Mary Howard Anderson

Mary Howard Anderson, of Philadelphia, died peacefully on August 24, 2025. She is survived by her brother, Frederic Fowler Anderson, of Chicago, Illinois, two nieces, Mary Katherine Anderson and Sarah Elizabeth Anderson, and many friends.

Mary grew up in Indianapolis. She graduated from Vassar College in 1969 and then came to Philadelphia, where she trained as a paralegal. She worked in that capacity for Dechert Price & Rhoads for a number of years before studying at Villanova Law School, earning her law degree in 1983. Thereafter she worked for 12 years as an estates attorney at the firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath.

Changing career path, she studied Lutheran and feminist theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, subsequently earning a Master of Divinity degree at the Lutheran School of Theology in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia in 2010. For some years thereafter she taught religion at Cabrini College. She traveled widely.

Mary loved to learn and would happily have been a perpetual student. Her home was filled with books and she thrived on intellectual conversation. For many years, she was an active member of St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Airy where she sang in the choir. She later worshipped at St. Martin’s in the Field, Chestnut Hill, and finally at Summit Presbyterian Church in West Mount Airy, where her memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 12.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Summit Presbyterian Church or to a charity of the giver’s own choice.