A CHS graduate in the class of 1975, Mary Skurka first set her sights on becoming a veterinarian as a teenager when her family’s puppy developed health problems. After graduating high school, she pursued her studies in the University of Rhode Island’s pre-veterinary program, earning a degree in Zoology with a minor in Animal Science in 1979 and then moving on the earn her veterinary degree at Purdue University Veterinary School in 1983. After 4 years of working for other vets, Mary launched her own practice, Hope Veterinary Care, in 1987, a clinic exclusively for small animals.  She has been fortunate to have served the health needs of thousands of cats and dogs in her 38-year career. Helping pets has helped their owners, many of whom have become Dr. Mary’s good friends. 

   Between 1995 and 2000, Mary provided primary, hands-on care to her Mom and Dad when they were suffering from their final illnesses, taking them to doctor appointments and advocating for them, doing chores at their home, and later visiting them daily in the nursing home.

   Dr. Mary truly goes above and beyond in caring for her pet patients, their families, and her employees. Dr. Mary is a truly selfless person. Delivering medication to elderly clients’ homes who are not capable of leaving the house, Dr. Mary often stays after hours calling on the families of her clients to check to see how they are doing. She would do anything for her clients. Over the years, she has had many students from local high schools come to Hope Vet to complete their job shadow graduation requirements. She always invests a lot of time and energy into these students to give them the best and most realistic experience in the veterinary field.

   Dr. Mary and her husband, Alan St. Amand, have three daughters and one granddaughter, plus two rescued dogs and two rescued cats. When she is not working, Mary enjoys gardening, reading, and walking her dogs.  Because of her accomplishments and community service, 

Mary is truly worthy of induction into the Coventry High School Alumni Hall of Fame.