Ann M. Kennedy, psychiatric nurse

Ann M. Kennedy, a retired psychiatric nurse who had worked at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and who also taught psychiatric nursing, died March 27 from a stroke at Stella Maris Hospice. The Perry Hall resident was 80. Ann Marr Houlihan was born in Arlington, Va., the daughter of Dennis Houlihan, an accountant, and Noreen Houlihan, an attorney.

She was a 1958 graduate of St. Joseph College and Mother Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Mrs. Kennedy began working as a psychiatric nurse at what is now the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson. She was also a nurse liaison throughout the hospital.

In 1997, she established the palliative care unit at the hospital and, in addition to her work there, served as a counselor for the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Pastoral Care Office.

Mrs. Kennedy also taught psychiatric nursing at Stevenson University, the University of Maryland and the Johns Hopkins University.

She retired from the hospital in 2008, then retired from teaching four years later.

In 2017, she was inducted into St. Joseph’s Profiles of Compassion Society.

Her daughter, Colleen DelPo of Odenton, said Mrs. Kennedy often gave this advice: “I would tell someone starting out in nursing today that you will always be learning. There will never come a point when you will know it all, so always be open to change. But never forget that your single most important job is to care, and care deeply.”

The longtime Towson resident moved to Perry Hall a decade ago. She was a big fan of college basketball — especially Duke University basketball, her daughter said.

“She liked collecting pineapples, which are the symbol of welcome and hospitality,” Ms. DelPo said.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Mrs. Kennedy had a “deep love of Ireland,” her daughter said. She had visited the country some years ago.

Her husband of 35 years, Dr. James M. Kennedy, an educator, died in 1997.

She was a communicant of St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baynesville, where a celebration of life Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday.

In addition to Ms. DelPo, she is survived by two sons, James Michael Kennedy of Towson and Kevin Patrick Kennedy of Lutherville; and five grandchildren.