Many of RNFOO’s Honorary Life Members have been recognized for their contributions to the Foundation. However, this honour is also given to people who have rendered distinguished services to the nursing profession and are committed to and passionate about the vision/mission and values of RNFOO.
In 2022, this distinction was presented to Mary Glavassevich, recognizing her contributions and achievements in nursing. Mary was first registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario in 1968. Although Mary spent virtually her entire career at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, her professional reach extends far beyond Sunnybrook and Toronto.
Mary was born on Montserrat in the West Indies. She completed her basic nursing studies in Lancashire, England, and her midwifery certificate in Edinburgh Scotland. Since 1968, Mary has worked at Sunnybrook in Toronto, mostly as a patient care manager in the Oncology department. Affectionately known throughout the organization as “Mary G.”, Mary was constantly working to improve the experiences of patients, families, and the nurses who reported to her. Mary has led the development of patient care models, patient education programs, and research initiatives.
She has been a passionate proponent of access to healthcare and health information, speaking on radio, developing educational materials, and facilitating the transport of medical supplies for areas of the world with limited healthcare resources.
Mary’s profound impact on other nurses may be her most significant legacy. Mary is a “mentor extraordinaire”. She recognizes the potential of nurses at various stages in their careers, and is relentless in her guidance, coaching, and encouragement of their career development. Many of Mary’s staff have gone on to formal and informal leadership roles at Sunnybrook and elsewhere. Many recipients of the U of T alumnae awards acknowledged Mary G. as a positive influence in their career success. As an adjunct faculty member at U of T, Mary has shared her expertise with students.
But Mary has done more than mentor and coach the next generation of nurses. She took action to enable them to take on leadership roles, engage in research and innovation projects, and present their scholarly work in national and international forums. As an example she organized fundraising events to support Sunnybrook nurses to attend and present their work at ICCN conferences in Singapore and Prague.
Mary has been described as “an energetic and enthusiastic cheerleader for nurses, nursing and nursing organizations.” Mary has supported RNFOO as one of the Founding Donors to the Nurse Innovator Awards.
Mary’s dedication to the next generation of nurses is clearly in line with the fundamental purpose and values of RNFOO. As someone who has supported patients, families and developing nurses for over 50 years, Mary Glavassevich is an ideal recipient of Honorary Life Membership in RNFOO in this our 50th anniversary year.
