Mary Lynn Hepburn-O'Shea died on December 29th, 2022, at age 89, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mary Lynn Hepburn-O'Shea was born on November 25th, 1933, to parents Orlie Graves and Martha Townsend in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Hailing from generations of caretakers, Mary described social work as embedded in her genetic makeup. Her first memories of caretaking started with her great-grandparents, who ran the county "poor farm" in Phillips County Kansas. Mary rarely complained about the farm work she despised, focusing instead on the ease and joy she found in connecting with people from all walks of life who passed through. She found inspiration working alongside her "Aunt Doc" (Dr. Mary Townsend Glassen), who battled her way through KU medical school at a time when women were reluctantly tolerated in the field. Throughout her youth, Mary accompanied Aunt Doc across rural Kansas as she provided medical care to individuals who would have otherwise gone without lifesaving care.
A high school field trip to a psychiatric institution in Topeka, KS, moved Mary Lynn to quiet tears and internal anguish. She described the treatment of patients there, who had been deemed unfit for society, as dehumanizing. Having lived through the Great Depression and WWII, alongside compassionate caretakers, she held a deep conviction that every human being deserved to be treated with dignity and compassion. This visit sowed the seeds for what would become her life's work: developing alternatives to institutionalization for those with serious mental illness.
In 1957, Mary received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Kansas State University, where she was designated the outstanding senior woman in sociology; she then went on to complete her Master's of Social Work at the University of Kansas in 1960. After completing her education, Mary moved with her family to Lincoln, NE, where she hit the ground running.
In the early 1960s, Mary worked at the Lincoln Regional Center and quickly became a pioneer in the deinstitutionalization movement. As the Director of the Southeast Psychiatric Clinic from 1964 to 1971, she developed mental health clinics to serve previously-neglected rural areas. She approached the task with characteristic gusto, flying in personal planes piloted by Dr. Robert Osborne in order to serve rural Nebraska communities.
During this same time, Mary recognized an alarming cycle for those with chronic mental illness, noting that many had experienced decades of institutionalization. This was long before the recovery movement gave traction to the now obvious idea that people with mental illness deserve to participate fully in society. So, with no existing alternatives, Mary created her own. In 1963, she borrowed money from her mother to purchase a larger home, and opened up the extra rooms to those caught in the endless cycle of institutionalization, offering them 24/7 support and rehabilitation in a family environment.
This eventually expanded into her founding Organizational Unit Responsibility (OUR) Homes, where she lived on-site for much of her adult life. OUR Homes continues to provide a supportive home environment and sense of community to people who choose to live in a congregate setting, through the efforts of Mary's sons, daughters-in-law, and several grandchildren. Many of Mary's mentees have taken inspiration from OUR Homes to open group homes throughout Nebraska.
In her book, Caught in the Middle, Mary described her work ethic as "eight hours for sleep and 16 hours for work." She also described the constant tug-of-war she felt in her home life as well as in failing social systems and government policies. Her steadfast dedication to a life of service to others came at a cost to her children, who were required to sacrifice a normal childhood in service to Mary's ideals.
Mary was an iconic figure amongst her grandchildren for her collection of over 1,500 dolls from around the world (exhibited in an historic house and museum), her love of extravagant family vacations and over-the-top Christmas celebrations, and her unabashed preference for Popeye's Chicken and Village Inn over home cooking.
Mary's ceaseless efforts to advocate for and build a more robust and effective community-based mental health system in Nebraska were recognized with the Hero Award from the American Red Cross in 2009. The Nebraska Association of Social Workers, of which she was a lifetime member and served as President, awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. She authored three autobiographical books: Come Live with Me (1974); Caught in the Middle (1985); and Loss, Love and Sex in Assisted Living (2008).
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents George and Lydia Townsend (who adopted Mary at the age of 18 months), sons Michael and Eric, and grandson Ryan. Preceded in death also by ex-husbands Harry Hopson and Robert Hepburn, dashing male friends, and her beloved and devoted husband Jack O'Shea.
Mary is survived by sons Tim (Sondra) Hepburn, Rob (Shelley) Hepburn, and Tom Hepburn, her daughter Mary Shawn, siblings Tanya Finn and Kim McCoy, grandchildren Jacob, Kayla, Rebecca, Joelle, Tara, Sheehan, Katie, Travis, Melissa, Allison, Mary, Erika, Trent, Angie, and Robbie, 24 great-grandchildren, and countless others whom she considered family.
Private family funeral service to be held on January 13. Mary's grandchildren will host a celebration of life on Sunday. January 15, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel Reception Facility, 4300 'O' Street. Parking is available in the West Lot of the Funeral Home. Condolences online at roperandsons.com. Memorials may be given in Mary's name to the People's City Mission.
