MARY C. ANDERSON AWARD

Created to honor the life of Mary Anderson,
Dean’s wife and co-founder of Zinpro.

Mary experienced loss and resilience early in life. Having been born into an idyllic setting in South Minneapolis, a mere nine months later, her life would change when her dad died from a sudden heart attack. Years of struggle followed until she relocated with her mom and older sister, Kathy, to the small town of Waverly, Minnesota. Mary was grateful and proud of her mom for securing a full-time job at the bank. Time and again, she lovingly recalled her blessed upbringing as a treasure she held dear. Her positive attitude put a shine on everything, never feeling neglected, instead feeling embraced and cared for by her community. Seeing the good in everyone, she was far too polite and demure to voice any pessimism. Like her mom and older sister, Mary was intellectually gifted and a voracious reader (both Kathy and Mary were class valedictorians). She credited her exceptional grammar to the nuns who formed an essential part of her village. Her life’s trajectory changed when she received a top score on the Minnesota State College Aptitude Test resulting in an academic scholarship to St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN.

After two years of college, Mary married Dean while devoting herself to building a family life. She taught herself how to cook, Dean being her biggest fan, only to laugh years later over how much he lied. She was the perfect boy mom, spending endless time outdoors, swimming in the lake, mostly ensuring they were always well cared for. Once the boys were settled in school, Mary returned to the University of Minnesota to finish her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Her degree was put to good use as a volunteer, writing presentencing reports through Hennepin County District Court. Her passion for volunteering and friendship lasted well into her 70’s where she spent years at the food shelf with her dear friends. She is remembered as being a generous friend, always happy for others. Mary’s life concluded the same way it began; rooted in love and comforted by life’s simple pleasures. Whatever the question pertained to, Mary’s answer was always from the bright side, unable to see a glass half empty. Throughout her life, Mary always looked to learn, read hundreds of books, and traveled to six continents. She echoed the importance of supporting girls’ education and the opportunity to continue learning throughout a girl’s life.