Ynés Mexia passed away in Berkeley, California on July 12, 1938.
Ynés Mexia died on July 12, 1938, in Berkeley, California, succumbing to lung cancer. Her death marked the end of a short but highly impactful botanical career, during which she amassed a vast collection of nearly 150,000 specimens and discovered hundreds of new species. Mexia's work not only contributed significantly to the field of botany but also broke cultural and gender barriers, establishing her as a role model for women and minorities in scientific research. Her legacy endures through the numerous species named in her honor.