The morning of Sunday, December 4, 2022, Associate Director of Alumni Relations Mary (Anderson ’99) Zimmerman passed away with her loving husband, Tony, by her side. She was 46 years old.
The ninth child of former Franciscan University Spanish professor Jim Anderson and his wife, Esther, Mary made language an important part of her own studies; she took French classes and graduated from Franciscan with her bachelor’s degree in English in 1999. After graduation, she worked in the Christian Outreach Office for nine years and joined the Alumni Relations team in 2008.
Mary battled cancer for the better part of the last 20 years, but few would have guessed it. She joyfully and humbly carried her cross while using her talents and tireless work ethic to help the Alumni Relations staff and larger University community. From the annual Alumni Awards to the longstanding Founders’ Association Dinner, Mary planned many wonderful events to keep her fellow Franciscan graduates connected to their alma mater.
“We could reflect on the substantial impact Mary made professionally at Franciscan, but it pales in comparison to the prayerful, heroic, and humble example she showed us in her suffering,” says Tim Delaney ’99 MBA ’07, executive director of Alumni and Constituent Relations. “Mary will be deeply missed by the extended University family.”
To lift the spirits of others undergoing chemotherapy, Mary made “Port-Side Treatment Totes”—gift bags filled with handy items such as blankets, socks, and neck pillows. In 2018, her selfless efforts were recognized with a local Community Star award.
Mary also enjoyed spending time with her family at the beach. Her favorite seaside destination was Topsail Beach, North Carolina, where she and Tony were married in July 2006.
Her large, loving family and the Franciscan University community gathered on December 17, 2022, for Mary’s funeral Mass in Christ the King Chapel to pray for her soul and celebrate her beautiful, well-lived life.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
