Mary G. Ampola

Mary Ampola’s life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and compassion that touched countless lives. For those who knew her, no words are necessary; for those who didn’t, no words are sufficient. Born to Italian immigrants, Filomena and Mariangelo Giambattista, Mary defied the constraints of childhood poverty and patriarchy to blaze trails as a pioneering, award-winning physician and loving mother and grandmother.

Her educational journey began at North High in Syracuse, NY, where she later earned a place in their Hall of Fame. Working hard to earn money and scholarships, Mary graduated Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Syracuse University before earning a place at SUNY College of Medicine in 1956, a year when the institution admitted just five women. Her dedication and clinical achievements were later celebrated with SUNY’s coveted “Alumna of the Year” award in 1980.

Mary did her medical Internship at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. followed by a Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. where she served as Pediatric Chief Resident. Fascinated by recent discoveries in DNA, she completed fellowships in Genetics at Children’s Hospital in Boston and in Amino Acid research at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Mary’s professional path was characterized by groundbreaking contributions in pediatric genetics. Her tenure at New England Medical Center in Boston spanned nearly four decades, during which she established the Pediatric Amino Acid Laboratory, rose to lead the Division of Metabolism, and was a Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her legacy lives on through the lab that now bears her name, a testament to her enduring impact on medicine and education.

Among her many achievements, Mary was internationally recognized for her pioneering work saving lives by treating genetic disorders in utero. This feat was written up in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association and immortalized in a documentary narrated by Lloyd Bridges. In 1982 she published the book Metabolic Diseases in Pediatric Practice which was translated and used by physicians around the world. She was a frequent participant on the Jerry Lewis Telethon and hosted her own radio show about raising children.

However, all who knew Mary recognized that her most profound impact was felt through her boundless kindness and empathy. She cared for metabolic patients from birth to early adulthood, forging deep bonds that extended far beyond medical treatment. Each year, she brought these families together at a cherished picnic, fostering a supportive community where lifelong connections were formed. Today, her former patients, now adults, remain steadfastly connected to their beloved childhood physician, friend, and guiding maternal figure.

Mary proudly balanced raising a family with achieving her professional ambitions. She married Vincent Ampola, also a child of Italian immigrants. Her children, Leanna and David, recall her dedication—countless hours spent at home writing her influential book, managing paperwork, and providing compassionate care over the phone. Leanna even found her mother’s groundbreaking work referenced in her 7th-grade science textbook; a testament to Mary’s enduring legacy in the field of medicine.

Upon retiring from New England Medical Center in 2004, Mary’s impact was felt deeply throughout Boston, as noted in this poignant tribute by the Boston Globe: https://rb.gy/i3aarq. Citing her upcoming move to Atlanta, the article concluded by saying, “Boston will have lost some of its brains and an even bigger piece of its heart”.

Mary’s retirement in 2004 marked a transition to a new chapter in Atlanta, where she continued to touch lives at Northside and Scottish Rite Hospitals before fully embracing time with her beloved grandchildren. Mary filled her days with joyous activities such as knitting blankets for NICU babies, indulging in her love of reading, and cherishing beach outings with family. Throughout her life, she found immense joy in exploring Europe, crossing Canada by train, and adventuring in exotic locales like the Galapagos Islands and Tahiti.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Mary Morgan & Rosemary Agonito, and her husband Vincent Ampola. Surviving are her children Leanna & David Ampola, grandchildren Sienna & Vince Ampola and Maggie Ainsworth-Darnell, son-in-law James Ainsworth, brother in-laws Joseph Agonito & Ronald Morgan, and several nieces & nephews.

There are no calling hours. Celebrations of Mary’s life will be held in Georgia and Massachusetts at later dates. To be notified of these celebrations please email Leanna at Leeampola@gmail.com.

To honor Mary’s memory, her family invites contributions to The Metabolic Physician Initiative at https://gofund.me/ead5f28b reflecting her lifelong commitment to compassionate medical care.

Mary’s life illuminated countless paths, leaving behind a legacy of hope, innovation, and enduring love that will continue inspiring generations to come.