Grafton – Dr. Marilyn A. Chard, 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015.
She is survived by her beloved sister, Patricia (Dr. James) O’Neil; her devoted niece, Eileen Harper; and several dear nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as many dear friends. Her beloved dogs, Bridget and Sadie, passed before her.
Marilyn was born Dec. 19, 1930 in Milford, daughter of the late Eileen (Cahill) and Richard E. Chard. Following her graduation from St. Peter’s High School in Worcester, she went on to the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. She then earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Boston College School of Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate in Education from Boston University and certification as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the University of Kansas.
Dr. Chard was a trailblazer. She was one of the first nurse practitioners and she worked to establish the field and to advance the role. Her nursing career spanned decades and included clinical positions at Worcester City Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital and St. Vincent School of Nursing. She was also a nurse educator holding faculty positions at Boston University and at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
During her time at the University of Kansas, she was the Head of the Nurse Practitioner program in addition to being an Associate Professor before being appointed the Chairperson of the Department of Pediatric Nursing. She was one of a handful of nurse faculty members to hold a joint appointment with the Department of Pediatrics and School of Medicine. She was a major contributor to The Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Textbook and The Handbook of Pediatric Nursing and many nursing and educational journals. Marilyn accepted several awards with humility during her illustrious career. She was a Professor Emeritus from the University of Kansas. Marilyn believed her greatest achievements were her students’ successes. Away from work Marilyn was a woman of faith who taught Catechism, was a member of the St. Mary’s Women’s Club and was a Eucharistic Minister who assisted with the church’s RCIA Program.
Dr. Chard’s legacy was one of dedication to the care and well-being of children and an elevated professionalism in teaching others to do the same.
In lieu of flowers her family requests donations to Notre Dame At Home Hospice, 555 Plantation St., Unity Place, Worcester, MA 01605.
A celebration of her funeral Mass was held Oct. 26 at St. Mary’s Church of North Grafton, and she was laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton.
Visit her online guestbook at www.roneyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Dr.-Marilyn-A.-Chard/Grafton-MA/1554391#sthash.ohLmv9N9.dpuf to share a memory of Marilyn or message of sympathy with her family.
