Marie Catherine McWalter
February 22, 1909 - March 11, 2006
Obituary
Marie McWalter beloved mother, nurse, teacher, friend and advocate passed away March 11th as her fami1y gathered at her Mount St. Vincent’s bedside. Marie was born in Oconto, Wisconsin, graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Green Bay with an R.N., and later from St. Louis University with a BS in Nursing Education as a member of the University’s first graduating class with women. She moved to Seattle a few years after graduation and took a position at Columbus School of Nursing. Soon after. Marie met Jack McWalter, a prominent Seattle attorney. They were married in 1942 and had four children prior to his premature death in 1952. Marie went back to teaching at
Columbus School of Nursing Cabrini where she influenced many students over the years. She stayed until it closed in 1968, and then worked in the hospital and as a private duty nurse until her retirement in her later 70’s. Mario enjoyed traveling, reading, her Beta Sigma Phi sorority, various Alumni groups, Children of Mary, and was active in St. James parish where she attended Mass dai1y. She is survived by her four children: Sandra Payton. Rodney of Bellingham, Susan Scanlan of Newport Coast, CA, Kay Tyllia Frank of Kirkland, and Bryce McWalter Maureen of Seattle, and her sister-in-law Julita Bryce of Wisconsin. She also had seven grandchildren: Darcy Scanlan Ricci Rob of Huntington Beach, CA, Shannon Scanlan Sansone Rob of Redondo Beach, CA., Gwendolyn Payton John Neeleman of Seattle, John McWalter of San Francisco, and Elspeth Payton, Jaclyn McWalter and Jason McWalter of Seattle, and four great-grandchildren: Jake and Joey Ricci and Jack and Victoria Neeleman and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Providence Mount St. Vincent’s Foundation, the Red Cross or Holy Names Academy. Funeral Mass: Providence Mount St. Vincent’s~ West Seattle Wednesday March 15, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. with reception to follow.
As a nursing student, I found that Mrs. McWalter was always fair as a instructor and very dedicated to her profession.
Shortly after I came to Seattle in 1958, I met Marie. I worked at Seattle U. but we shared many meetings and our love for nursing. She had so much energy despite the many activities in which she was involved. I admired her tremendously, and I remember her well. I shall keep her and her family in my prayers.
Gone but never forgotten by those who learned the art, science and spirit of nursing under her direction at St Frances X Cabrini School of Nursing. Thank you, dear Mrs McWalter!
I’m certain we all wish we could be there with the family to reminisce about the woman who made such an impact on our lives.
Sincerely,
Jean White Looy
Class of 1963
Marie was a very special person. Having worked with her on the faculty at Cabrini for a number of years, I was inspired by her deep faith and unfailing ability to see the potential in everyone. My sincere condolences to her family whom she loved dearly.
my thoughts are with you . even though I didn’t know your mother well,she always had a big smile and made you feel as if she had known you forever. i know you will miss her,as will everyone who knew her.
Bryce, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time of loss. I remember your mom coming into the office from time to time and the two of you going out for lunch. She always impressed me as a very elegant woman.
I graduated from Cabrini in 1963–Marie was a wonderful teacher and example to us students. She was always firm but you could usually see that delightful twinkle in her eyes and she was always ready to listen to our problems–as students and young women. My sympathies to her family.
You Mom was a beautiful person who impacted my life in a positive manner as a student at Cabrini. I always think of her when I make a bed;it has to be “just so”.
Barbara Friedl
Until we meet again,goodbye to a wonderful, warm woman, who was a marvelous nursing instructor, had a fantastic sense of humor, and did a wicked CanCan.
Until we meet again,goodbye to a wonderful, warm woman, who was a marvelous nursing instructor, had a fantastic sense of humor, and did a wicked CanCan.
Dear Sandra and family,
You are all in my prayers. Mom always spoke so highly of Marie. Her gifts will live on in you. You are in my prayers. Kelley Jensen
Kay We remember the time you brought your mom out to pick raspberries and look at all our flowers. She made me feel like I was the best gardener around. She was a very special lady. ann
My thoughts are with you. I have fond memories of Marie, and knowing of her time at Cabrini with Dean.
My sympathy to Marie’s family. I have such fond memories of working with Marie at old Cabrini Hospital. She had such a smile and laugh and with her history as a nurse was always there to keep us on track. I particularly remember her energy as she moved quickly about, her shoes clicking down the hall. I am sure many have good memories of her.
Mrs.McWalter was the essence of a nurse and conveyed that to me as one of her students from 1960-1963. She was a beautiful person and a wonderful nurse. Just the other day I quoted one her frequent sayings. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Love,
Jacqueline Bozanich White, Class of 1963
Marie will always remain an inspiration to me. From teaching us how to give an excellent “back rub” to the importance of a tidy linen closet, the pleasure of world travel & the pure joy of family; she was the ultimate teacher, LADY & lasting friend. God bless.
With love, Sharon Bleha
In celebration of the life of Marie McWalter, a woman who taught us, guided us, comforted us and became one of our class. My prayers are with her family. God has received a really special person!!!! SandyNorris Bradley, Class of 1964
Bryce and family,
I remember you folks from
Capitol Hill and want to
send condolences in the name
of the Leahy family from
St Joe’s.
Kitty Leahy, daughter of Kevin and Mary Leahy
Bryce, my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear family of Marie,
It has been most enjoyable sharing moments with Marie while she lived at the Mount. I have learned so many lessons from Marie. The most important one, live life with zest! Such a wonderful outlook on life. How to live your life to the fullest, while at the end. Hopefully, we can all have a positive outlook even while not enjoying the best of health. Always having a smile for you, when she probably didn’t really feel like smiling. We enjoyed many Halloweens together! She always came to the salon to get the full costume treatment. She laughed when I made her up to be a witch. “I can’t believe I look that old!” I told her it was the makeup
I thoroughly enjoyed her life stories, her grace, wit, and charm. I will miss her dearly as I am sure you will, but thank her immensely for making a profound impact on my life.
Here’s to you Marie! We will miss you!
With sympathy, and all my love,
Laurie Kincaid
her favorite hairdresser at the Mount!
Bryce, Maureen and family,
Alison and I were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I remember the couple of times I had the pleasure of meeting her, with great fondness, and I know how much my parents and my Dad’s parents thought of her. She was a terrific lady.
We send our deepest sympathies in your loss but know you will have a host of wonderful memories to keep her close to your heart.
Robb and Alison Watt
I was a graduate of the Cabrini School of Nursing 1964. I last saw Marie at our 40th reunion in 2006. I have many fond memories most of which contributed to the nurse I became. I followed in her footsteps and taught nursing at the Sheridan College ADN Program for 17 years. I still am an educator at the VA Medical Center. Marie’s example and fostering teaching is a tribute to the Carbrini School of Nursing.