I am so sorry to read of Mary's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary when I was a young male of color working in a toddler classroom in Central Square. I was interested in attending the Kindergarten conference and follow up trainings which I could not afford. Mary, met me and offered the opportunity to me for free and what followed was a series of discussions that changed the trajectory of my life. I became a life long member of the early childhood education profession, and throughout my career Mary has been a mentor, a voice of reason, a grounding force and an example of excellence. Thank you Mary

Hi Karen-

I heard from Susie that your Mother passed away. I am sorry that we did not know about this until recently and that Diane and I could not have been there for you. Please accept our condolences.  This has certainly been a season of passages. May her memory be a blessing for you.

Love,

Chuck

Mary was my friend, my mentor and my professor from 1976 to 1980 at Lesley. She had an incredible, caring, motivating, pizzazz about her that made you want to spend hours in her presence. I worked at the kindergarten conference, just so I could observe her in action. She was the best part of Lesley university as is reflected in the 50 years she gave to that institute of higher learning. I stayed in touch with her during the last four decades, and I am so glad I did. I wanted her to know how much she was loved, and the positive influence she had on so many teachers! Rest in peace Mary. Your memory will be forever in my heart. My deepest condolences to her daughter and her family.

Mary impacted so many of us young eager educators who in turn touched so many young lives. She leaves a true legacy of greatness in the field of education. Condolences to her family and friends. RIP Mary.

Mary was a thoughtful and candid colleague; we shared a common
interest in amplifying the voice of the faculty in many ways, not just 
to advance the place of Ed. programs in Lesley's wider appeal to
students and alumnae/i, but also to acknowledge the importance 
of liberal arts/sciences majors in the preparation of all teachers--elementary grades through middle and high school. When I retired in 2014, the combination of interdisciplinary studies for teachers in training, early experience in actual classrooms, and the encouragement to appreciate the many attractions of Greater Cambridge/Boston that added to one's college/university take 
away was strong. Mary and I enjoyed a creative colleagueship that
contributed to this.
Paul A. Fideler, Professor Emeritus of History and Humanities


Mary’s playfulness and sense of humor seemed to me to always light up her face happiness. I got to know Mary as a colleague many years ago when she and I collaborated on a special project to honor the retirement of President Margaret McKenna. We decided to use the model of the children’s book “The House that Jack Built,” based on an English country rhyme and originally illustrated by Randolf Caldecott, and create a presentation with large poster board pages titled “The University that Margaret Built.” We spent many hours in my apartment on Harvard Street in Cambridge going through the little book and changing the text, creating images to match our revised text. We giggled and laughed as we worked on this project since  we both inserted humor and irony into the text and images. It turned out to be a great success at the presentation with lots of laughter from the gathered academics and we gifted the poster boards to Margaret. Over the years I worked with Mary on other projects and committees and always there was that light of merriment in her face when we glanced at each other because we remembered those hours of shared fun on Harvard Street. I will alway think of Mary as a very special, very happy person!


I first knew Mary as a neighbor, then as a cherished friend of over 35 years.  We met and talked often - as Trustees of our Condo Board - but more importantly as friends who could talk about anything and everything.  She will be missed always.  My deepest sympathies to her entire family.

Deepest sympathy to the family . Mary was a true visionary and welcomed me ever do dearly as faculty at Lesley . I presented at her conference in 96 which introduced me to a very caring environment due to her leadership and care . I will always remember her as a deeply engaged and engaging soul . Mary will never be forgotten 
With heart , 
Julia Byers 

Love and comfort to your family, you will be missed.


Amazing friend, thank you for the opportunity to know you. I appreciated hearing stories about my wonderful college, working with you. Thankful that we were long time friends.

I first met Mary when I started working in what was then Instructional Computing. Mary loved having her classes in the Instructional Computing computer classrooms because she was able to explore new ways of using technology in the classroom. She wasn't afraid to embrace technology because her love of learning meant that she always looked to the future, and realized that her students would be living with technology in their future classrooms.  Mary was  a joy to deal with, and I will always remember her fondly. I'm sorry for your loss.

