Nurses Honor Guard recognizes Crystal Falls nurse with living tribute
D’Agostini celebrated for 42 years of dedication to caring for others
The Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties recently had a living tribute to Mary Jean D’Agostini, LPN, a current resident of the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls. Seated in front are Mary D’Agostini, left, and Naomi Haycock, her friend and co-worker who requested the Living Tribute; in back, from left are NHG members Fran Formolo, Linda Hayes, Lauri Oberdorfer, Joyce Ziegler, Linda Opsahl, Georgia Chounard and Joyel Brule. (Submitted photo)
Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties member Fran Formolo celebrates with Mary D’Agostini at the living tribute in D’Agostini’s honor. (Submitted photo)
Mary D’Agostini while working in obstetrics at Iron County General Hospital in Iron River. (Submitted photo)
Mary D’Agostini in training to become a practical nurse at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba. (Submitted photo)
The cake for the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties’ living tribute to Mary Jean D’Agostini featured a quote from Mother Teresa, who was D’Agostini’s hero. (Submitted photo)
The Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties recently had a living tribute to Mary Jean D’Agostini, LPN, a current resident of the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls. Seated in front are Mary D’Agostini, left, and Naomi Haycock, her friend and co-worker who requested the Living Tribute; in back, from left are NHG members Fran Formolo, Linda Hayes, Lauri Oberdorfer, Joyce Ziegler, Linda Opsahl, Georgia Chounard and Joyel Brule. (Submitted photo)
Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties member Fran Formolo celebrates with Mary D’Agostini at the living tribute in D’Agostini’s honor. (Submitted photo)
Mary D’Agostini while working in obstetrics at Iron County General Hospital in Iron River. (Submitted photo)
Mary D’Agostini in training to become a practical nurse at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba. (Submitted photo)
The cake for the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties’ living tribute to Mary Jean D’Agostini featured a quote from Mother Teresa, who was D’Agostini’s hero. (Submitted photo)
Trending
CRYSTAL FALLS -- Mary Jean D'Agostini, a resident at Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls, recently received a special recognition for a lifetime spent making a difference in the lives of others.
The Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties conducted a living tribute in D'Agostini's honor at the facility. The ceremony gave family, friends and former colleagues an opportunity to celebrate her nursing career and reflect on the compassion she brought to her work.
A native of Caspian, D'Agostini was the youngest of her siblings. After graduating from high school, she was encouraged by her older sister, Vickie, who was already a nurse, to pursue the same profession.
D'Agostini enrolled in the newly established licensed practical nursing program at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, graduating in 1967. She soon began working at Iron County General Hospital, where she would spend the next 42 years.
Her co-workers remembered her as a compassionate and supportive nurse who treated patients and colleagues with dignity and respect. Known for her gentle approach, sense of humor and reassuring touch, she brought comfort to those in her care.
Working in a small hospital required versatility, and D'Agostini was able to work in virtually every department. Although she especially enjoyed caring for babies and working in obstetrics, she was skilled in all areas of nursing.
Health problems eventually led to her retirement after more than four decades of service.
"Each nurse that we honor has a very special story," said Linda Opsahl, RN-C, FNP, co-chair of the Nurses Honor Guard, along with co-chair Lauri Oberdorfer, LPN. "These nurses have dedicated their careers and lives to help others. They have so many thoughts and memories to share about what the nursing profession has meant to them and how nursing has positively affected their lives."
The ceremony was a milestone for the organization, which traditionally recognizes nurses during funeral services. Holding a living tribute allowed D'Agostini to participate in her own recognition and gave loved ones the opportunity to hear stories about her years in the profession.
"This was our first living tribute," Oberdorfer said. "It is special, because it allows the nurse to be present at their service and gives family members an opportunity to share and hear stories about their loved one's nursing career."
Oberdorfer noted that nurses seldom discuss their daily experiences with family members because of the confidentiality requirements of their profession. The tribute provides an opportunity to recognize the personal side of a career often spent quietly caring for others.
As part of the ceremony, D'Agostini received a white rose, symbolizing respect, reverence, unity and new beginnings. Members also lit the Florence Nightingale lamp, a traditional emblem of nursing, and placed a blanket across her shoulders to represent the warmth and comfort she provided to patients throughout her career.
D'Agostini, her family and friends described the ceremony as a beautiful recognition of her years of dedication and accomplishments.
Established in 2025, the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties aims to recognize nurses and celebrates their contributions to the profession and the community.
In addition to its nurse tributes, the group has participated in events for military veterans, including Honor Flights in Escanaba and the local Veterans Tribute Ride.
The organization is also working to establish an annual scholarship for a local student entering an accredited nursing program as another way to support the future of nursing.
The Nurses Honor Guard is seeking additional nurse members interested in participating in its activities. Nurses interested in joining, as well as families wishing to arrange a funeral tribute or living tribute for a loved one who served in nursing, may call 906-282-9180.
Through its work, the organization recognizes the dedication of those who have devoted their lives to caring for others, ensuring their service receives the appreciation it deserves.
Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.