Page 9 - PGA Community News - January '23

January 2023 January 2023 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 9
The Magnificent Ms. Marie – Part I

A Tribute To A PGA National entire 10-doctor, multispecialty group clinic, a position she their unique love story in an effort to care for one another
through difficult times.
would hold until a very special event in her life would take
Neighbor her in a new and exciting direction. In 2000, over two decades after his initial health
During her ascent up the career ladder in a medical clinic, scare, Norm passed away from a rare disease called PSP
By Dr. Jordan Jensen, people would sometimes ask Marie: “When are you going (progressive supranuclear palsy). Marie never remarried,
PGA National Resident to grab one of those doctors to marry?” But Marie never and keeps a life-size portrait of Norm, which she painted
I want to thank Ms. Marie had any desire to marry a doctor. They were too busy and herself, close by as she carefully guards her true love’s
Pinschmidt for her kind— married to their careers. But that was before she met and fell memory deep in her heart.
and glowing—article about in love with Dr. Norman Pinschmidt—an ophthalmologist Theirs was a rich and authentic love story that Marie
my work on Self-Action in the group. In her own words, “I did not want to marry a speaks of tenderly and unapologetically. She further credits
Leadership last month in her doctor; but Norm changed my mind!” Thus began a beautiful her progress as a painter and writer to Norm’s loving
column “Let Me Tell You…” love story that would endure for nearly four decades prior to encouragement. After all, he was the one who urged her to
Since moving into PGA Norm’s passing in 2000. pursue painting lessons upon hearing Marie express interest
National back in 2021, my Marie and Norm were married in Southeast Ohio in in pursuing her talents in the field. That encouragement and
family and I have had the 1961. They adopted two children—a son and a daughter—in support would last the rest of their lives together—and on
privilege of meeting and their first few years of marriage. In 1965, Norm joined the up to the present day—as Marie continued (and continues)
becoming friends with Ms. Marie Pinschmidt prestigious Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans and later became to blossom as an artist and author. Marie explains that it was
Ms. Pinschmidt. I recently a full professor of ophthalmology at Tulane University hard to learn how to paint at first and she often considered
published an article about Marie on my professional blog Medical School. It was in these favorable and prosperous quitting. She said one day she came home from a lesson in
(freedomfocused.blogspot.com) that I’d like to share with circumstances in New Orleans that the Pinschmidts would tears, but Norm always encouraged her to keep going.
our neighbors here in PGA National. I hope you will be as live and work for the next 11 years.
inspired as I have been by the life and career story of this But, as is often the case in our mortal journeys, life throws See The Magnificent Ms. Marie – Part II next month
remarkable woman, who has worn many hats over the course us “curve balls” that inevitably interrupt the peace and/or
of her 94 years in this world. These hats include: wife, mother, prosperity that we work so hard to obtain and sustain. In Reminder From
musician, business professional, painter, writer, neighbor, 1977, life threw an especially painful sinker the Pinschmidts
friend, and now my unofficial Florida Godmother! way when Norm had a heart attack and subsequent stroke that
Marie Bush was born in 1928 in Southeastern Ohio, where affected his field of vision, forced his retirement, and forever Palm Beach Gardens
she grew up one of seven children with four brothers and changed their lives.
two sisters. After graduating from high school, Marie got her The next quarter century was markedly different than the Police Department
first job at a medical clinic working as an “elevator girl” (an first 16 years of their marriage as Marie spent the better part
errand runner). But she didn’t stay there long because she of her life and time looking after Norm and the children as Adopt These Habits To
soon received a promotion to assistant receptionist. After just caregiver and parent. She details this difficult, but meaningful
one month, she was promoted again, this time to secretary part of her and Norm’s life together in a memoir entitled, Life Prevent Vehicle Burglaries
and stenographer, a position that required her to learn medical Interrupted: When the Doctor Becomes the Patient.
shorthand and terminology. In 1978, a year after Norm’s forced retirement, the • Please lock your vehicle doors every time
After working at the clinic for four years the office Pinschmidts moved to Gainesville, Florida, where they lived – even for a quick stop or at home.
manager got married and vacated her position, and you can for five years. In 1983 they moved to Savannah, Georgia • Never leave items of any kind inside your
probably guess who the doctors chose to take her place! As where they lived for several more years before relocating to vehicle. Hiding items doesn’t work!
the office manager, Marie took over many general duties North Carolina. Then, in 1998, they moved to Palm Beach
including payroll and bookkeeping—long before the days Gardens, where Marie presently resides. • At a minimum, if you must leave items,
of computers. Despite the challenges of caregiving in Norm’s later place them in your trunk.
She served as an office manager for a dozen years before years, Marie’s love never waned, nor did it waver. To the • Cell phone/iPod power cords, GPS holders
being promoted again, this time to general manager of the contrary, her love actually grew deeper as they continued and other key sets act as neon signs.
• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert and call
in any suspicious activities to the police
department nonemergency number: 799-4445.

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