Providence Journal file photo / Frieda Squires
Mary Donnelly, visiting nurse on Block Island, attends to Violette Connolly, 86, at her home in this 2006 file photo.
BLOCK ISLAND, R.I. -- A milestone worth noting: After more than 54 years nursing her fellow Block Islanders back to health, Mary Donnelly has retired.
Donnelly was the island's state nurse and administrator of the Mary D Fund, a charity she created to provide year-round residents with needed financial help during the winter months.
She retired on March 13, at the age of 86, with a $58,294-a-year pension, according to a state Retirement Board report.
"She is truly a pioneer in population health," said the state's former Human Services Director, Jane Hayward, who is now the president and CEO of the R.I. Health Center Association, after a recent celebration of Donnelly's career.
"She recognized the impact of social determinants on health status before anyone was writing about them in the literature. To combat their impact, she created the Mary D. Fund which last year distributed over $50,000 to islanders in need -- for mortgages, medication, health costs, fuel, etc.
"She is really something and even at this point, she runs the fund herself, keeps its books, writes the checks and preserves the confidentiality of those who come for help. She also managed to raise seven kids. ... she is quite a lady!!!"