Condolences online at roperandsons.com
Private family services to be held.
https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/mary-lynn-hepburn-oshea/
Mary Lynn Hepburn-O'Shea was born on November 25th, 1933, to parents Orlie Graves and Martha Townsend in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Hailing from generations of caretakers, Mary described social work as embedded in her genetic makeup. Her first memories of caretaking started with her great-grandparents, who ran the county "poor farm" in Phillips County Kansas. Mary rarely complained about the farm work she despised, focusing instead on the ease and joy she found in connecting with people from all walks of life who passed through. She found inspiration working alongside her "Aunt Doc" (Dr. Mary Townsend Glassen), who battled her way through KU medical school at a time when women were reluctantly tolerated in the field. Throughout her youth, Mary accompanied Aunt Doc across rural Kansas as she provided medical care to individuals who would have otherwise gone without lifesaving care.
A high school field trip to a psychiatric institution in Topeka, KS, moved Mary Lynn to quiet tears and internal anguish. She described the treatment of patients there, who had been deemed unfit for society, as dehumanizing. Having lived through the Great Depression and WWII, alongside compassionate caretakers, she held a deep conviction that every human being deserved to be treated with dignity and compassion. This visit sowed the seeds for what would become her life's work: developing alternatives to institutionalization for those with serious mental illness.
In 1957, Mary received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Kansas State University, where she was designated the outstanding senior woman in sociology; she then went on to complete her Master's of Social Work at the University of Kansas in 1960. After completing her education, Mary moved with her family to Lincoln, NE, where she hit the ground running.
In the early 1960s, Mary worked at the Lincoln Regional Center and quickly became a pioneer in the deinstitutionalization movement. As the Director of the Southeast Psychiatric Clinic from 1964 to 1971, she developed mental health clinics to serve previously-neglected rural areas. She approached the task with characteristic gusto, flying in personal planes piloted by Dr. Robert Osborne in order to serve rural Nebraska communities.
During this same time, Mary recognized an alarming cycle for those with chronic mental illness, noting that many had experienced decades of institutionalization. This was long before the recovery movement gave traction to the now obvious idea that people with mental illness deserve to participate fully in society. So, with no existing alternatives, Mary created her own. In 1963, she borrowed money from her mother to purchase a larger home, and opened up the extra rooms to those caught in the endless cycle of institutionalization, offering them 24/7 support and rehabilitation in a family environment.
This eventually expanded into her founding Organizational Unit Responsibility (OUR) Homes, where she lived on-site for much of her adult life. OUR Homes continues to provide a supportive home environment and sense of community to people who choose to live in a congregate setting, through the efforts of Mary's sons, daughters-in-law, and several grandchildren. Many of Mary's mentees have taken inspiration from OUR Homes to open group homes throughout Nebraska.
In her book, Caught in the Middle, Mary described her work ethic as "eight hours for sleep and 16 hours for work." She also described the constant tug-of-war she felt in her home life as well as in failing social systems and government policies. Her steadfast dedication to a life of service to others came at a cost to her children, who were required to sacrifice a normal childhood in service to Mary's ideals.
Mary was an iconic figure amongst her grandchildren for her collection of over 1,500 dolls from around the world (exhibited in an historic house and museum), her love of extravagant family vacations and over-the-top Christmas celebrations, and her unabashed preference for Popeye's Chicken and Village Inn over home cooking.
Mary's ceaseless efforts to advocate for and build a more robust and effective community-based mental health system in Nebraska were recognized with the Hero Award from the American Red Cross in 2009. The Nebraska Association of Social Workers, of which she was a lifetime member and served as President, awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. She authored three autobiographical books: Come Live with Me (1974); Caught in the Middle (1985); and Loss, Love and Sex in Assisted Living (2008).
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents George and Lydia Townsend (who adopted Mary at the age of 18 months), sons Michael and Eric, and grandson Ryan. Preceded in death also by ex-husbands Harry Hopson and Robert Hepburn, dashing male friends, and her beloved and devoted husband Jack O'Shea.
Mary is survived by sons Tim (Sondra) Hepburn, Rob (Shelley) Hepburn, and Tom Hepburn, her daughter Mary Shawn, siblings Tanya Finn and Kim McCoy, grandchildren Jacob, Kayla, Rebecca, Joelle, Tara, Sheehan, Katie, Travis, Melissa, Allison, Mary, Erika, Trent, Angie, and Robbie, 24 great-grandchildren, and countless others whom she considered family.
Private family funeral service to be held on January 13. Mary's grandchildren will host a celebration of life on Sunday. January 15, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel Reception Facility, 4300 'O' Street. Parking is available in the West Lot of the Funeral Home. Condolences online at roperandsons.com. Memorials may be given in Mary's name to the People's City Mission.
