Mary Lois Rundles |
| Posted 2009-01-23 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, May 4, 2004 Mary Lois Rundles, born June 13, 1916, passed away April 12,2004. Mary Lois graduated from Hurley Nursing School in Flint, Mich., in 1937. She entered the medical field, as did her sister, Gayle Rundles Dale R.N., and her brother, Wayne Rundles, PhD, MD. Her brother, Wayne, had the distinction of becoming a department head and professor at Duke University Medical School, Department of Hematology and Oncology, developing many widely used prescription drugs. In the 1970s, he was the president of the American Cancer Society for several years. Wayne was a gifted clinician and scientist. He co-authored a definitive textbook, Hematology. Mary Lois practiced her profession on a neighboring Hawaiian island, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. She cared for many United States servicemen injured in that attack. Unfortunately, Mary Lois lost her own fiance in WWII, a naval officer who fell in the line of duty aboard a U.S. destroyer in the English Channel. Mary Lois traveled the world extensively visiting destinations most of us only dream about. She spent time in many countries and continents enjoying the people, sites, and cultures around the globe. Mary Lois was part of many changes in medicine. Early in her career, she worked in polio and whooping cough wards. In her 50's regulations changed and Mary Lois was required to earn her Bachelor's degree to retain her R.N. certification Over the years she worked in many different medical services including surgery, obstetrics, and general medicine and worked as a surpervisory/charge nurse. Especially fond of infants and children, Mary Lois was awarded many plaques for her volunteer service to the San Francisco Bay Area Crisis Nursery, after her retirement. She volunteered thousands of hours of service, helping this organization. An enthusiastic musician, Mary Lois played both the recorder and Viola de Gamba for many years. She sang in the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church cholr for many years. She enjoyed summer music camps and practicing with friends. She also enjoyed photography. In 1999, at the age of 82, Mary Lois. diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, moved to Prescott to be closer to family. Staff of the Margaret Morris Center professionally and kindly cared for her during the progression of the disease. Richard Matthies MD astutely oversaw her medical needs Mary Lois's family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Margaret T. Morris Center in memory of this life well spent. Information provided by survivors. |
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