Mary Ellen Heitl
Born in rural Wisconsin in 1946, Mary Ellen Heitl moved to Martha’s Vineyard year-round in 1976 with her husband and daughter. She devoted 45 years to her career as a nurse, including 37 years at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She also shared her knowledge and experience by teaching CNA classes through Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Mary Ellen has loved sketching and drawing since high school. Although she took several art classes in her twenties, her creative pursuits were set aside while she raised her family and dedicated herself to nursing and caring for others.
In 2024, Mary Ellen picked up a paintbrush and began working with acrylics. Painting quickly became both a joy and a passion, giving her a new way to explore her creativity and see the beauty in the world around her. Her first art showing celebrates not only her work, but the inspiring reminder that it is never too late to rediscover an old love—or begin an entirely new chapter.