Misty Sabrina Krueger

Misty Sabrina Krueger, age 49, died on July 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Misty was born in San Antonio, TX, to parents Ernie and Kay Krueger. She grew up on a farm in Devine, TX, with her parents and younger sister who was their lifelong best friend, Lacy Krueger.

Misty was a proud first-generation college student. As a college professor at the University of Maine-Farmington (UMF), Misty encouraged students to pursue their dreams. Misty’s college path started by attending UT-San Antonio. Originally Misty began as an accounting major, but they soon realized that this was not the path for them. In high school Misty was told that they would never be able to earn an A in a college English course, but low and behold Misty became an English major and excelled in all of the literature, professional writing, and linguistic courses. Misty went on to earn a master’s degree at Texas A&M, and afterwards they earned a doctorate degree in English at the University of Tennessee. So if you are reading this and someone tells you that you will not be good enough at something – think of Misty! Misty would want you to know that with passion and perseverance you can achieve your dreams.

This encouragement is exactly what Misty gave to their students. As a professor of English at UMF Misty advocated for students and wholeheartedly supported all of their endeavors. Many students felt lost, and Misty was there to help guide them with love and support. As described by students, Misty was more than a professor – they were a friend. Students loved learning about Shakespeare and Jane Austen from Misty, and Misty had a knack for creating interesting courses such as student favorites about fan fiction and monsters. Misty was also pivotal in helping students across majors succeed. As the director of the Honors Program at UMF, Misty devoted countless hours mentoring students on projects.

One of the things that students (faculty, friends, and really everyone) loved about Misty was their sense of style. Misty wrote a blog called “What Professors Wear.” Misty loved dressing in many colors, pairing different patterns, and accessorizing. Throughout Misty’s life they always had a keen sense of fashion and did not conform to what others were wearing. Misty would be instantly recognized by their colored hair, with teal being the favorite. Needless to say, Misty had style.

Misty was prolific in their career and wrote numerous essays and edited books. Misty was a Jane Austen scholar. In 2017 Misty spent 6 weeks in England as a Jane Austen Society of North America’s International Visitor. During this time, Misty volunteered at the Chawton House Library. Misty spent many hours at the library, Jane Austen’s house, and the Hampshire Record Office conducting research to write additional articles on Jane Austen.

Misty was a devoted Auntie to Kensington and Remington. Misty described Kensington as their light, and Remington had a special way of making Misty laugh. During cancer treatments Misty did three bucket list trips with the kids. The first was a family vacation to Disney World for the kids to experience the magic of Disney. In July 2025 Misty, Lacy, and Kensington visited England so that Misty could take Kensington to Kensington Palace and have afternoon tea. In Lyme Regis, they traveled in the footsteps of Mary Anning when they went fossil hunting, and they walked over The Cobb noted in the famous scene from Jane Austen’s Persuasion. In May 2026 Misty took Remington to Crystal River, FL, to swim with manatees because Remington loved everything manatee! They also went to NASA because he loves everything space too. At the time of the Florida trip Misty’s health was declining, but Misty was determined to make this trip with their nephew. Misty knew how much these special moments would mean to them, and they gave their time and love selflessly to their niece and nephew to the very end.

Misty was an avid traveler, and they wanted to go to so many more places. Misty loved art museums, music, nature, and learning about other cultures. Misty’s parents took Misty to Antarctica for a bucket list trip where Misty was moved by the majestic views of the icebergs. Misty’s family will continue to see the world in honor of Misty.

Misty was a loving cat mama to their fur babies. At a local animal shelter two kittens named Rainbow Dash and Kitten Nuggett were surrendered, and Misty adopted these two and gave them the best possible life a cat could ever hope for. These sweet fur babies would stay in bed with Misty as they battled metastatic breast cancer treatments. It was Rainbow who stayed devotedly at Misty’s side during Misty’s final hours.

Wherever Misty went, they brightened people’s lives. Misty wasn’t afraid to give compliments whether it be a stranger grocery shopping or the nurse providing them aid. Misty was also charitable and gave regularly to organizations. Whenever there was a GoFundMe, you can bet that Misty was one to give. Misty liked to give whether it be money or their voice. Misty was a strong proponent of social justice and desired for people to be kind and compassionate and leave the world a better place.

For those who got to know Misty, they were fortunate because Misty was one of the most loving, unique people known to family and friends. Cassandra Austen described her sister Jane Austen as “the sun of my life, the gilder of every pleasure, the soother of every sorrow.” Misty and Lacy shared this sister bond and always said that they were each other’s better half, so this quote especially rang true for them. We know that many who loved Misty would agree that Misty was the sun, the gilder, and the soother. Misty was a person that you did not need to conceal your thoughts. Misty loved you unconditionally for who you were.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Metavivor (Metavivor.org), an organization devoted to finding better treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, or the American Cancer Society. Alternatively, you can find a charity that is doing good in this world and make a contribution in Misty’s name.