Mary Goetz graduated from Marquette University and earned her Registered Nurse license in 1959. Over the course of her long and dedicated career, Mary served with distinction at San Pedro Hospital and Torrance Memorial. Her professional journey reflected both versatility and deep commitment, as she worked in many areas of nursing — including cardiac care, psychiatry, patient education, administration, utilization review, and neonatal care for premature babies.

Mary was a true trailblazer in patient education, particularly in the field of cardiac care. Her work in developing and writing widely used cardiac care pamphlets transformed how patients learned about their own health and treatment. These materials empowered countless patients with knowledge and confidence, and the impact of her work extended far beyond the walls of any single hospital. This accomplishment remained one of Mary’s proudest contributions to the nursing profession.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary’s joy and strength were multiplied through her lifelong friendships with a close circle of fellow nurses— Shiela, Diane, Cheryl, and Enid. Together, they shared laughter, adventures, unwavering support, and even a few mischievous trips to Las Vegas. Through every season of their careers and lives, this remarkable group of women inspired one another and embodied the camaraderie and resilience that define nursing at its best.

Mary’s devotion to nursing reached far beyond her own work — it touched her family in profound ways. Her love for the profession inspired her daughter, granddaughter, and daughter-in-law to also become nurses, creating a legacy of care that spans generations. One of Mary’s most treasured moments was the day she proudly pinned her granddaughter at her nursing school graduation — a symbolic and deeply meaningful passing of the torch.