Nursing Leader Mary Delaney Munger
September 17, 1923 – November 1, 2019
Mary D. Munger was a nursing leader in Montana and a nationwide advocate for the protection of the rights of registered nurses to have an influence over the conditions that affect their employment. She died in Helena, Montana on All Saints Day, November 1, 2019. She was 96 years old.
Born in Butte, Montana on September 17, 1923, she was the daughter of John and Jane MacDonald Delaney, natives of Nova Scotia. Mary’s father was a miner and operated the cages that lowered workers into the mine and brought them back to the surface. John died when Mary was 13 and Jane took on many jobs such as cleaning homes in order to support her daughter and three sons.
Young Mary graduated from Immaculate Conception Grade School and Girls Central Catholic High School in Butte. She then enrolled in St. James Hospital School of Nursing, Butte, in 1941. Following the receipt of her diploma in 1944, she was activated into the Army Cadet Nurse Corps where she completed a one-year course in public health at the University of Minnesota.
Mary married E.R. “Chub” Munger in 1954. He was involved in several businesses, including a drive-in theater and land development. They helped each other in all of their undertakings and shared a busy, productive, satisfying life until his death in 1999.
A steadfast believer in professional education for nurses, Mary obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Montana State University (MSU) in 1962. She then went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Community Health from the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) in 1971. Later in life, she received an Honorary Doctorate from MSU and was the featured speaker at the 2002 MSU Commencement.
Her professional career spanned several specialized genres of nursing. From school nurse, public health nurse, executive director of the Montana Nurse’s Association (MNA), nursing consultant, educator and lobbyist, Mary spent her professional life promoting the nursing profession, the importance of quality care for patients, and the right of nurses to attain social and economic justice.
Mary lobbied through several very challenging Montana legislative sessions while seeking to gain passage of the “Blue-eyed Nurse’s Bill” which had been named for her blue eyes. The bill sought to protect the right of nurses to bargain collectively and it was signed into law by the governor in 1967. It was an important time for the nursing profession and nurses became politically involved in advancing their roles. She thought of this as the highlight of her life.
In the early 1970’s, Mary served on a community health team with Dr. Therese Sullivan, developing the framework for the baccalaureate nursing program at Carroll College. She joined the faculty as an assistant professor with the first class to graduate from the program in 1975, and continued to teach through 1991. Both students and fellow faculty remember her as a mentor, leader, role model, and firm believer in the professional role of the nurse.
From 1983 to 1991 she served on the Montana Health Care Authority and fostered within the state the need to provide low cost financing to all healthcare facilities across Montana. She also served as a member of the board of directors of the MSU Foundation and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the MSU-Bozeman College of Nursing.
Mary was the recipient of numerous awards in her lifetime. In 1977 MNA presented her with the first Mary D. Munger Award for Involvement in the Political Interests of Nurses. She was named the 1978 MNA Montana Nurse of the Year. She is one of MSU’S 100 Distinguished Centennial Alumni and was given the prestigious American Nurse’s Association (ANA) Shirley Titus Award for empowering frontline registered nurses and effecting positive changes in the work environment. She is a recipient of the MSU Blue and Gold Award, an honorary doctorate from MSU, The St. James Healthcare Foundation Rita McGrath Spirit Award, American Nurses Foundation Honor a Nurse Award, and the Steve Browning Philanthropy Award.
Mary never lost her interest or failed to involve herself in issues affecting health care and professional nursing. She has been a catalyst for nurses, young and old, to take on issues that affect nursing practice and positive outcomes for families, children, and the elderly. Some of her major accomplishments have impacted revision of the Nurse Practice Act, professional nursing education, employment concerns of healthcare workers other than nurses, federal legislation regarding health care such as Medicare and Medicaid, licensure of nurses, and prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners.
She has overseen the Chub and Mary Munger Foundation for 12 years, providing assistance to various non-profits such as nursing education at Carroll College and MSU, St. James Health Care, Kay’s Kids, Habitat for Humanity, Westmont, Camp Mak-a-Dream, Food Share, and many others.
Having been raised as a Catholic by her family, Mary remained active for many years at St. Mary’s Catholic Community, Helena.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents John and Jane Delaney, her husband E.R. “Chub” Munger, and four brothers: William Hector “Fink,” his twin brother James Leo “Potts,” John George “Sie,” and infant brother Walter Delaney.
She is survived by multiple nieces and nephews and extended family members.
A Vigil will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14th at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. on Friday, November 15th at Saint Mary Catholic Community. A funeral reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Montana Nurses Association Foundation 20 Old Montana St Hwy Clancy, MT 59634 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 pm
Thursday November 14, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Friday November 15, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday November 15, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Friday November 15, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 pm
Thursday November 14, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Friday November 15, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday November 15, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Friday November 15, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Share
Chuck butler says
Oh dear, Mary was a very special person with a passion for caring for others. Rest in Peace Mary.
Jodie Foley says
I had the great opportunity to work with Mary on several projects over the years. Her dedication to and advocacy for nurses and nursing was inspiring. She had the rare gift of being fearless, tenacious and gracious in equal measure.
She will be missed.
Betty Brewer says
Mary was one of the kindest and gentlest ladies I have ever know. I met Mary many years ago when I worked at Valley Bank. Her husband Chubb was a very dear friend and I loved them both so much. I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She liived a long and full life and it is so awesome to envision her reunion with the love of her life. I offer heartfelt condolences to she family and many many friends. You will never be forgotten and I will always remember your beautiful smile. You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace sweet sweet friend until we meet again in eternity.
