Mary H. Makowski, Lt. Colonel (Retired) USAF Nurse Corps passed away peacefully on June 22, 2021. Mary was born 7 Sept 1922 in Gilberton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Kazimierz and Helena (Valenwicz) Makowski.

Mary attended school in Gilberton, and, upon graduation, went to work for the Glen Martin Aircraft Company.  She enrolled in Kings County Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn, NY.  After obtaining her nursing degree, Mary worked as a nurse in an industrial factory while providing private duty nursing at night.

Mary always wanted to better herself and wanted to travel. She joined the United States Air Force Nurse Corps on 22 June 1956.  She had an outstanding career serving 20 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.  Her military career took her from her first assignment at Gunter AFB Base in Alabama to Malmstrom AFB in Montana, at which time Mary attended Flight Nurse School.  She then went on to Itazuke, Japan, Andrews AFB Maryland. It was here that Mary met her "best buddy," Robbie.

Mary and Robbie were selected to staff the First Aid Station for the Kennedy inauguration.  Mary also served on the White Eagle Team during the Cuban Crisis while at Andrews AFB.

From Andrews AFB, Mary went to serve in Vietnam.  She was stationed at Cam Ranh Bay.  She took care of the seriously wound.   Mary was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for outstanding service while at Cam Ranh Bay.

Follow-on assignments were to Langley AFB, Virginia, and Ubon AFB, Thailand.   She served as Chief Nurse of the hospital at Ubon.  Mary's last assignment was on Sheppard AFB, TX, where she retired from the Air Force on 30 June 1976.

Mary was a dedicated nurse who loved her career in the air. While remaining in the local community, Mary was active at the base's thrift shop, and was also an avid golfer.  Mary and Robbie played every day. They also traveled and attended many AF Conferences.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Anthony C. Makowski, killed in WWII, Paul M. Makowski, and her "best buddy," Loraine (Robbie) Robinson, Lt. Col (Ret.) USAF. NC.

Mary is survived by her brother Stanley J. Makowski, nephews (and their spouses) Stephen Makowski (Clare) and Anthony Makowski (Elise) and many friends, both Air Force and civilian.

A memorial will be held at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 12. At this memorial the Society of Air Force Nurses will present the Nightingale Tribute Ceremony in recognition of the faithful years of Mary's service to her country.  There will also be a praying of the Rosary held at this time.

Funeral Services will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Chapel on Friday, August 13 at 10:30 a.m. The Rite of Committal and Military Honors will be follow at 1:00 PM in Crestview Cemetery under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Society of Air Force Nurses, Our Lady Queen of Peace, or charity of your choice.

Many thanks to Rolling Meadows, the Gables, and Hospice of Wichita Falls for the wonderful care they have given to Mary in her later years.

When ending a telephone call with military friends, Mary would playfully sign off using radio communication, saying as she concluded her call, "Over and out."

The world lost a very generous, loving person when Mary left this earth.

"Copy that, Mary. Over and Out."