Condolences online at roperandsons.com
Private family services to be held.
https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/mary-lynn-hepburn-oshea/
Mary Lynn Hepburn-O'Shea died on December 29th, 2022, at age 89, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mary Lynn Hepburn-O'Shea was born on November 25th, 1933, to parents Orlie Graves and Martha Townsend in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Hailing from generations of caretakers, Mary described social work as embedded in her genetic makeup. Her first memories of caretaking started with her great-grandparents, who ran the county "poor farm" in Phillips County Kansas. Mary rarely complained about the farm work she despised, focusing instead on the ease and joy she found in connecting with people from all walks of life who passed through. She found inspiration working alongside her "Aunt Doc" (Dr. Mary Townsend Glassen), who battled her way through KU medical school at a time when women were reluctantly tolerated in the field. Throughout her youth, Mary accompanied Aunt Doc across rural Kansas as she provided medical care to individuals who would have otherwise gone without lifesaving care.
A high school field trip to a psychiatric institution in Topeka, KS, moved Mary Lynn to quiet tears and internal anguish. She described the treatment of patients there, who had been deemed unfit for society, as dehumanizing. Having lived through the Great Depression and WWII, alongside compassionate caretakers, she held a deep conviction that every human being deserved to be treated with dignity and compassion. This visit sowed the seeds for what would become her life's work: developing alternatives to institutionalization for those with serious mental illness.
In 1957, Mary received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Kansas State University, where she was designated the outstanding senior woman in sociology; she then went on to complete her Master's of Social Work at the University of Kansas in 1960. After completing her education, Mary moved with her family to Lincoln, NE, where she hit the ground running.
In the early 1960s, Mary worked at the Lincoln Regional Center and quickly became a pioneer in the deinstitutionalization movement. As the Director of the Southeast Psychiatric Clinic from 1964 to 1971, she developed mental health clinics to serve previously-neglected rural areas. She approached the task with characteristic gusto, flying in personal planes piloted by Dr. Robert Osborne in order to serve rural Nebraska communities.
During this same time, Mary recognized an alarming cycle for those with chronic mental illness, noting that many had experienced decades of institutionalization. This was long before the recovery movement gave traction to the now obvious idea that people with mental illness deserve to participate fully in society. So, with no existing alternatives, Mary created her own. In 1963, she borrowed money from her mother to purchase a larger home, and opened up the extra rooms to those caught in the endless cycle of institutionalization, offering them 24/7 support and rehabilitation in a family environment.
This eventually expanded into her founding Organizational Unit Responsibility (OUR) Homes, where she lived on-site for much of her adult life. OUR Homes continues to provide a supportive home environment and sense of community to people who choose to live in a congregate setting, through the efforts of Mary's sons, daughters-in-law, and several grandchildren. Many of Mary's mentees have taken inspiration from OUR Homes to open group homes throughout Nebraska.
In her book, Caught in the Middle, Mary described her work ethic as "eight hours for sleep and 16 hours for work." She also described the constant tug-of-war she felt in her home life as well as in failing social systems and government policies. Her steadfast dedication to a life of service to others came at a cost to her children, who were required to sacrifice a normal childhood in service to Mary's ideals.
Mary was an iconic figure amongst her grandchildren for her collection of over 1,500 dolls from around the world (exhibited in an historic house and museum), her love of extravagant family vacations and over-the-top Christmas celebrations, and her unabashed preference for Popeye's Chicken and Village Inn over home cooking.
Mary's ceaseless efforts to advocate for and build a more robust and effective community-based mental health system in Nebraska were recognized with the Hero Award from the American Red Cross in 2009. The Nebraska Association of Social Workers, of which she was a lifetime member and served as President, awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. She authored three autobiographical books: Come Live with Me (1974); Caught in the Middle (1985); and Loss, Love and Sex in Assisted Living (2008).
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents George and Lydia Townsend (who adopted Mary at the age of 18 months), sons Michael and Eric, and grandson Ryan. Preceded in death also by ex-husbands Harry Hopson and Robert Hepburn, dashing male friends, and her beloved and devoted husband Jack O'Shea.
Mary is survived by sons Tim (Sondra) Hepburn, Rob (Shelley) Hepburn, and Tom Hepburn, her daughter Mary Shawn, siblings Tanya Finn and Kim McCoy, grandchildren Jacob, Kayla, Rebecca, Joelle, Tara, Sheehan, Katie, Travis, Melissa, Allison, Mary, Erika, Trent, Angie, and Robbie, 24 great-grandchildren, and countless others whom she considered family.
Private family funeral service to be held on January 13. Mary's grandchildren will host a celebration of life on Sunday. January 15, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel Reception Facility, 4300 'O' Street. Parking is available in the West Lot of the Funeral Home. Condolences online at roperandsons.com. Memorials may be given in Mary's name to the People's City Mission.
