Mary Lee Killeen, née Preston, earned a Masters at Arizona State University, and then a Ph.D. at the University of Texas Austin.

Mary was passionate about Nursing, about training students to be the best at it they could possibly be. As Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, she instituted numerous innovative programs, making it easier for nurses with a technical RN to progress to a Bachelor of Nursing Science, the entry credential for professional nursing. She instituted the Lighting the Lamp ceremony, using Florence Nightingale’s iconic lamp as its emblem: In the context of inspiring stories, parents and friends, students made a commitment to the professional and ethical standards of their profession. Mary fueled the aspirations of many students, as Aunt Loa once did for her. She was loved by many of her colleagues.

Mary loved music, from Pavarotti to Leonard Cohen, whom she would often listen to while cooking or making bread. She adored watching, and helping, her children toward their successful lives. She nurtured her husband Peter, forgiving his professional obsessions, helping him to open his eyes, saying “Peter! Pay attention![to the world]”, more often than he can remember. Giving him, always, unqualified love. Mary eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. During her slow decline she found continual joy in flowers, trees, and fallen leaves. Mary is now herself a fallen leaf; part of the great cycle of life.