WILMINGTON — Mary Catherine Northrop, 83, passed away Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, at Cape Fear Hospice, Wilmington.
She was the daughter of the late Mary Catherine Parker Northrop and William Scarlett Northrop of Wilmington.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, William Steadman Northrop, James Harris Northrop and Sue Northrop Avery.
She is survived by her beloved niece/daughter and best friend, Kelli Avery Dove (Charles Brian Dove); and loving sister, Lillie Northrop Robinson. Mary also had many nieces and nephews.
She was born April 10, 1935, at James Walker Memorial Hospital, Wilmington. An exemplary student, Mary was co-valedictorian of New Hanover High School in 1953. She completed her undergraduate degree in nursing at the Medical College of Virginia in 1958 and received her Master’s Degree in Maternal Child Nursing at East Carolina University in 1988.
She dedicated a large part of her life to a career in nursing as the head nurse of Babies Hospital at Wrightsville Beach until their closing in 1978, and then as a nurse educator and nurse manager at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Many will remember her kind gentle spirit and fierce attention to detail.
Her passion for reading and education was evident early in her life, as she would often sneak out on her chores and be found reading a book. As an adult, she read thousands of books and made the New Hanover County Public Library a big part of her life. Along with being an avid reader, she had many hobbies that included a love for animals, gardening, bird watching, and spending time with family.
There will be a visitation for family and friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Andrews Mortuary, Market Street. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 6, at Andrews Market Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Hanover County Public Library or Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
