Mary L. Dulisch

Mary Lenore Dulisch DVM, MS

Emeritus Diplomate, American College

Of Veterinary Surgeons

 Dr. Mary L. Dulisch passed away on June 16, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was two weeks shy of her 72nd birthday. On her journey to be with God in Heaven, she stopped by the Rainbow Bridge to be reunited with her many pets that were there waiting for her. She left four behind on earth, with her husband Steve, and will be waiting for them to join her. 

Mary was born in Chicago, IL on June 28, 1952 to Alexander Johann Heinrich Dulisch and Lenore Marie Dulisch (Green). She had three brothers, Thomas (Tom), William (Bill), and James (Jim), so it goes without saying she was somewhat of a tomboy as a child. Mary married Dr. Stephen A. Bilbrey DVM, MS, Emeritus Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992.

Even as a kid Mary knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. She devoted all her energies through high school and community college in Chicago to that end, before being admitted to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana-Champaign. She excelled in veterinary school and fell in love with surgery. After graduation she completed a year-long internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. While there, her mentor Dr. Steve Withrow, encouraged her to specialize in surgery. Mary completed a 3-year small animal surgery residency at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Surgery, teaching veterinary students, interns, and residents. She also completed a neurosurgery externship at the Mayo Clinic. 

 Mary achieved the prestigious status of Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1982. She was among the first women to achieve that status. She published a number of papers in veterinary surgery and was a contributing author in multiple veterinary surgery textbooks. Mary later worked as a staff surgeon at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston, MA. She soon realized she had enough of the bitter wind of Chicago, the frozen tundra of Saskatoon, and the cold, slushy winters of Boston. She decided sunny California was the place to be, so she moved to southern California, and remained there the rest of her life, living in Moorpark. She worked at the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group for a short period, where she met her future husband, Steve. Mary finally settled in at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura where she worked as a surgeon for over 28 years until she retired in 2019. 

Dr. Dulisch was known as a skilled and brilliant surgeon. Her compassionate patient care was unsurpassed, an example being she often stayed with her critical patients throughout the night. Her lasting legacy will be the thousands of animals she cared for and the dozens of students, interns, and residents she trained. Mary served as an outstanding role model for her interns, inspiring them to strive for excellence. Many of these young veterinarians went on to excel as general practitioners or specialists, and they said that Mary was instrumental in their success. 

Mary was not only a talented surgeon; she was also a gifted artist. She created medical illustrations for scientific papers and textbooks. One of her hobbies was carving carousel horses by hand (having learned from a master carousel carver). Mary was a PADI certified scuba diver, and together with Steve, dove all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, and California. Mary and Steve were able to travel the world and share in many adventures together in over 50 countries. Sea kayaking with orcas, rafting the entire Grand Canyon, safaris in Africa, and elephant trekking in Thailand were among a few of those adventures. A little teddy bear named Biscuit accompanied Mary on all her travels, including scientific meetings. Mary was delighted with the whimsy and magic of all things Disney – it brought out the child in her. She loved Disney Cruises and visiting the parks, including those in Paris and Japan. Mary did extensive research while planning all these travels and was a wonderful resource for her friends who needed advice. She would generously research trips for them without even being asked – and she gave great advice!

Mary loved and treasured her animals, all of whom were rescued with various medical or surgical problems. Simple walks on the beach with the dogs were some of Mary and Steve’s favorite pastimes. Mary was deeply devoted to her friends, showering them with acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. She considered them part of her family and her friends were equally devoted to her. In sharing their lives with each other, they loved, laughed, and lived better lives for it. They brought out the best in each other. 

Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the life of such a loving, compassionate, and remarkable, woman. She will be missed.

 Mary lived a life that was meaningful

Through a life of service, made possible by her skills and knowledge, she changed the lives of many people and their pets for the better.

Mary loved and was loved

Mary lived a life of wonder – from the joy of little everyday things to her world travels to see God’s creations

Mary lived a life of Faith

Mary was kind, gentle, and compassionate to all living things

Mary lived the life she dreamed

It was a life well-lived.

 In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a Donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Operation Smile, or your local Animal Shelter. 

A Catholic Mass, followed by a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at Holy Cross Church in Moorpark CA within the coming months. An announcement will be made in a timely manner so that all who may wish to attend can make preparations.