Condolences online at roperandsons.com
Private family services to be held.
https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/mary-lynn-hepburn-oshea/
Mary Lynn Hepburn-O'Shea was born on November 25th, 1933, to parents Orlie Graves and Martha Townsend in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Hailing from generations of caretakers, Mary described social work as embedded in her genetic makeup. Her first memories of caretaking started with her great-grandparents, who ran the county "poor farm" in Phillips County Kansas. Mary rarely complained about the farm work she despised, focusing instead on the ease and joy she found in connecting with people from all walks of life who passed through. She found inspiration working alongside her "Aunt Doc" (Dr. Mary Townsend Glassen), who battled her way through KU medical school at a time when women were reluctantly tolerated in the field. Throughout her youth, Mary accompanied Aunt Doc across rural Kansas as she provided medical care to individuals who would have otherwise gone without lifesaving care.
A high school field trip to a psychiatric institution in Topeka, KS, moved Mary Lynn to quiet tears and internal anguish. She described the treatment of patients there, who had been deemed unfit for society, as dehumanizing. Having lived through the Great Depression and WWII, alongside compassionate caretakers, she held a deep conviction that every human being deserved to be treated with dignity and compassion. This visit sowed the seeds for what would become her life's work: developing alternatives to institutionalization for those with serious mental illness.
In 1957, Mary received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Kansas State University, where she was designated the outstanding senior woman in sociology; she then went on to complete her Master's of Social Work at the University of Kansas in 1960. After completing her education, Mary moved with her family to Lincoln, NE, where she hit the ground running.
In the early 1960s, Mary worked at the Lincoln Regional Center and quickly became a pioneer in the deinstitutionalization movement. As the Director of the Southeast Psychiatric Clinic from 1964 to 1971, she developed mental health clinics to serve previously-neglected rural areas. She approached the task with characteristic gusto, flying in personal planes piloted by Dr. Robert Osborne in order to serve rural Nebraska communities.
During this same time, Mary recognized an alarming cycle for those with chronic mental illness, noting that many had experienced decades of institutionalization. This was long before the recovery movement gave traction to the now obvious idea that people with mental illness deserve to participate fully in society. So, with no existing alternatives, Mary created her own. In 1963, she borrowed money from her mother to purchase a larger home, and opened up the extra rooms to those caught in the endless cycle of institutionalization, offering them 24/7 support and rehabilitation in a family environment.
This eventually expanded into her founding Organizational Unit Responsibility (OUR) Homes, where she lived on-site for much of her adult life. OUR Homes continues to provide a supportive home environment and sense of community to people who choose to live in a congregate setting, through the efforts of Mary's sons, daughters-in-law, and several grandchildren. Many of Mary's mentees have taken inspiration from OUR Homes to open group homes throughout Nebraska.
In her book, Caught in the Middle, Mary described her work ethic as "eight hours for sleep and 16 hours for work." She also described the constant tug-of-war she felt in her home life as well as in failing social systems and government policies. Her steadfast dedication to a life of service to others came at a cost to her children, who were required to sacrifice a normal childhood in service to Mary's ideals.
Mary was an iconic figure amongst her grandchildren for her collection of over 1,500 dolls from around the world (exhibited in an historic house and museum), her love of extravagant family vacations and over-the-top Christmas celebrations, and her unabashed preference for Popeye's Chicken and Village Inn over home cooking.
Mary's ceaseless efforts to advocate for and build a more robust and effective community-based mental health system in Nebraska were recognized with the Hero Award from the American Red Cross in 2009. The Nebraska Association of Social Workers, of which she was a lifetime member and served as President, awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. She authored three autobiographical books: Come Live with Me (1974); Caught in the Middle (1985); and Loss, Love and Sex in Assisted Living (2008).
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents George and Lydia Townsend (who adopted Mary at the age of 18 months), sons Michael and Eric, and grandson Ryan. Preceded in death also by ex-husbands Harry Hopson and Robert Hepburn, dashing male friends, and her beloved and devoted husband Jack O'Shea.
Mary is survived by sons Tim (Sondra) Hepburn, Rob (Shelley) Hepburn, and Tom Hepburn, her daughter Mary Shawn, siblings Tanya Finn and Kim McCoy, grandchildren Jacob, Kayla, Rebecca, Joelle, Tara, Sheehan, Katie, Travis, Melissa, Allison, Mary, Erika, Trent, Angie, and Robbie, 24 great-grandchildren, and countless others whom she considered family.
Private family funeral service to be held on January 13. Mary's grandchildren will host a celebration of life on Sunday. January 15, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel Reception Facility, 4300 'O' Street. Parking is available in the West Lot of the Funeral Home. Condolences online at roperandsons.com. Memorials may be given in Mary's name to the People's City Mission.
Condolences online at roperandsons.com
Private family services to be held.
https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/mary-lynn-hepburn-oshea/
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