Mary Louise Tigue Andersen, 85, of Hockessin, Delaware, died at her home on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Born July 28, 1930, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Paul and Marion Tigue. She attended Ursuline Academy, and graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1952. She was married to the late Roger Andersen, and resided in Maryland and Fairfax, Virginia.
Following graduation from pharmacy school, Mary Lou practiced with her father in community pharmacy in Wilmington, Delaware from 1952 to 1970. She was active in the Delaware Pharmaceutical Society, where she developed, with David Krigstein, the first legislation to create a community pharmacy formulary in 1964. She also served as President of Delaware Pharmaceutical Society in 1965, health planner for the Model Cities Wilmington 1970-1972, and assisted with the development of the first Congressional legislation to create discount drug pricing programs for federally qualified clinics.
Her government service began in 1974, as the Public Health Advisor for the U.S. Public Health Service. In 1978, she was appointed Executive Intern in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, while serving a concurrent two-year term as Director of Operations at the Bureau of Medical Services Division of Hospitals and Clinics. From 1981 until her retirement in 1999, she served as Special Assistant to the Director in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, Special Assistant to the Director for the Center for Substance Abuse and Treatment and Deputy Director of the Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Health Care.
Mary Lou joined the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) in 1949 and served as Vice President of APhA, 1967-1968, Speaker for the APhA House of Delegates, 1969-1971, as the first woman elected to that office, member of the Pharmacists Insurance Trust Board of Trustees, and APhA Honorary President, 1997-1998. In 2003, APhA recognized her with its highest award, the Remington Honor Medal.
Dedicated to a lifelong career in public health, Mary Lou served the Health Resources and Services Administration and worked in migrant health and community health center programs. Her progression through the U.S. Public Health Service led to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Indian Health Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration and the Bureau of Primary Care.
She was granted honorary degrees from her alumni, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Her most recent recognition is an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from the University of Maryland. Additionally, she has received many professional leadership awards including the Starlight Award of the Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health, the Linwood F Tice Friend of the Academy Students Award and awards that have been named for her by pharmacy organizations.
After retiring from public service, Mary Lou continued to remain active in healthcare reform. She led the establishment of the Community Health Leadership Network and Communities Joined in Action; served on the boards for Community Health Leadership Network, Westside Health Center and Generations Home Care; served as Vice President of the Delaware Health Foundation; and dedicated member of the Governor’s Council on Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.
Mary Lou was a beloved Member of the KE Omicron Chapter, Past President of the University of Sciences Alumni Association and always served the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy / University of Sciences well, making her alma mater very proud.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington Delaware 19808.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Delaware. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.