Betty Brewer says
Mary was one of the kindest and gentlest ladies I have ever known. I met Mary many years ago when I worked at Valley Bank. Her husband Chubb was a very dear friend and I loved them both so much. I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She lived a long and full life and it is so awesome to envision her reunion with the love of her life. I offer heartfelt condolences to her family and many many friends. You will never be forgotten and I will always remember your beautiful smile. You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace sweet sweet friend until we meet again in eternity.
Jessica Arlint says
Mary is the reason I was able to purchase my Habitat house in Helena. She was so generous and such a kind kind soul. She will be greatly missed by my family.
Julie Larson Miller says
Mary was a wonderful mentor for me early on in my nursing career. Her friendship and earnest work with my aunt, Anne, for the welfare and benefits of nurses was unsurpassed. Rest In Peace Mary.
Arlene Flynn says
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mary’s the family. I had the honor of meeting her over 9-years ago while raising funds for a new West Mont home for medically fragile individuals with disabilities. She welcomed me into her home and we had a delightful conversation. Her kindness and generosity have made a huge difference in our community. What a remarkable woman.
Chuck Johnson says
Montana and Helena are much better places today because of Mary Munger. She was a kind, generous and visionary leader who made a big difference, always putting the interests of others first. Mary’s tireless lobbying at the 1967 Legislature got what became known as the “Blue-Eyed Nurses’ Bill,” named after her, passed into law. It granted nurses the right to bargain collectively. That happened before teachers and local and state government employees gained collective-bargaining rights in the 1970s. Mary continued being a major national leader in the health-care field for decades to come.
Nancy Aagenes says
Over many years Mary helped me with many things, both professional and personal. All who knew her were graced by her life. She and Chub are likely arranging the details of moving their house one more time . . . and directly into heaven. Thank you Mary, for many things.
Leona Zaharko says
Mary was an absolutely person and I’m so sorry to learn of her passing. I met her man years ago at a Grief Support group we were both in. Her for the loss of her husband and me for the loss of my son. Then she was a regular customer at a retail store I worked in. She always came in with a beautiful smile on her face.
Jane LaMoure says
Mary & Chub were friends of our family. At our last visit in February, she was still as sharp as a tack. We laughed and reminisced about so many things. The fact that she went up to heaven on All Saints Day is befitting this beautiful, wonderful lady. RIP my friend.
Karen Sautter Scheler says
I was so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. She has been in my life as long as I can remember. Mary and Chubb were an important part of my family. I will always remember holidays at their house and my dad worked as a projectionist at the drive in. My last visit in June was one of many special visits. My condolances to her family. You were all so special to her. Mary, you will be missed. Peace be with you.
Mary Mouat says
Mary Munger will be missed but never forgotten! All Nurses owe her a debt of gratitude! Always supportive and helpful. Her legacy will live on forever!!
JoEllen Estenson says
Mary came into my life in the mid-70’s and left a “footprint on my heart” that sustains me to this day. Several words come to mind when I remember her – warm, kind, intelligent, savvy and concerned woman who embraced life with grace, gusto and her signature smile. She was an inspiration for many and we are all richer for her presence. Peace be with you, great lady!
John Shontz says
Mary was such an inspiration! When I was a new lawyer I had the privilege of helping her with a project or two. She always had thoughtful and enduring advice to give me. She enriched so many lives (and not just nurses) across this state. Every patient served by a nurse in Montana today, while they may not know it, is being touched by Mary’s guiding hand. She will be missed! We are ALL much better off today and will be for generations to come because Mary was there. My best wishes to Mary’s Family. God Bless. John Shontz, Helena
Nancy Heyer says
I was a budding nurse leader from Idaho in 1980 when I met Mary at a National Conference on Nursing leadership. She was eager to meet me as I was organizing nurses in a Right to Work State! “What do you drink , ” she asked. Scotch…and we sat at the hotel bar sharing the love and passion we had for the nursing profession. Just 11 years before, she was a speaker for my leadership class when I was a senior nursing student. Suddenly as we sat in that lounge, I realized this wad the blue eyed nurse who was our speaker and who moved the dial for nurses in Montana. She was asking ME how I could organize nurses in an anti union state!
She advised me on some fine points for my own professional development. She penned a letter for my app to law school.
I’d moved back to my home state and every single time we met it was like a remembered old friend. That was the face and countenance of Mary Munger. She never forgot a face regardless of the circumstance.
She needed to live into her 90’s because she had so much to do and so many lives to change in or out of nursing.
Not a person in the country has not been touched by a nurse. Birth to death, nurses like Mary understood that healthy citizens are able to be productive in their lives. She gave a lift to thousands of people, and in my case, she saw a baby nurse and gave advice with a sure “You can and MUST do this”. Regard education only as one tool in life’s toolbox. The gift of sincerity, compassion and lifelong learning was her mantra.
As a student, I didn’t appreciate professional engagement. When I met her I had already been using lessons from her playbook: Listen and call them to action. Chub was her dear soulmate.
Appreciate the work nurses do. Care about that person in the WalMart line, and smile.
We cherish this bitty woman. She was a giant in disguise.
Raymond D. Brown+ says
Mary was so important in my life for her commitment , inspiration and leadership. She will be deeply missed.
Eleanor A Parker says
I have known and valued Mary for decades, at first while I was an attorney with the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (then Public Health and Human Services) and in later years because of her extreme generosity to the Helena Symphony, of which I was then a part in various capacities. I only knew the bare bones of her contribution to the causes that are cited in her obituary, but there was always a sense that this was an enormously lovely, and incredibly effective in the best sense, human being. I will miss her so much.
Bernice MacDonald says
I never knew this lady but she was a relative of mine through her mother, Jane MacDonald. Jane was my grandaunt and brother to my grandfather William J.MacDonald of Antigonish. May she rest in peace.