Mpls, mn - Marcia Kinnear Townley died peacefully surrounded by family at her home overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by her husband Preston "Pete" Townley (1939-1994). In her final weeks, she expressed deep gratitude for the many friends and family who supported her and visited often.

Born in Hurley, New Mexico, in 1940, Marcia grew up in McGill, Nevada. She attended the Katharine Branson School (now The Branson School) in Marin County, California, before earning a degree in economics from Wellesley College.

In 1962, Marcia married Pete Townley and soon after the couple settled in Pete's hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Marcia quickly made her mark on her adopted city, volunteering on numerous political campaigns before moving into a professional role at Dayton Hudson Corporation (now Target Corporation) in community engagement and philanthropy. In 1988, she and Pete moved to New York City, where Marcia joined Rockefeller Family Financial Services as a Senior Philanthropic Advisor, serving the Rockefeller family and other client families of the firm.

Upon returning to Minneapolis in 2000 to be closer to family and friends, Marcia founded Mill City Commons, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization for adults age 55 and older. Its mission—to build community through social, cultural, recreational and educational programs and to connect members to resources needed to maintain healthy and vibrant lives as they age—reflects Marcia's lifelong commitment to civic engagement and meaningful community. She took great comfort and pride in seeing the organization she founded nearly two decades earlier rally around her in recent months, offering meals, transportation, and heartfelt companionship.

Marcia enjoyed adventurous travel with friends, especially when it involved biking or hiking, and was a steady, loving, and proud presence in the lives of her seven grandchildren. She found great peace and joy spending time alone and with family at her island cabin near Ely, Minnesota.

Marcia is survived by her brother, John C. Kinnear III (Barbara); her sister, Sheila Davidson (James); and her three children and seven grandchildren: Patrick Townley (Ivy West) and their daughters, Helen and Harriet; Alison Townley (Kurtis Fechtmeyer) and their children, Phoebe, Patrick, and Theodore Fechtmeyer; and Michael Townley (Melissa Omafray Townley) and their children, Isabelle and Gus.

A celebration of Marcia's life will be held on January 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Nicollet Island Pavillion 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor her remarkable life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in support of the Marcia K. Townley Legacy Lecture at Mill City Commons, 1201 W. River Parkway, Suite 217, Minneapolis, MN 55454, or online at www.millcitycommons.org/donate. Donations may also be made to a charity of your choice that reflects Marcia's spirit of generosity and community.

Her warmth, intellect, and unwavering dedication to bringing people together will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.