Mary Kinney, a licensed practical nurse at Memorial Specialty Care General Surgery, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Division Colleague of the Month for June.

Kinney, of Decatur, has served Memorial Health for 14 years.

Kinney’s nominator wrote, “I feel Mary is this beautiful secret [in Decatur] … but, since my cancer journey began, I can’t tell you how many patients bring up her name … soft-spoken, gentle, kind … We are blessed to have her to care for women going through breast cancer. She is a gem.”

Kinney said the most rewarding part of her job is the inspiration she gains from her patients.

“Our breast cancer patients are amazing,” she said. “I admire their strength and resilience and it’s my honor to provide support and guidance to them through difficult times.”

Outside of work, Kinney enjoys music and theatre, reading, gardening and visiting with family, which includes her husband, five children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.