Mary Charlotte Jones, RN, MSN
Mary Jones was born on February 22, 1920 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, and left to join her sisters and parents on February 16, 2017, at age 96. She spent her final years in a memory care facility, where she was loved by all for her ability to laugh and her always-present optimism.
Mary lived a full and enjoyable life. She grew up in a close family in Sedro-Woolley. Her father, George A. Jones, was the town veterinarian, and instilled in her the love of animals, especially cats, and the desire to become a nurse. Her mother, Laura C. Jones, was a music teacher who fostered a love of music. Mary graduated from the University of Washington School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1943. From 1944 to 1946 she served in the United States Army Nurse Corps as a First Lieutenant in the 313th General Hospital unit in Manila, the Philippines. Mary said she joined the Army because she thought it would be a great adventure, which she thought it was. Her reaction to whatever life through at her was to laugh. When a sniper shot at her in the war, she fell to the ground and laughed. To her, life was adventures to be experienced.
In 1962 Mary received a Master of Science in Nursing from Boston University School of Nursing, and became an Instructor in the University of Washington School of Nursing in Family and Community Nursing. In 1969 she became an Assistant Professor at the UW, where she worked until she retired. Mary was instrumental in creating the Community Health Nursing program at the UW. She co-authored many publications, and was very proud of the nursing textbook she co-wrote, Community Health Nursing (Leahy, Cobb and Jones, published in 1972 by McGraw-Hill).
Mary loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being active in her community. During retirement, she rang the Salvation Army bell, volunteered at the Seattle Convention Center, and at various theaters. She traveled as much as possible, and always had adventures to laugh about. Laughter was always a part of family gatherings with her siblings, especially when they tried to sing and harmonize, which always ended in uncontrollable giggles and tears in the middle of a song.
Mary is survived by her brother, George H. Jones (Bud) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews (and great-great). She was pre-deceased by her sisters Helen Grassley and Lois Freiman, niece Sally Jones Flight, and nephew Paul Freiman. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
The family will be holding a private memorial in Sedro-Woolley. Remembrances can be made at www.legacy.com. Because Mary cared deeply about animals, we are requesting donations in her memory be made to The Humane Society.
Mary was my instructor in Community Health Nursing at the University of Washington in 1971. She had the broad perspective needed for effective work in community health, and communicated that perspective to her students. She was the reason I changed my nursing career plans and went into community health nursing. Thanks, Mary, for your great course and your encouragement!