Mary Anderson Kingsley Obit

MARY ANDERSON KINGSLEY, 85, died from a stroke at her home in Minneapolis on Sept. 12, 2025. She was born in Crosby on May 1, 1940, to Alfred T. Anderson and Olga Peterson Anderson. She graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School as valedictorian of her class in 1958. She earned a B.A. from St. Olaf College, an M.A. from Middlebury College and also attended the University of Madrid and the University of Minnesota. She was an Associate Professor of Spanish at Augsburg College for 41 years. She served for years as chair of the Department of Foreign Languages, President of Faculty Senate and as Staff Advocate. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James M. Kingsley; and two brothers, Paul D. Anderson and Dr. Richard O. Anderson. She is survived by four step-children and their families:  James M. Kingsley III, Ann Kingsley Marr, Peter D. Kingsley and Kathleen Kingsley; a brother and a sister and their families: Dr. A. William (Jean) Anderson, and Margaret (Dr. Jon) Anderson Vernon. She fought for justice for others. She had fun entertaining at home and at her cabin, reading, listening to and telling stories, cooking and gardening. Her motto was "Live so you do today what you wish you had done should you drop dead tomorrow.” A Memorial Service will be held at  a later date in Minneapolis. Those wanting to be in touch with her family may contact Margaret Vernon at 401 West Ashland Avenue, Indianola, IA, 50125.