Maria Murphy Kingsley

Maria Murphy Kingsley, age 83, passed away on March 23, 2026. Born on August 5, 1942, in Saginaw, Michigan, Maria lived in Suttons Bay and recently DeWitt. Formerly married to Donald Layman, Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Kingsley.

Maria was a beloved mother to Scott (Lauren) Layman, Mark Layman, and Kristy (Todd) Doyle. Her greatest joy was undoubtedly her grandchildren, Noah (Molly) Layman, Kyle Layman, Blake Layman, Elle Layman, Connor Doyle, Kayla Doyle, and step grandson, Christopher Kingsley.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents Seymour and Harriet (Moulton) Murphy. She was also a caring big sister to Carol (Phil) Lingman, Annie Murphy, and Cathy Murphy.

A lifelong educator and advocate for public education, Maria began her career as a teacher, progressed to school administrator, and finished her career focusing on early childhood and parenting programs.

She was a huge sports fan and a proud University of Michigan Alumni — Go Blue!

After retirement, Maria continued her community engagement and dedication to children by helping lead the Leelanau Christian Neighbors Baby Pantry and by volunteering for PoWer! Book Bags.

Memorial contributions in Maria’s name may be made to Redeemer Food Pantry (https://myredeemer.church/food-pantry) or to

PoWer! Book Bags, P.O. Box 533, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 (www.powerbookbags.org).

Services will be held privately at a later date.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to for skilled and compassionate care that Maria received from the Woodlands Assisted Living and Corso Care Hospice.