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Dr. Mary-Anne Andrusyszyn

May 21, 2023

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Mary Anne Andrusyszyn on May 21, 2023, with her husband Zenon at her side.  She is survived by her husband Zenon, brother Roman Pociurko (Helen), nephews André (Tanya), and Stephan.

Mary-Anne was proud to be a Professor of the School of Nursing at Western University and was its Director from 2007 to 2016. Her career was dedicated to nursing education. She introduced distance learning to her colleagues and taught the School’s first distance courses.  She founded the world’s first online nursing education journal and served as its Editor-in-Chief until 2023. Mary-Anne wrote many scholarly articles and co-authored a curriculum development book used internationally. She received many awards for excellence in teaching and leadership.  Her most enduring contribution was the warmth, caring, and belief in others’ potential that she conveyed in every interaction with students and colleagues.  This belief was also expressed in her establishment of a bursary for graduate nursing students and her support of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.

Mary-Anne brought joy to all who knew her. She was a caring support to her mother, an accomplished hostess, an empathetic friend, and a concerned caretaker of a long line of dogs. First and foremost was her dedication to Zenon, with whom she shared her life, hopes, travels, and many renovation projects. Mary-Anne was a treasured presence in the lives of many, and her legacy of caring, creativity, and commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities will live in our memories and reminiscences. She was an exemplary person and a gift to all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held later in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Mary-Anne Andrusyszyn Award in Nursing at Western University; attention Kendra Lealess, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, 1151 Richmond St. London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University) or by calling 519-661-4200 or online at www.westernconnect.ca/andrusyszyn.

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I am saddened by this news. Mary-Anne was a longtime friend and colleague in the nursing education world, someone whose optimism for Canadian nursing education and excitement about its potential shone through all she did. She will be sincerely missed and remembered.

~ Sally Thorne

Hi Zenon: A voice from the past -- the last time we connected was when your Mother died. I was truly saddened to read the obit of your dear wife, Mary-Anne, whom I never met. I hope you are okay, as a loss like this is devastating, to say the least. May her memory continually warm your heart. Ihor

~ Andrew Ihor Oakes / Ihor Osakiwsky

I had only rediscovered MaryAnn and Zenon, my cousin's, after so many long years. I will miss our monthly Skype call where MaryAnn gave me so much inspiration when writing a family history. I will miss her happy, smiling face. Lots of love to Zenon and the girls.

~ Julie Andrusyschyn

We are so sorry to hear about Mary-Anne and her passing. She was a wonderful soul and we know she'll be missed by so many. Our love and condolences are with you. Love Kathy and Jim.

~ Kathy Gerber & Jim Schaefer

My name will be unfamiliar to Mary Anne’s family & friends. I had an interaction with her many years ago where a colleague and I were presenting to a class of nursing students at Western. My colleague made an embarrassing blunder in front of the class and the two of us endured some withering comments from the student audience. I called Mary Anne afterwards to discuss it. We talked for quite some time. She was exceptionally kind, gracious and understanding and she said something to me that I have never forgotten and have repeated often to others - “It is easier to judge than to truly understand.” I was so grateful to her in that moment for forgiving my colleague for her misstep. I have been grateful to her ever since for this sage advice. My condolences to Mary Anne’s family and friends. A brief interaction years ago with this lovely woman truly made an imprint on my heart. She was clearly exceptional.

~ Heather Orr

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