Mary Deborah (Cole) Anderson, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mary was born in Lewiston, Maine on November 18, 1943. She was one of two children born to Morton Cole and Elizabeth (Harrington) Cole. Mary spent her formative years in Hingham, MA, and graduated from Hingham High School in 1961. She later earned an associate’s degree from Lasell Junior College in 1963 and a BSE from Boston State College (UMass Boston) in 1967.
Mary then went into teaching, which was a lifelong passion. She taught in El Monte, CA, and later returned to MA, where she contributed as a volunteer to the “Sesame Street” program at WGBH and was a teacher in the Hanover Public School system spanning three decades. Mary loved teaching elementary school children and often shared, “I want to have each child realize how important and special they are.”
She loved reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing Wordle with her husband, doting on animals, and spending time with her family. Her grandkids were her greatest joy. Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years Charles Anderson of Halifax, MA, and their three children, Chuck Anderson of Manchester, MA; John Anderson of East Bridgewater, MA; Katie Smith of Halifax, MA; and six grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, Joshua Little Anderson.
A private memorial service and interment will be held.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to either Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Mary at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via dana-farber.org/gift. Or to MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, or via www.mspca.org/donate-now/tribute-honor-and-memorial-giving/.