Mary K. Alexander

“When the bus of opportunity comes, you get on it.” This was one of the many guiding philosophies by which Dr. Mary K. Alexander, EdD, MS, RN, CNP lived her life. Born on May 19, 1943 in Rutland, Vermont, to Caddy Nostrum Alexander and Percy Alexander, Mary K. lived a life grounded in purpose, service, and compassion.

She passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2026. In her final days, Mary K.’s enduring commitment to helping others remained evident. When asked how she would like to be remembered, she said, for helping other women move forward in their career and personal development. Her lifelong dedication to service began with her early formation as both a nun and a nurse with the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph (RHSJ) where she cultivated a deep sense of compassion for those in need- a value that continued to shape her life’s work.

Mary K. was predeceased by her beloved partner of 45 years, Dr. Lillian Goodman. In addition to one sister-in-law, Patricia Goodman of Nashua, NH, she will be mourned by her numerous adopted nieces and nephews, along with her former colleagues and students.

From the rural and green scenery of Vermont, Mary K. embarked on a forever journey of intellectual inquiry in Massachusetts. From UMass-Amherst, Mary K. received her master’s degree in community health nursing and doctorate from the School of Education in Higher Education. She continued to care for others as an adult gerontological nurse practitioner.

As pioneers in nursing, Drs. Alexander and Goodman founded the Department of Nursing at Worcester State University (WSU) and established the PhD program at UMass-Amherst and Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) at University of Massachusetts Medical School. At WSU, she served as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs from 1990 to 1991. From 1991 to 2002, she served as associate dean at the GSN. Beyond the field of nursing, Mary K. was a consultant and evaluator for educational curriculum and nursing programs beyond Massachusetts to within the United States and overseas in Taiwan.

Mary K. will be remembered for her innate ability to connect people, teach, and be a role model for students who continued in advancing their education and professional development. She was a mentor for many nurses. Mary K. was tireless in pursuing her different causes and interests. Her boundless energy, commitment to education, helping people, and devotion to family and friends, will be sorely missed. Her death will be mourned by her many friends, family members, former students, and colleagues who benefited from all her help and kindness over the years. Her legacy lives on in the lives that she touched.

Services for Mary K. will be private. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester is honored to assist with arrangements. Donations in Mary K’s name may be made to one of the following: The Lillian R. Goodman/Mary K. Alexander Fund for Nursing Education and Research, Drs. Goodman and Alexander Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund at Worcester State University, or the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman/Dr. Mary K. Alexander Fellowship Fund-- UMASS Amherst College of Nursing.