Dr. Marion Dugdale McClure's Obituary
Dr. Marion Dugdale McClure departed this life on July 6, 2025 after a brief illness. Born to British parents in Peru, Marion graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1950. When she stated her intentions of becoming a physician, her father advised her to attend Harvard Medical School, as it was the only such American institution recognized by the British authorities. She was among the first female graduates. She gave up a career in the far-flung reaches of the British Empire when she met her husband James while an intern in North Carolina.
Moving to Memphis, she joined the faculty of what is now the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she worked for over 55 years. During her long tenure, she taught Hematology to thousands of young physicians and other health professionals, as well as treating thousands of patients with various blood disorders.
In her free time, she loved reading, gardening, the opera, knitting, bird watching, caring for her family, and taking walks along the Mississippi River. She was a member of St. James Anglican Church.
Her husband James proceeded her in death in 2016. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Emily McClure Santaliz, son-in-law Pedro Santaliz, grandson Seth A. Santaliz, all of Cotuit MA, son John McClure of Memphis, and beloved rescue cat Abby.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Girls Inc., St. James Anglican Church, or the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, with a memorial service at 2:00pm on July 19, 2025 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. in Memphis.
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