Marion Louisa Metcalf

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University of Washington

Marion Metcalf Obituary

Passed away on Friday, June 13, after enjoying a long and productive life. She was born on November 27, 1924, the youngest child of Howard L. Metcalf and Irene Nicholls Metcalf. She graduated from the public schools in Bridgewater and went on to receive her nursing degree at Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of California at Berkley and her Master's degree from the University of Washington in Seattle. After moving back to Massachusetts, she became the Director of the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital School of Nursing from 1966 to 1979, and from 1979 until her retirement in 1987, she was the Vice President of Nursing at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She served on many committees and was involved in public education, and served on the Board of Trustees at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. After her retirement, she became an avid golfer and world traveler and continued her involvement with various committees and her community in Brookline. She is survived by her brother Ralph Metcalf of Tampa, Florida, as well as many cousins and 11 nieces and nephews. All of us who knew and loved her will miss her indomitable spirit, strength of character and her incisive wit and humor. A memorial service will be held in her honor on July 13, 2008, at the Central Congregational Church in Bridgewater, MA at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send your donations in Marion's name to your favorite charity, the Carrie Hall Fund or the Nursing Research Fund at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

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Published by Boston Globe on Jun. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Marion Metcalf

10 Entries

Patricia Burleson

July 10, 2008

Rusty was a very very special person- to acheive so much in her career and remain one of the kindest people I have ever known. We will all miss Rusty so much. She was a very special Aunt to all of us. She would head to Gloucester to visit with all of us or to a party for Muggs. Our mother, Muggs, and Rusty were college buddies and that relationship lasted the rest of their lives- both outstanding nurses! Rusty has been an devoted supporter of our mother's memorial scholarship fund to a student entering the medical profession.
We know she leaves a wonderful family behind and you all have our deep felt sympathy. You were all so caring in her time of need.

Judy Veinbergs

July 9, 2008

I first met "Miss Metcalf" in late 1970 when I interviewed with her for a position at PBBH. Little did I know then what a lasting impact our relationship would have on me throughout my nursing career. Marion was a nurse's nurse. She was proud of her profession and even prouder of "her" nurses at PBBH & BWH. She was quick to praise and offer support to staff personally for a new idea or just for doing their job well, with care and compassion. She always showed an interest in what the nursing staff or any given nurse was doing to enhance patient care. She mentored me during her tenure and was an exceptional role model for me. She will be missed , yet she and her impact on my life will always be remembered.

Jonathan & Angela Metcalf

July 2, 2008

We'll miss Aunt Marion so much. She had a beautiful spirit and a beautiful heart.

Ann Hurley

July 1, 2008

As a nurse in the Boston area for many years I got to know Rusty (initially Miss Metcalf to me) through my bosses at the New England Deaconess Hospital, Lois & Ellen, who were also Deaconess graduates. The 3 were chums over the years. When I was asked to manage the renal program @ Deaconess, I said I knew nothing about the special needs of persons with renal problems. Ellen said “I’ll call Rusty (PBBH had a huge & eminently well respected renal care program) & she’ll get you started.” Rusty opened doors & shared her spirit of sharing & inquiry + the PBBH renal experts. After she retired & I then worked @ BWH doing nursing research, Rusty came in to visit our center & hear what we were doing. She was as on top of her game then as she was running the nursing service of the BWH, which meant responding to her questions about our projects & goals. She enjoyed (at least she said she did) reading the publications. One day at lunch Rusty told us the story of being appointed a trustee of the Deaconess Hospital and that she said to the CEO, “you just want me because I will be the token female.” “No,” said the CEO, “you’re the token nurse” – all said in jest. The last time I saw her was when she took me out to lunch to celebrate my retirement & she still had questions about our research and implications for patient care. Her spirit and legacy live and her picture shines down on us in Bornstein auditorium. Rusty was a great lady & one I am proud to include as a fellow nurse.

Iris Alexander

June 29, 2008

Aunt Marion,
You have been such an inspiration to me with your many accomplishments in the field of medicine. Your perseverance as a female in a traditional male dominated industry led the way for so many to follow.
Thank you for the kindness you have always shown Alex and Brett. I join Gia in wishing you many hole in ones in heaven. Iris

Gia Metcalf

June 27, 2008

Dearest Aunt Marion - I only had the pleasure of your company a few times in the 15 years I have been part of the Metcalf family. But I can say that you made me laugh with that undeniable Metcalf wit. You were gracious when Matt and I visited you in Brookline several years ago and was the person that introduced me to those famous lobster rolls! I loved to listen to your brother, Ralph, talk about his 'little sister'. Wishing you hole-in-ones in heaven! We will all miss you. Fond memories - Gia

"Metcalf" girls

June 27, 2008

Theresa Catanach

June 27, 2008

Aunt Rusty, my life is definitely better for having been part of yours. As I list some of your qualities: honesty, fairness, kindness, and generosity, it doesn’t come close to describing how wonderful you really are. You were a lady in the true sense of the word. Yet there was such an impish charm making you totally delightful and humorous. I will keep you in my heart always and strive to be more like you. I will miss your eloquence and keen wit. Mostly, I will miss your unwavering love for all of your family.
With all my love,
Theresa

Adelaide

June 25, 2008

You were one of the few who still remained who shared my childhood.
Many happy memories of "treading hay"(how you hated it and I thought it was fun-)of taking the cows to pasture-of making huts in the wood piles and being stung by bees-all part of your evryday life but exciting for me(the city Cousin) Of you telling me storieds every night before we went to sleep.
And then to find in our old age that we still really liked each other!I will miss you

Matt Metcalf

June 25, 2008

I will miss my Aunt "Rusty". Her spirit, sense of humor and just pure "Metcalfness" still makes me smile as I think of her. Although I was born & raised & continue to live in Florida - which made our visits all too infrequent - I always felt like I was getting in touch with my true roots when we were able to share time together. We all deeply appreciated her loving support and counsel to her brother and our dad, Ralph, as he has cared for our mom in the past years. I am honored and lucky to have been family to such a fine lady. Bless you, Aunt Marion.

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