Jane Ellen Maddy
A Champion for Our Community’s Mental Health

The Human Development Center lost a true friend this week with the passing of Dr. Jane Ellen Maddy. Jane was a long time resident of the Duluth area, moving here in 1960 with her husband, Clarence. She immediately became involved in the Duluth community, participating in a variety of activities related to being the mother of 4 children. She also had a very successful academic career, obtaining a Ph.D. and serving at UMD as an Associate Professor of Psychology. Dr. Maddy officially retired in 1996, however, she continued to teach part time until 2009.

During her time at UMD, Dr. Maddy had a tremendous impact on community mental health, educating and training future employees of HDC and other mental health programs. Many of her students completed internships at HDC, and Dr. Maddy often called upon HDC staff to do presentations in her classes. She recognized the value and importance of community mental health services that enabled persons with mental health issues to be fully integrated into the community, rather than isolated or stigmatized.

Her commitment to community mental health resulted in her being named to the HDC Board of Directors in 1990. Dr. Maddy was President of the HDC Board from 1996 to 1999, serving during an era of tremendous growth at HDC that included the expansion of services to Douglas and Cook Counties. After completing 9 years of service on the Board, she was instrumental in the launching of the HDC Foundation, which was incorporated in 2005. Dr. Maddy was serving on the HDC Foundation Board of Directors and also on the “75th Anniversary Committee” at the time of her death.

Dr. Maddy lived a full life with heartfelt commitment to serving her community, particularly concerned about the individuals and families affected by mental health problems. She recognized that “we are all more alike than we are different”, and that we all benefit when those in need of our support and help receive it.

HDC would like to thank Dr. Maddy’s family for supporting her great contributions to the Duluth area. She will be missed and forever appreciated.

Contributions can be made in memory of Dr. Maddy online by clicking here or by mailing your contribution to the HDC Foundation, 40 Eleventh Street, Cloquet, MN 55720.

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