A special tribute given to a special nurse

Queen Creek Tribune
June 5, 2025
by Lin Sue Flood

One of the original founders of Hospice of the Valley back in 1977 recently received an extraordinary visit from the Arizona Nurse Honor Guard, an organization that honors fellow nurses who have dedicated their lives to the profession. 

“I am just flattered and overwhelmed,” said Mary Audrey Mellor, who turns 92 in July. “Hospice of the Valley has always had my heart because it’s so compassionate and caring and loving.”

Friends and family gathered together at her home at Vi at Silverstone in Scottsdale as she received a Florence Nightingale coin symbolizing comfort, gentleness, courage and an unwavering devotion to duty. Nurse Honor Guard volunteer Cindy Loucel then presented her with a second gift.

“We have a quilt to cover you with our love and gratitude and to recognize all those patients you covered in kindness,” she said. “May it bring you comfort, as you gave so many others comfort.”

Some of Mary Audrey’s former hospice colleagues were there too. Jean Marie Stockton was hired by Mary Audrey and remembers the first patient the two nurses visited together — a young woman with cancer.

“Mary Audrey assessed her symptoms and when she asked about pain, the woman just burst into tears. What I remember most is how she stopped asking questions and just went to hug her. I was sitting across the room thinking, I know I’m in the right place to do the kind of nursing that I want to do. It’s a moment I will never forget,” said Jean Marie, who retired in late 2021 after 40-plus years of service.

Mary Audrey was one of Hospice of the Valley’s early founders.

“Well, I had done a bit of clinical work as a nurse and noticed that people needing end-of-life care were somewhat ignored, and I thought I want to be a part of this new hospice because it’s so hands-on and you have time with the family and patient,” she said. “And it appealed to me that it was not-for-profit.”

Her daughter, Jennifer Paridon, was brought to tears by the recognition. 

“That was such a great honor,” she said. “My mom loves Hospice of the Valley and dedicated half her life to serving there — it truly is the center of her life. This is so amazing.”

That sentiment was echoed by Mary Audrey’s son, Andrew. “We’re really thankful that everyone took the time to come out and honor Mom this way. It was the tribute of a lifetime.”

Lin Sue Flood is community engagement director at Hospice of the Valley, serving Maricopa County, northern Pinal County and the Tucson area.