April 7, 2000

Longtime MGHer and former director of Nursing Mary Elizabeth Macdonald, RN, MA, FAAN, died March 30 at the age of 81.

Well known in the MGH community and beyond as a leader and activist in the nursing field, Macdonald's career spanned four decades and encompassed many changes in the way nursing is practiced at the hospital.

A 1942 graduate of the MGH School of Nursing, Macdonald received her master's degree from Columbia University Teachers College in 1950. She started her career at the MGH as the director of Analytical Studies in Nursing before becoming director of Nursing in 1968. In that role, she helped restructure the department to broaden its scope, including the addition of clinical nurse specialists.

She retired from the MGH in 1983 and went on to take law courses at Suffolk University.

The Mary Macdonald Memorial Fund has been established to benefit the MGH Nursing Center for Clinical and Professional Development. To make a donation to the fund, send checks to Amy Fontanella in the MGH Development Office at 100 Charles River Plaza, Suite 600.