It’s rare to be able to make everyone around you feel seen, valued and inspired, but Mary Garrity had that gift. Whether she was mentoring a colleague or forging connections with alumni and researchers, Garrity brought genuine warmth to everything she did.
Now, the Case Western Reserve University community is mourning the loss of a colleague and friend known for her ability to bring people together. She was 53.
As senior director of development for biomedical and translational sciences at the School of Medicine, Garrity was a respected leader, a passionate learner and a cherished colleague who left an indelible mark on her community.
Garrity joined the university in 2022, bringing over 15 years of experience in biomedical business development, including in clinical trials and healthcare commercialization. She was the inaugural development director for the Case-Coulter Translational Research Partnership within the Department of Biomedical Engineering and also led business development at BioEnterprise.
Her impact was felt most profoundly through her work with the Council to Advance Human Health (CAHH) at the university, where she played a critical role in supporting the translation of groundbreaking discoveries into market-ready therapeutics.
“The work Mary did to support our CAHH program will have a lasting impact on our community, especially by the genuine relationships she shared with this community,” said Kristy Short, vice dean for development and alumni relations at the School of Medicine.
In her time at Case Western Reserve, Garrity also led engagement efforts connecting alumni, friends and researchers, fostering relationships that strengthened the university’s mission.
“Those who worked with Mary knew she had a determined work ethic and was quick to develop meaningful relationships,” said Carol Moss, senior vice president of university relations and development. “Her life and legacy will inspire all of us to continue advancing the mission of the university that she dearly loved.”
Garrity’s colleagues admired her exceptional ability to merge her neuroscience background with her role as a development officer, bringing together scientific expertise and a deep understanding of donor engagement.
From the first time Ilana Gross, director of development at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, met Garrity, she was struck by her unique blend of high intelligence and humility.
“She was warm and made me feel very welcome,” Gross added. “Mary was the unicorn in our field, applying her research and business abilities to work closely with donors, sharing resources, and helping navigate technical translational strategies.”
Garrity was an alumna of Weatherhead School of Management (MBA ’06) and was pursuing a PhD in clinical translational science, which she was expected to earn in the fall of 2028. James Spilsbury, co-director of the PhD program and associate professor at the School of Medicine, had Garrity in two of his courses and said she was eager to contribute to every class—and to enhance her skills to conduct significant research to improve health and well-being.
“Mary taught us we were capable of more than we realized as she led by example,” Short noted. “Mary worked a demanding job, loved spending time with her family, while still making the effort to advance her skills by earning a PhD simultaneously.”
Stephanie Pike Moore, research scientist at the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, was Garrity’s instructor for an epidemiology course she took fall 2024. She said Garrity was incredibly persistent and passionate about growing in her field.
“She cared deeply for her son who was her primary source of motivation to pursue her degree and to one day conduct clinical research to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes,” Pike Moore said. “I know she would have made remarkable strides towards achieving her goals.”
Garrity’s commitment to education and discovery was matched only by her devotion to her family.
“She came from a large family, as do I, and I enjoyed our banter about family dynamics and our roles as mothers,” said Kate Bame, senior director of development for Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Her passing leaves a void in so many lives.”
Colleagues recall Garrity often speaking of her son, John, with immense pride and affection.
“Mary’s greatest joy was her son, John,” Short said. “Of all of Mary’s many accomplishments, she was most proud of John.”
She often shared stories about his achievements, intelligence and the unique interests that fascinated him. Garrity even adopted two cats for her son, and while she sometimes joked about the challenges they brought, her colleagues “know she loved those cats too.”
Funeral services will be held Jan. 21 at St. Raphael Church (525 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village) at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call at Chambers Funeral Home (29150 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted) Jan. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling AllOne Health (formerly IMPACT Solutions) at 1.800.227.6007.