Mary Jo Maydew

Mary Jo Maydew, 77, passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2026, after managing stage 4 breast cancer for 24 years.

Born on May 13, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mary Jo was the daughter of the late Bernard Eugene (Gene) and Thelma Louise (Beardslee) Maydew. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver and her Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.

Mary Jo built a distinguished career in higher education finance, serving for 25 years at Mount Holyoke College as Treasurer and later as Vice President for Finance and Administration. Her sharp intellect and strategic leadership left a lasting mark on the institution and the broader field. A recognized leader among her peers, she served as President and Chair of EACUBO in 1998, went on to chair the national board of NACUBO from 2002 to 2003, and was honored with the KPMG Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Her dedicated service extended across higher education, including roles as commissioner for the New England Commission of Higher Education and as a Trustee of Wilson College. Throughout her career and into retirement, Mary Jo participated on numerous non-profit boards and professional associations. She was respected as a deeply thoughtful advisor, mentor and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Michael A. Crowley; her children, Carolyn Crowley McClenahan (Erik) and John Crowley (Rachana); and her four grandchildren, Samantha McClenahan, Anderson McClenahan, Jaya Crowley, and Mira Crowley.

Mary Jo also leaves behind her loving siblings, Thomas (Georgia) Maydew, James (Audrey) Maydew, and Linda Maydew; her niece, Jennifer Leggett; her nephews, Nicholas (Amanda Hitpas) Maydew and Tyler (Cassie) Maydew; and her great-nieces, Lauren Leggett and Daphne Maydew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Thelma Maydew.

In accordance with Mary Jo’s explicit wishes, there will be no calling hours, funeral, or formal memorial service. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; advances in cancer research are what gave us so many wonderful years with Mary Jo. We also welcome any memories and thoughts you might share.