"I am so sad to hear of Mary's passing. I was a patient of hers at UIHC in 2001, and she had a huge impact on life and my recovery from an eating disorder. We stayed in touch for more than ten years. I will never forget her kindness and her intuitive way of knowing what I needed so long ago, as well as in the following years. My love to her family and friends. Joslyn"
In loving memory of
Mary Bouillion
February 24, 1952 - November 27, 2014
Mary Margaret Smith was born to Margaret White Smith and Robert Smith on February 24, 1952 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her siblings include Robert Smith, Steve Smith, Cathy Godwin, Sarah Bates and Susan Mathison. She was married in Mount Pleasant, Iowa in 1969 to Ralph Bouillion and has two daughters, Lisa Bouillion Diaz and Anjeanette Bouillion. Anjie, Lisa and her husband, Ricardo, and two children, Lana and Benjamin, currently live in Urbana, IL.
Mary was a devoted mother to her daughters and served as an inspiring role model. After divorcing in 1976, she raised her children on her own, worked full time, and pursued her education. She got her associates degree at Des Moines Community College, bachelors at Simpson College, and then masters of social work from University of Iowa in 1985.
She loved and cared for others with every breath in her work and in her life. So many people were touched by her acts of gentleness and caring. She had the rare gift of a perceptive soul that was always tuned to the feelings of others. She was also capable of blazing strength and righteous anger in the face of injustice. In almost 40 years as a social worker she saved countless lives at an Iowa prison, South Central Juvenile Home in Indianola (IA), Grinnell Iowa Public Schools, and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she helped develop the eating disorder clinic. After 21 years, she retired from UIHC as a psychiatric social worker in 2012.
Throughout a life rift with trial, she believed in angels, a loving God, and the magic of life when light is shared with others. She found joy in music, gardening, animals, nature, and playing with children. Her spirit was one of a child delighting in the wonders of Gods creation and clinging to all that was pure in love, acceptance, joy, and beauty.
She was tragically lost on November 27, 2014 when her car was hit by a train. A special thanks to the rescue and medical staff in Dyersville, Dubuque and Iowa City for fighting so hard to save her, and for giving the gift of a last goodbye with her family before she was taken up into her Heavenly Father and Mothers arms. Her legacy of love and laughter will be carried on by all those who knew her. We will celebrate and remember her by living and loving as fiercely as she did.
Condolences and memorials to Mary can be sent to Journey Church, PO Box 5696, Coralville, IA 52241.
Tributes
"I am shocked and heartbroken to hear of Mary's accident. She was a rare and special person --kind, loving, gentle, compassionate, etc. When I lived in Coralville, many years ago, we would walk my dog around the neighborhood. On these walks, I discovered that Mary loved nature and especially the moon. When the moon was full, we'd admire it and even take pictures of it! We also played bells in the bell choir at church. She was really talented! Sometimes she rang FOUR bells. It was all I could do to play two but Mary encouraged me so I kept at it. I've been blessed to be able to call her a friend. My deepest sympathy to the family. ~~Sharon~~"
"I learned a great deal from Mary and appreciated her wisdom and frankness. Prayers."
"I had the honor of working with Mary on the psych social work team at UIHC. I was in awe of her ability to navigate the healing process for some many young patients. Her ability to bring families together with compassion and truth were inspiring. She was a gifted clinician and I cannot begin to imagine the loss for the family. My prayers stand with you and yours. Kim Malcolm"
"I knew Mary when she lived in Kellogg and the girls were young. Her patience was infinite and she had one of the most beautiful smiles I ever saw."
"I had the privilege of being Mary's undergrad and graduate school practicum student at the University of Iowa Eating Disorders program. We have kept in touch off and on throughout the years. Mary changed lives. She had a tremendous gift. She could be very silly, deeply kind, unaware of politics and agendas which made her beautifully disarming. I learned from her everyday and she made me laugh out loud at the best and worst moments. She was a great person, great therapist and she always spoke often and so lovingly of her children and grandchildren. I offer my deepest condolences to her family."
"I too met and worked with Mary at University Hospital. We continued our friendship over the years. The past 2 summers my granddaughter helped her by doing odd jobs around the house when she had her arm in a sling because of her shoulder. Even after her shoulder healed she continued to spend several days a week with Mary. I cannot believe this has happened. My granddaughter and I will miss her so. She can now be at peace. Linda Curran"
"I had the pleasure of working/learning from Mary during her time at University Hospitals. She was always attentive to the individuals she served and always pleasant to have around. I am saddened to hear of her passing"
"Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Mary Bouillion."
"I was saddened to learn of Mary's tragic accident. She had such a kind soul. I had the pleasure of working with her during her social work career at UIHC. A bright and caring light has left this world for the next one. Sympathies to her family. Jean Teale, UIHC social worker."
"This was such a horribly tragic accident to such a sweet and warm lovely lady. Please know those of us who worked with Mary are saddened and the world is a little less bright without her kind sweet smile. Sue Witte, UIHC Social Worker"
"david keeley is following this tribute."
"We are so very saddened. Darren had been closely working with Mary on a personal matter and they frequently talked by phone and skype. I met her through the friendship they had made. I was always delighted in her smile and humor, her positive outlook in the face of hardship. We plan to attend the gathering Sunday in Coralville. I know Darren would appreciate anyone calling him. 319.337.3005 David Keeley Darren Peterson"