Mary Jumbelic, a distinguished UMBC alumna from the class of ’79, has forged a truly remarkable path, transitioning from a prolific career as a forensic pathologist and chief medical examiner to an acclaimed author whose powerful narratives demystify death and give voice to the unspoken. Her journey, steeped in rigorous scientific inquiry and profound human insight, exemplifies a dedication to public service and an unwavering pursuit of passion beyond traditional boundaries.
Jumbelic’s academic beginnings were marked by a determined search for accessible education, leading her to UMBC as a first-generation student seeking affordable schooling within commuting distance. Despite initial struggles and a sense of being “at sea” during her first semester, the university’s supportive environment, including the flexibility to repeat a challenging course, proved instrumental in building her confidence and setting her on a trajectory toward academic success.
During her time at UMBC, Jumbelic explored a diverse range of disciplines, from accounting and education to creative writing, before ultimately finding her intellectual home in biological sciences. This multidisciplinary exploration, guided by Pulitzer Prize-winning poets and preeminent chemistry lecturers, solidified her foundation and confirmed her aptitude for a career in medicine, particularly forensic pathology, a field where her keen analytical skills would prove invaluable.
As a board-certified forensic pathologist and the first female chief medical examiner of Onondaga County, New York, Mary Jumbelic’s 25-year career involved performing thousands of autopsies both across the United States and internationally, often in response to world disaster sites. Her expertise extended beyond individual cases, as she leveraged forensic evidence to advocate for and help pass crucial national safety policies for consumer products, directly preventing countless untimely deaths and significantly enhancing public safety.
Although retired from government work, this dedicated chief medical examiner continues to lend her expertise, consulting on complex cases and speaking on forensic pathology topics for national podcasts and educational engagements. This phase of her life has also allowed her to fully embrace her profound passion for writing, leading to the establishment of her own company, Final Words Publishing, a testament to her enduring commitment to communication.
In 2023, Jumbelic released her first book, “Here, Where Death Delights: A Literary Memoir,” which quickly garnered international acclaim, receiving multiple prestigious awards including First Prize from The BookFest. Building on this success, her second book, published in July 2025, continues her mission to provide a narrative platform for the many women she encountered on her autopsy table, drawing parallels to her own journey of finding her voice.
Through her compelling memoirs, Mary Jumbelic transforms the often-misunderstood world of the morgue into a profound space for reflection and understanding. She speaks for the deceased, not only demystifying death for the living but also empowering her readers with insights gleaned from her unparalleled experiences, ultimately making a unique contribution to public safety and awareness.
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