Mary was born to Letitia (Roffe) and William Welch on November 15, 1955 in Rochester, NY. As a preemie, Mary’s fighting spirit and determination were evident from the start and they served her well for the remainder of her life.

After graduating from Mercy High School in 1973, Mary attended Niagara University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1977. In 2011, she returned to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Walden University. In 2022, Mary was awarded an honorary Doctorate from Hobart and William Smith Colleges for her outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mary’s first job was at St. Mary’s Hospital where she was surgical nurse. From there her degree provided leadership opportunities at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rochester, Highland Hospital, Rochester General Hospital, Elder Source, Visiting Nurse Services of Rochester, and ultimately as Public Health Director for Ontario County; a job from which she retired in 2023 after fifteen years of service. Mary volunteered at Advent House in Fairport and Serenity House in Victor. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Victor Farmington Ambulance and the Pivital Public Health Partnership. In 2022, Mary was nominated for the Ontario County Athena Leadership Award.

Mary will be fondly remembered by colleagues as a courageous leader, an excellent mentor, a loyal friend and as she would sometimes say, “a good nurse.”

Mary is survived by her loving husband, James Beer and her toy-Aussie, Beamer; Additionally, a sister, Judith Welch of Rochester, NY, a brother William (Barbara) Welch Jr. of Salem, Ohio; nieces, nephews, and a God-daughter, Lisa Jennings.

Per Mary’s request, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Life Span.