In Memory: Dr. Mary Turner (PU DVM ’94)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened by the passing of alumna Mary Turner of Perryville, Ky., who died January 10.  She was 62.

Raised and educated in Bethesda, Md., Dr. Turner received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland before enrolling at Purdue University where she earned her DVM degree in 1994. Dr. Turner is remembered as a fun loving veterinarian. She settled in Kentucky where she operated her veterinary practice and worked tirelessly for the benefit of large animals. She also is described as someone who took great pleasure in being with family and friends, and enjoyed ice skating and curling up with a good movie in her leisure time.

A memorial mass was held January 22 at St. Jane Frances DeChantal Catholic Church in Bethesda, Md. Following COVID safety measures, a limited number of loved ones were able to participate in person with the service live-streamed for others to view. Click here to view a recording of the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dr. Turner’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Click here to read the complete obituary.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

We’d like to give a big “paws up” to Dr. Rachel Illgen, who is a small animal rotating intern in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

Purdue Veterinary Student Named as National Theriogenology Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Devon Anderson, of the Purdue DVM Class of 2025, who recently was notified that he has been selected as one of just four recipients of the prestigious Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship. The award, given by the Society for Theriogenology, recognizes exceptional veterinary students from across North America who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of theriogenology — the study of animal reproduction.

Sunny Skies and Creative Exhibits Draw Hundreds to Annual PVM Open House

Sunrise on Saturday, April 12, brought the promise of a lovely spring day and large crowds for a beloved spring tradition at Lynn Hall on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus – the annual Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House. Organized by PVM students, the day-long event is held each year as part of Purdue University’s Spring Fest celebration.

Cat Care, Comfort, and Extra Time

Today we begin a Vet Gazette series about animals and their owners who've found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Periodically we will share heartwarming tributes from hospital clients who wanted to highlight the vital care and treatment their animal companions received from the hospital's caring team of clinicians, veterinary nurses, staff and students. The first is the tale of a cat named Gabby.

New PVM Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Education Named

As of this week, Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of Ophthalmology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has begun serving as interim assistant dean for clinical education in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her appointment was effective Wednesday, April 16.

Nine PVM Faculty Members among Newly Promoted Purdue University Professors

The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the promotion of 163 faculty across the Purdue University system for the 2025-26 academic year, and a total of nine Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members are among the 137 promotees from the main campus.