HEATHSVILLE—If you could, do you think you would trade in all the pain and suffering?
But then you’d miss the beauty of the light upon this earth,
and the sweetness of leaving….
—The Wailin’ Jennys, “Calling All Angels”
Choir practice for the angelic chorus was enlivened on July 7 when MJ Anderson-Leichty roared in on a motorcycle—bringing with her an indomitable spirit, an unflagging smile, a slightly battered guitar, some original tunes, and a keg of her famous Proud Mary IPA.
MJ was born in Missouri in 1964 and spent several years in the Philippines as a child, where her favorite companion was a monkey named Sam-George. A born adventurer, MJ rode her motorcycle alone across several states before landing in the Northern Neck. She loved music and was part of two bands, EFX and Mary & the Janes, and could be counted on to sing along in any setting.
MJ began working for the Hampton Family YMCA in 1991, providing education and enrichment for children, and finished her career as the Y’s regional executive director. Her skills and determination to make the Y an inclusive, welcoming place shaped the Northern Neck YMCA, as well as the Richmond County and Northumberland County YMCAs, which MJ initiated, and Camp Kekoka, which brought her dream of a residential camp to life. MJ was committed to recognizing each individual’s gifts and welcoming everyone to contribute to the shared mission. Her incredible knack for building cohesive teams and inspiring her employees and volunteers has ensured that future generations will continue to benefit from her time, talent, and vision.
MJ turned her passion for great beer into the next phase of her professional life, retiring from the Y after 26 years. She studied to become a brewer and realized her dream of opening That Damn Mary Brewing Company in Gloucester in 2018 while undergoing chemo. The brewery was named for her mischievous alter ego, and her beers quickly became cult favorites. MJ accepted her numerous awards with grace, sharing credit for her success with the many friends and family members—whom she fondly named The DamNation—who shared her passion and joined her journey. Despite the return of MJ’s cancer in 2021, she pressed on, and That Damn Mary taproom opened in Kilmarnock in the fall of 2024.
MJ is survived by her wife, Cassie Anderson-Leichty, and their son, Tavish Anderson-Leichty, both of whom she adored with her whole being; as well as her father, Dr. James Anderson; sister, Barbara Steven; brother, Ernest Anderson; step-siblings, Julie Slater and Jimmy Wade; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
She was predeceased by her mother, Yvonne Anderson; her stepmother, Jane Anderson; and her stepbrother, Jerry Wade.
MJ was many things—an incredible brewmaster, a fantastic songwriter, a wonderful mother, and a loving and devoted wife—but her true talent lay in building a community of friends deeply and firmly rooted in love. While posthumous beatification has become something of a trope—we all know that not everyone actually lights up the room, after all—MJ actually did light up whatever room she entered. She was generous in her affection, quick to love and reluctant to judge. She accepted others in whatever form, function, or fashion they presented themselves, and made everyone in her orbit feel that the world would be a lesser place if they were not part of it. If you were fortunate enough to be MJ’s friend, then you knew what it felt like to be truly seen and deeply valued exactly as you are. The roster of people who comprised MJ’s beloved Tribe is so extensive that it would be easier to list the names of those who did not count her as a friend; however, we’ve yet to find such a person.
To be in MJ’s presence was to see the light and feel the warmth of the sun. In her honor, we ask that you raise a glass of your favorite beer and commit to kindness, to acceptance, to inclusion, to leading with love, and to living all the days you’ve been allotted with joy and a deep appreciation for the incredible gift of life you’ve been given.
May flights of angels sing you to your rest, MJ. The world truly was a better place because you were in it.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 6. More details will be available at www.caringbridge.org: Cancer Fears Me, MJ Anderson-Leichty. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local YMCA in MJ’s honor.
