Mary Jean Vickers

Mary Jean Vickers, age 66, passed away suddenly on September 10, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend. She was born February 26, 1955 in Patuxent River, Maryland, to the late Edward and Dolores Shanks.  She graduated from Bishop Hartley High School and attended Mt. Carmel School of Nursing. She received her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota.  While she began her career providing compassionate patient care as a registered nurse, she combined her love of teaching and her clinical skills to serve the next generation of nurses at Ohio State and the University of Minnesota, culminating in her role as Director of Nursing Practice & Education for the University of Minnesota Medical Center.  She was a dedicated volunteer for numerous organizations, including serving on the board of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing as well as her daughter’s schools and her church. She delighted in cooking a gourmet meal for her family and friends, but was equally joyful in visiting a new restaurant or attending a concert or show with her beloved husband. Her favorite role was that of mother and she cherished every minute she spent with her only daughter, from childhood memories to their deep friendship in adulthood. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, David, Donald E. and Wayne E. Shanks.  She is survived by loving husband of 42 years, John F. Vickers; daughter, Elisabeth A. (Christopher) Beal; brothers, Gerald R. (Sharon Lynn) and John Shanks; nieces and nephews, Timothy Shanks, Daniel (Michelle) Shanks, Nicole Shanks, Christopher Shanks, Zachary (Amanda) Shanks, Jason (Melissa) Shanks, and Jennifer (Christopher) Groves; great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends, especially her dear friend Debra Faust.  Friends may call Tuesday, September 14 from 4-7 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 East Broad Street where a Prayer Service will begin at 7 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 East Broad Street.  Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Cancer Center or Mount Carmel College of Nursing.  

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