I was very saddened to learn of Dr. Etten's passing. I met her at SPC in the mid-80's when we worked together. She gave talks to the veterinary technology students about pet loss and grief. She asked me to join the hospice board, and that had a major impact on me.  I became one of several people introducing hospice concepts to the veterinary community.  Dr. Etten was a true servant leader, influencing everyone around her to help people who were suffering losses of loved ones.  The world could use a lot more Mary Jean Ettens.  It was my privilege and good fortune to know her, and her immense legacy lives on.

The Best times were at the cabin on Lake Eau Claire Wisconsin with family & friends.  Love, Jim & Linda

Dr. Etten was such a steady guiding hand when I attended St. Petersburg Nursing School from 1974-1976. Her calm, compassionate approach to helping me and others understand the importance of helping patients die with grace and dignity left a lasting impact on me for my entire nursing career. 
God bless her and welcome her into His presence.

Deborah Remick Hoffman

My condolences to Dr Etten's family.  Dr Etten was my professor many years ago.  May her memory be a blessing the the many  who knew her.

Last May of 2025, my mom, Alecia Acker, my sister, Kierstyn Acker, and I, Quinnlan Acker, traveled from Wisconsin to spend time with our Aunt Mary Jean Etten. As her foster brother’s grandchildren, she never once treated us as anything less than her own, and the love she gave us reflected that completely.

That trip is something I will hold onto for the rest of my life. We filled our days with simple but unforgettable moments. It didn’t matter what we were doing; what made it special was that we were with her. Those memories are now some of my most cherished.

What stands out most about Mary is not just what she accomplished, but who she was. She lived an incredible life, and touched countless lives through her work. Yet she never boasted about any of it. For so long, I didn’t fully realize the depth of her impact because she carried her accomplishments with such humility. To her, what mattered most wasn’t recognition, it was people.

Mary always made us feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. Every conversation with her was filled with genuine curiosity and care. She wanted to know what we were passionate about, what we were working toward, and if we were truly doing what we loved. She constantly reminded us of our strength as young women, encouraging us to believe in ourselves even when we didn’t fully see it yet. That is a gift I will carry with me forever.

Even from Wisconsin, Mary made sure we never forgot how much she loved us. Her warmth reached across any distance. Getting the chance to spend time with her as adults, to share our lives with her and learn more about hers, is something I will always be grateful for.

Mary was a bright, beautiful soul whose light will not fade. I am so proud to have known her, to have been loved by her, and to carry a piece of her with me. We will miss her more than words can fully express, but I find comfort in knowing she is at peace, still watching us, guiding us, and reminding us in her own way, just how strong we truly are.

OBITUARY

Dr. Mary Jean Etten

8 December, 1932 – 17 April, 2026

Merritt Funeral Home

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