
Since then, McConnell’s ice creams, which the company notes are “ made from scratch ,” are sold at eight scoop shops in Southern California and the Central Coast, as well as in grocery stores.
Jessica and Levi Visit McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Dairy in Oxnard
“Decades early to the game in featuring local ingredients, and a product devoid of fillers, stabilizers and preservatives, McConnell’s pioneered the crafting of all products in-house, from ice cream to the jams, caramels, chocolate sauces, cookies, brownies and everything in between,” the company said on Instagram. “In the process, Ernie and ‘Mac’ created America’s original, artisan ice cream brand. Seven decades later, we honor their vision – and our company’s heritage – every day, by continuing to make our ice creams and everything in them 100% from scratch.”