By Professors play an integral part in shaping the minds of the next generation. They light the path for the future and provide mentorship to their students. Because professors work so closely with their academic community of students and faculty, the loss of a professor can feel profound.
Nursing professor Meredith D. Krutar, from Clancy Mont., passed away on August 23 after a hard-fought battle with metastatic breast cancer. Krutar taught at Carroll for 12 years.
After graduating from Johns Hopkins University as a board-certified family Nurse Practitioner, Krutar returned to Montana in 2010, where she would be a beloved member of Carroll College faculty, as a family nurse practitioner. She also served in healthcare around Montana.
While teaching at Carroll College for 12 years, Krutar created a telemedicine practice to provide increased access to women’s healthcare, NAprotechnology, and other fertility awareness methods.
Krutar also extended her passions into her Catholic faith.
“She would often lead the class in a prayer before class or an exam,” Maria Brosnan said.
Krutar integrated her nursing skills with her Catholic faith by practicing with My Catholic Doctor, a place where people of the Catholic faith can seek medical advice from physicians that align with their faith practices.
“Meredith was a beautiful example of someone who exemplified faith, love, and devotion,” said Janet Johnson, an associate professor of nursing. “She had steadfast faith and trust in the Lord. She took on whatever was asked of her with grace and composure, trusting the Lord’s plan without wavering. She was devoted to her family as well, welcoming each of her children as a gift from God.”
Krutar was the mother of seven children. Those who knew her recalled how much she cherished them.
At her funeral Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Helena, the priest described how Krutar had seven different smiles, one for each of her children.
“Meredith, I will miss your bright smile, your spunk, and your style! Your fun sense of humor, brilliant mind and kind heart. You lived your life as a prayer, trusting God is always there,” said Terri Johnson, the Administrative Specialist for the Carroll College Nursing Department. “I loved asking about your children and how animated and joyful you always were when speaking of them. I trust you are near them still and will always watch over and protect them. Peace be with you and your family. Thank you for making such a positive difference in this world!”
Krutar formed many friendships with those she worked with.
“Meredith would look for the positive in a situation and persist through life’s challenges with determination,” said Maria Brosnan, professor of nursing. “She will be greatly missed by all in the Nursing Department. I remember so often taking a few precious moments to sit in her office or in our small kitchen and chat about the day or have a much-needed laugh. Meredith had great insight and perspective on many situations and was often able to see a side of a situation in a unique way that would offer a new point of view for all of us.”
The pews in the Cathedral of St. Helena at Krutar’s funeral mass were filled with people whose lives had been touched by Krutar in some way. Among them were many faculty of Carroll College who considered themselves friends.
“She touched countless lives with her passion for education, either for her students in the nursing department or assisting families with natural family planning,” said Johnson. “Her intellect and faith was so inspiring to me. She believed, trusted, loved, and lived well. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith – rest in peace my dear friend.”
To donate to the Krutar family GoFundMe, click here.
