In Memoriam: Kathleen King

31 March 2016

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mary Kathleen King. A graduate of the nursing program (Class of 5T1), King passed peacefully at Toronto Western Hospital at the age of 91. King was a respected instructor at Bloomberg Nursing for many years. She was a key figure in the development and launch of the Master of Nursing program in 1970, and was promoted to the position of dean in 1972 – a position she would hold until 1979.

King was committed to education. Before earning her nursing degree, she completed a bachelor of arts in 1947 at U of T, and subsequently earned a master of science at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

She bore witness to incredible growth while at U of T. When she started her nursing degree, she attended classes in the original building at 7 Queen’s Park’s Crescent, and founding director Kathleen Russell was still head of the school. By the end of her term as dean, she had seen the 14 year effort to develop the master’s program come to fruition, a shift to the new building on St. George Street, and seeing the school receive designation as a full Faculty at the University of Toronto.

Known for her graciousness and humour, King will be remembered for her kindness towards others and her love of travel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christie Gardens (Hillcrest) or a charity of your choice.