People of SU

Remembering Mary Bartholet

Written by Mike Thee

September 5, 2019

Mary Bartholet

Image credit: Yosef Kalinko

Longtime nursing professor was a credit to her profession and a supporter of SU's mission.

Mary Bartholet, professor emerita in the College of Nursing, passed away Aug. 27. Adored by students and colleagues alike and remembered for her gentle and compassionate presence, Bartholet arrived at Seattle U in 1958 and served on the faculty until she retired in 1994. Well after retirement, she remained closely connected to, and supportive of, the college and university. 

Dean Kristen Swanson remembers Bartholet for “her smile, love of SU and commitment to nursing.” In recognition of her impact at SU and in the wider community, Bartholet was inducted into the Washington State Nurses Association Hall of Fame in 2010. 

In addition to her remarkable contributions as a nurse and educator, Bartholet was influential in deepening Seattle University’s commitment to its Jesuit mission, for instance serving on the planning committee for Colleagues in Jesuit Education. Joe Orlando, director of the Center for Jesuit Education, remembers Bartholet as a “caring and loving colleague and friend with such a deep commitment to creating community.” 

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, at St. Luke's Catholic Church (322 N. 175th St., Shoreline) with a reception to follow and then a procession to Holyrood Cemetery about five miles from church. All are welcome.