Mary Lanning History

In 1910, the future looked bright for young Mary Lanning. She was an energetic student at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, pursuing a degree in social work.

During Christmas vacation of that year, she became seriously ill with pneumonia while home in Hastings. Mary Lanning, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Lanning, died January 15, 1910, at the age of 21.

"Tender Touch" Created by artist George Lundeen and dedicated in June, 1995, the sculpture depicts Mary Lanning, a small child and a baby. It is located in the garden area opposite the hospital's main entrance. It was a gift from local benefactors and no hospital funds were used in its purchase.

The death of their young daughter devastated the Lannings; but it drove them to develop what has become one of the most successful hospitals in Nebraska. For several years, the grief-stricken parents traveled to hospitals across the United States and Europe -- seeking the finest in hospital organization and construction.

On January 21, 1915, almost five years to the day after their daughter's death, the Lanning family and the Hastings community dedicated Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital, now known as Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare,  and School of Nursing.

Today, Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital continues to grow and serve -- providing the ultimate in health care for the people of Central Nebraska.

The lack of proper health care robbed Mary Lanning of her young life. Through Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, her vision to serve and her spirit of caring, live on -- creating an unmatched tradition of health care leadership.