In memoriam: Mary Theresa Nixon

Mary Theresa Nixon passed away peacefully in her home on May 29 after a very brief illness and shortly before her pending June 30 retirement from the work she loved. Mary is survived by Don, her husband of many years, and by their son Mark.

She served the university and its students in the Faculty of Education for many years as a long-service sessional instructor, beginning that work in 1988 and continuing until her death.

Mary began her work as a teacher in England, and together with Don traveled, taught and learned on three continents. They moved eventually to Canada, where in 1975 Mary completed her PhD in educational administration at the University of Alberta, numbered early among women academics in that field.

She was widely affirmed for her work with many undergraduate students in teacher education and with graduate students in educational leadership. Her commitment to guiding and supporting students was reflected in their assessment of her work.

Mary’s outstanding work as a teacher was recognized in 2004 with the faculty’s selection of her as the recipient of the Full-time Sessional Excellence in Teaching Award. Her letter of citation noted that Mary’s ongoing support for students, her attention to their needs, mentoring activity and collaboration with colleagues “far exceeds faculty expectations.” It added, “You are an excellent role model and inspiration for faculty members and colleagues in the Faculty of Education.”

Mary will be remembered and missed by her family, friends and colleagues for her clear commitment to others and to her work over many years.

Contributed by Vernon Storey, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education.