Homage to Mary McCartney

The College of Nursing pays tribute to the life of Assistant Professor Emerita, Mary Browder McCartney, MA, RN, who passed away at home while surrounded by her loving family on October 24, 2010. Mary is survived by her husband James and three children David, Elaine and Robert.

Mary was passionate about international student activities. As a graduate of The Ohio State University she was instrumental in establishing the International Student Day. Prior to her faculty appointment to the College of Nursing in 1977, she and her husband, James, hosted Michigan State University students from a variety of countries.

During her 20 year career in the College she was responsible for a variety of outreach credit and non-credit programming for nurses including the RN-BSN program in Battle Creek. Mary was appointed the Director of International Activities and Programming in 1991. For her dedication to nursing education, she was awarded the Ralph M. Smuckler Award for advancing international studies and programs at Michigan State University in 1994.

For over fifteen years she had teaching responsibilities for the College's nursing in London course where she touched the lives of hundreds of nursing students. She cared deeply about each student and was fully vested in their educational experience at Michigan State University. She was a strong nurturer and incredibly astute at building community partnerships and scholarly programs.

"Mary's commitment to international nursing studies helped to build a strong educational program on the history of Florence Nightingale and her impact on modern nursing,” said Dean Mary Mundt. "Her impact on the College's first study abroad program will forever be a part of the nursing legacy at Michigan State University.”

In 2000, Mary and James established the Mary B. McCartney Endowed Study Abroad Program. Each year, at least one student is awarded the scholarship with preference given to students enrolled in the Nursing in London Program.

"Mary genuinely cared about nursing education, her students and coworkers. As a teacher and colleague she was known for her thoughtfulness and kindness, as well as her knowledge and keen sense of humor,” reflected Dean Emerita Marilyn Rothert.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November, 5, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw, Lansing. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November, 7, 2010, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Lansing Road, Lansing.