Obituary: Kelley Mullen, faculty practice senior director, 57
Nurse became beloved administrator for Washington University Physicians
Mullen
Kelley Ann Mullen, senior director of scheduling services and service quality for Washington University School of Medicine’s faculty practice, died at her home Tuesday, May 21, 2019, after a brief illness. A deeply kind, calming and dedicated leader, Mullen was beloved by her colleagues. She was 57.
Mullen joined the School of Medicine in 1995 as nursing and clinical administrator for the Department of Neurosurgery. She moved to the faculty practice in 1998, where she had worked since.
“Kelley was a remarkable person – a gifted nurse-clinician and highly experienced administrator,” said James P. Crane, MD, who was head of Washington University Physicians during most of Mullen’s tenure. “I feel so fortunate that we were able to recruit her to join the faculty practice plan during its formative years. Kelley was among the most selfless, genuine and caring individuals I have ever known. She was, and still is, one of God’s best angels.”
Mullen grew up in Salem, Ill. She graduated in 1982 from Barnes Hospital School of Nursing, now known as the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, as a registered nurse. She then began her career on the Washington University Medical Campus, first as a nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the neurology and rehabilitation division. Within six years, she was named assistant head nurse in the neurology intensive care unit. Later, she was named head nurse in the otolaryngology and plastic surgery patient care division and intensive care unit.
She added to her education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1990 and a master’s degree in 1994, both from Saint Louis University.
Mullen found great joy in her friends and family, particularly in her role as an aunt.
Mullen is survived by her parents, Michael and Constance Mullen; her sister, Michele Steele (David), of Salem, Ill.; brothers Patrick (Patty), of The Woodlands, Texas, the Rev. Godfrey Mullen of Evansville, Ind., and John (Jan) of Brownsburg, Ind; and her nephews, niece, great nephews and great niece.
A funeral Mass was held Friday, May 24, at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Salem, Ill. Burial followed at St. Patrick Cemetery in Godfrey, Ill.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 812 W. Main St., Salem, Ill. 62881 or to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Missouri Chapter, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63132.
