Dr. Marijo L Russell O’Grady, Ph.D.
Dr. Marijo L Russell O’Grady, Ph.D. of Sherman, N.Y., Manhattan and Vermont, born Dec. 31, 1960, In Chautauqua County N.Y., and passed away after a (short/long) battle with a reoccurrence of breast cancer. Marijo had no regrets and lead a full and engaged life, she is remembered by all who en-countered her.
She is a graduate of the class of 1979 from Sherman Central School and obtained a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, 1983 and 1985 respectively, in art education with a concentration in art therapy from Buffalo State College. She received a Ph.D. in higher education administration in 1999 from New York University and worked in higher education at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Rivier University, New York University and Pace University. She served as the associate vice president/dean for students at Pace’s Manhattan campus since 1998.
She co-authored a book, released March 2019 entitled “Crisis, Compassion and Resiliency: Using Triage Practices to Foster Well-Being”. She has been a member of NASPA since 1985, her professional organization, and has served on the NASPA Regional Board in various roles since 2011. She has served on the NYC DOHMH World Trade Center Health Registry Board since 2002 as former chair of its Community Advisory Board and until death, served on the WTCHR Scientific Review Board.
She was a long-time member of the Downtown Little League Board of Directors with a great love of volunteering with the Challenger League for Special Needs youth.
In 2001, she was award-ed the Irish Voice, Irish Educator Award and by Pace University in 2016, the Bronze Jefferson Award, the Nobel Prize for Community & Public Service.
She leaves behind her husband of 29 years, Mark D. O’Grady, and the love of her life, her son, James Russell O’Grady. She is survived by her father Gerald W. Russell (92); sisters: Kathleen Russell Babin, and her husband, Bob, Jeanne Dorn and husband, Jeff, Lynne Hayes and husband, Rob; and in-laws:, Dr. Alan O’Grady and wife, Sally Jean, Judy O’Grady Ciencewicki and husband, Michael, Diane Ogasian and husband, John; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind many friends and colleagues and countless great memories.
The family will have a private service, a celebration of Marijo’s life will be held at a later date at Pace University.
Memorial gifts may be made to the VNA & Hospice of Southwestern Vermont in care of the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.