About Our Founder
the same opportunity to fulfill and
shape her own destiny."
— Michelle Obama
Mary Ruth Weisel, M.D., was a long-time resident of Minnesota, where she enjoyed a rewarding career as an anesthesiologist.
Mary was born on October 7, 1935. After graduating from Fairbury High School in Fairbury, Nebraska, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha, where served as a Professor of Anesthesia from 1963 to 1967.
Mary moved to the Twin Cities to work for the Northwest Anesthesia, P.A., which was a large group of physicians serving Abbott Northwestern Hospital and other downtown Minneapolis hospitals. She retired from active practice in 1987.
Mary enjoyed the outdoors, especially the majestic beauty of Lake Superior. She had a passion and appreciation for animals, both domesticated and wild, and supported initiatives to enhance our relationship with wildlife and domesticated companions. Mary also supported improving access to health care with efforts to expand care for underserved populations. Mary was a passionate human rights supporter and remained active in local and national programs promoting inclusiveness and dignity for all persons.
Mary passed away in 2025. Her legacy lives on with gifts to organizations and causes Mary cherished.
