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08.02.04
The Massachusetts Nurses Association and the nursing
profession have lost a true champion and powerful advocate with
the death last week of Kate Maker, RN, long time leader at the MNA,
a powerful union activist and a passionate fighter for social justice.
Below is Kate’s obituary from Sunday’s Worcester Telegram
& Gazette, along with a tribute from her longtime friend and
colleague, Kathy Logan. The date and time for a Memorial Service
on August 5th are also included.
Sunday, August 1, 2004
Kathleen C. Maker, 50
 WEBSTER-
Kathleen C. Maker, age 50, of 120 Sutton Road, died Wednesday, July
28, 2004. She leaves her husband of 20 years, John F. Healey of
Webster. She also leaves: 3 daughters, Sarah and Rebecca Maker,
and Kelsey Healey-Maker, all in Webster; 2 sisters, Charlene Maker
of Little Compton, RI and Janis Gay-Maker of Norfolk, VA; 2 grandchildren,
Emily and Owen. She also leaves her mother, Esther Maker, of Charlton.
She was born in Boston, daughter of Esther Porter Maker and the
late John Maker.
In 1984, she received her Bachelors in Nursing from
Fitchburg State College, and was employed as an RN at UMass Memorial
Health Care’s University Campus, in Worcester.
Ms. Maker had a keen sense of social justice. From
her high school years to the present, she participated in peace
marches, rallies for reproductive freedom and union struggles. She
supported and worked for progressive politicians and candidates,
at every level.
Though she advocated for various social reforms
and legislation, such as Universal Health Care, her primary focus
as an activist was with the Massachusetts Nurses’ Association
(MNA). She both organized and marched in informational pickets and
strikes for nurses at several of the Worcester hospitals. She was
particularly effective at explaining the connections between such
issues as: safe staffing levels of nurses, and patient safety.
She was on the MNA’s Board of Directors, and
served two terms as Chair of her Bargaining Unit at UMass. Memorial
Health Care’s University Campus. For her efforts, in 1999,
the MNA awarded her The Elaine Cooney Labor Relations Award.
A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday,
August 5, 1:00 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden
St., Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
to: The MNA Scholarship Fund, 340 Turnpike Street, Canton,
MA, 02021.
The Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School St., Webster,
MA is directing arrangements.
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ARRANGEMENTS
Date of Funeral: 08/05/04
Funeral Home: Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home
48 School St., Webster, MA
Location: Unitarian
Universalist Church, 90 Holden St., Worcester, MA (click for a map)
Time: 1 p.m.
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Dear friends and colleagues:
Last evening, Kate Maker, passed away.
Kate, a friend, a mentor, a wife, mother, grandmother,
a nurse, has left a mark on the nursing profession and on the labor
movement that can not be replaced.
Kate has worked diligently for the quality of life
for all; in the working force, socially, and for the patients that
she delivered care to.
It was the leadership of Kate Maker that allowed
the nurses at the university campus to be afforded the same rights
and benefits that they received as state workers when the hospital
merged with Memorial.
Kate helped negotiate the past several MNA contracts
that gave the nurses at UMass improved working conditions, successor
language, HIV insurance, and improved benefits.
As a strong advocate for safe patient care, Kate
was tireless in her efforts to improve the standards of patient
ratio's.
Not only was Kate a visible force at the university,
Kate worked on the state level, as a member of the MNA board of
directors.
Kate had a strong admiration for Elizabeth Stanton,
who worked fearlessly for the rights of women and children. Like
Ms. Stanton, Kate was fearless in her advocacy for human rights
and the right for all patients to be provided quality care.
Kate had large shoes to fill and she will be sorely
missed.
Kate Maker left this world too soon, she had "miles
to go before she slept" Peace to Kate and her family.
Kathy Logan
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