Mary taught me at Lesley. She took a group of us to Italy and England
memeories you never forget.
Evelyn Seigle



p. 2
I think if they lived closer they would have been good friends.  
Ironically, yet fittingly, my mother recently passed away also.  It feels like the end of an era.
Mary was a gifted educator.  A generation of young children and college and graduate students were the beneficiaries of her insight and kindness.  In her most unassuming way she patiently and skillfully mentored. 
She was kind and was genuinely interested in hearing what my husband, our children, and grandchildren were up to.  I confess, that over the years, when we spoke, I asked Mary’s professional advice, and sometimes personal advice regarding a  parenting issue.  
I will miss her. Please accept my condolences.  I will always remember and be thankful to have known Mary.  May her memory be for a blessing.



I'm sharing my thoughts in the hopes it will bring your family comfort during this difficult time. I was so very sad to learn of Mary’s passing.  
It’s almost Purim.  For the past 40 years, after receiving our package of treats, Mary would call to thank us. She was always grateful & gracious. We’d catch each other up on what’s happened in our families &  professionally since last we spoke.
We met in 1981, I had just graduated with an M.Ed from Tufts.  I was hired to teach kindergarten at Maimonides. The principal hired Mary to consult.  I believe after 1 or 2 visits, Mary told the administrators she didn’t think we needed regular supervision.  Even tho they planned to pay her to come in on a regular basis, she felt we could be independent & call her as needed.  Mary & I often bumped into each other in Coolidge Corner.  It was always a treat to meet her unexpectedly.
Mary suggested I attend the Kindergarten Conference. Only when I received my packet of materials did I learn just who Mary was at Lesley! I was hooked & attended the Conference every year!  
I remember when she began Lesley’s on-line classes. Here was a woman, more than 20 years my senior; she not only adapted to the times; she was ahead of her time!  New initiatives excited her. Her commitment to training teachers of young children was unparalleled.  
Mary seemed to never get old. While in recent years I could see that she was physically aging, she remained youthful in her outlook & attitude.
When my mom visited from NJ, I introduced them. They  enjoyed each other’s company. When my mother could no longer travel up here, they continued to ask about each other. (Continued...)

The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched.    Christopher Holloway

Mary touched my life in the most wonderful ways. She was an inspirational professor and colleague. She was my mentor as a new faculty member at Lesley, though we did not work in the same department.  Her love of teaching was infectious and extended to those of us who loved learning from her.  Mary's contributions to education and to Lesley University  are monumental.  

Strange, how several days ago, you entered my conversation. Some well learned lessons from a thoughtful engaging professor.

Mary always felt like the personification of goodness. Goodness with a twinkle in her eye. Goodness that brought forth goodness in those lucky enough to be touched by her. Very best wishes to her beloved daughter and family. 

Mary was an incredible human being.  She was a pleasure to work for in the education office.  She taught me all that I know about Early Childhood Education.  Know that your work on this earth impacted the lives of thousands of children.  May your memory be a blessing.  May you transition into the arms of the angels.  

I am so sorry for your loss.  I had Mary as a professor at Lesley 35 years ago.  She was one of my first introductions to Early Childhood Education.  She taught me so much and I loved her.  She was an amazing educator and person.  

My deepest condolences to the family of Mary Mindess. She will be missed.

To the family of Mary  my deepest sympathies.
A giant of a woman who I loved working with in my early years at Lesley. She leaves a legacy of much wisdom in education  and all who she touched.
Peace and love to you all and dear Mary.
Prilly 
Sanville 


Mary was hands down my favorite professor at Lesley. I took every class she offered and even had the opportunity to be her Teaching Assistant for a couple of years.  Always the engaging lecturer, I can picture  of her wearing her brain 🧠 cap or dressing up like Jean Piaget and introducing a class on developmental theory in French. I remember sipping tea in her office, looking over student work, and sharing personal stories. Mary made sure I had every opportunity and support I needed to be successful in my field. I’m sure she did the same for most of her students, but she definitely made me feel like I was special. This world is a much better place because of Mary Mindess 💚

Mary was a wonderful Professor and person. She will be a legacy for many years.

May her memory be a blessing

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