Stay Connected

She was the first student in the school her mother founded and later became known as a visionary in her own right. But mostly, Mary Field Simms was admired as a mother, grandmother, family advocate, neighbor, building manager, and friend.

Mary Field Simms passed away in Albuquerque on March 20, 2025. Born to Albert and Barbara Simms in 1955, Mary grew up in a family deeply involved in building up educational opportunities in Albuquerque. Her mother -- Barbara Simms -- founded Sandia School for Girls in 1966, now Sandia Preparatory School. 

That was the same year Mary entered sixth grade as Sandia’s very first student.

There, Mary “made lifelong friends and nurtured her extreme intelligence,” according to her obituary. After graduating in 1973, Mary attended the University of New Mexico and ultimately earned her degree from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University in 1979. There, she met her future husband, Rex Holland, Jr.

Longtime Prep biology teacher Ernest Polansky has fond memories of Mary. “My first contact with Mary Simms was when her daughter, Katie, entered Sandia Prep. It turns out we had some mutual things to talk about as her Mom and Dad were very good friends with my Dad. In fact, part of the Simms family set my Dad up in law practice at the corner of Fourth and Central back in 1919,” he said. “I had the honor of having Katie in my biology class, and over the years we have continued to enjoy visiting with each other at various school events. We shared many experiences and stories of past and current events. Mary was such a delightful and caring individual. It was a true pleasure to have known her. She will be greatly missed.”

Susan Walton ’72 -- Prep's activities coordinator, parent liaison, and archivist -- says Mary was dear to her heart. “Mary Simms was a cool lady. I was lucky enough to know her at Sandia School as a student, through to her adult volunteer gigs at the school,” she said. “Mary was a rock. If she said she would do something, she would do it. If I asked for some background, she would make all the time needed to fill us in. Mary's smile was uplifting, and her chuckles were contagious. I cannot believe I won’t hear her say, ‘Let's grab lunch at Duran's’ again.”

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Albert G. Simms II; her eldest siblings, Albert G. Simms III and Leslie Ann Simms; her nephew Jesse Simms; and her ex-husband Rex Holland, Jr. She is survived by her siblings Margaret C. Simms and Frank Y. Simms (Nolene); her daughters Hanna Myers (Roby) and Katie Maurer ’01 (Lance); her grandchildren Benjamin McCabe, Abbygayle Myers, Bailey McCabe, Adelie Maurer ’32, and Naomi Maurer; and her many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

Mary’s pioneering spirit and her family’s commitment to education helped lay the foundation for generations of Sandia Prep students. We are honored to carry that legacy forward.