Of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Our Lady of Peace
Nursing Care Residence, Lewiston, NY.She was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on September 13, 1922,  the daughter of late Charles C. and Julia (O'Leary) Dineen.

Mary attended local schools, graduating from Sacred Heart School and St. Mary's High School. She completed her basic nursing education at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. Following receipt of her RN License, she worked as a staff nurse at St. Mary's Hospital and in St. Louis, Missouri.

She graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and later
earned a Master's Degree from Niagara University and Doctoral Degree from Columbia
University in New York City.

Mary was one of the first faculty members appointed to Niagara University when the
College of Nursing was founded in 1946. Initially her responsibilities included nursing
supervisory activities at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital and teaching supervision of students in
their clinical experiences. Through her tenure at Niagara, in addition to teaching, Mary
served as Assistant Dean and Acting Dean of the College of Nursing.

In 1963, Dr. Dineen joined the staff of the National League for Nursing in New York
City working as a consultant and department director with university based nursing
education programs throughout the country. After nine years with the League, she was
appointed Dean and Professor of the School of Nursing at Boston College in
Massachusetts.

As Dean, Mary provided leadership to faculty and students. Programs at the
undergraduate and graduate levels were strengthened and enrollments increased. The
foundation was also established for a new Ph.D. program in Nursing. Dr. Dineen was
awarded Dean Emeritus status upon retirement from Boston College in 1986.
Through the years, Mary was active in many professional organizations, including
elected and appointed membership in groups, such as The American Nurses Association,
The National League for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau and Alpha Sigma Nu.

In 1977 Mary received the Nursing Education Alumni Award from Teachers College, Columbia in 1984 and the Mary Adelaide Nutting Award from the National League for Nursing in 1985.

At her retirement Mary returned to Niagara Falls and was involved in many local
community projects, including, work on church and school committees. For thirteen
years she volunteered at St. Mary's Manor Nursing Home. In 1988 she was the recipient
of an Alumni Award from Niagara Catholic High School.

Mary served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Niagara University from 1989·
2002. At the completion of her Board membership, she received the title of Trustee
Emeritus. Mary was awarded an Honorary Degree from Niagara-in 1992.
She is  survived by  one sister Sr. M. Christina, RSM, a niece Nora (Gary) McMullen and a nephew Charles (Stacie) Dineen. Mary was the sister  of the late Joan and  Charles J. and Alberta  Dineen and aunt of the late Mary Catherine Tobin and Elizabeth Anne Dineen.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 12:00 PM  at St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY, with the Rev.  Jacek P. Mazur officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in her name to the Sisters of Mercy, 625 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY  14220.

Interment in Gate of  Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

 

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