Mary Elizabeth Duffy, PhD, RN, Faan

Mary E. Duffy, 79, of Narragansett, RI, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Mary was born in Providence, she was the cherished daughter of Austin J. and Elizabeth T. (Neary) Duffy. She was the sister of the late Austin J. Duffy, Jr. and Joseph T. Duffy. She is also survived by her dear cousins Elizabeth A. Manning, Patricia A. Viera and Michaelyn A. Profio and several cousins and friends.

Mary was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School, St. Patrick’s High School and Roger Williams Hospital School of Nursing she also graduated from Villanova University where she received her BSRN. She also graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Counseling. She received her PhD from NYU’s School of Graduate Nursing and her degree was in Nursing Research.

She began her teaching career at the University of Texas – Austin and the University of Texas-Houston as an assistant professor. She later joined Boston College Graduate School as a professor in the doctoral program and Director of Nursing Research in the Connell School of Nursing. After retirement Mary also joined Mass. General as a senior nurse scientist in the Yvonne Munn Center of Nursing Research where she worked research studies and wrote many published books and articles. Research was her passion, and she wrote and published many articles and books in statistical measures in research.

Mary leaves a legacy of knowledge, compassion and love for nursing to all who encountered her quality work in academia. Her life was full of travels to speak at various conferences and programs where she was often the keynote speaker.

She had an affinity poor and underprivileged. She took care of many people anonymously.

Her burial and funeral will be private. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial mass at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be sent for a scholarship to be set up in her name for nursing students.  Donations can be sent to: Elizabeth Manning, 48 Willow Drive, Cranston, RI 02920

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