It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Mary Gibson on 16 February 2026, who retired from her role as Assistant Librarian (Bibliographer) at LSHTM in 1998.
Mary joined LSHTM in 1963 as a professional cataloguer, and was known to be a firm upholder of standards and rules. In appearance she was the embodiment of the stereotypical librarian, her tightly wound bun and piercing stare striking fear into the hearts of many a student and staff member – until they realised how kind and supportive she was. As a member of the Library’s senior management team she was a forthright contributor and positive critic, and a much valued colleague.
During the 1970s, in the days before a professional archives & records management team within the service, Mary was tasked with cataloguing over 20,000 archives and papers relating to Sir Ronald Ross, and she became an international authority on his life and work. This culminated in 1997 with the publication of a definitive biography co-authored with Professor Edwin Nye.
Mary developed a strong interest in the history of medicine and became a member of the Society of Apothecaries, studying for and being awarded the Society’s professional diploma. In 1989 she made a legendary appearance on BBC’s Mastermind, where she controversially missed out on the winning spot (even making the front page of the Daily Mirror). She took this with exceedingly good grace.
Mary never shied away from a challenge, once riding pillion on a motorbike threading its way precariously down the Mile End Road to get to a meeting at Queen Mary’s. Neither was she averse to the odd prank, famously forging a note from the Dean to the Librarian announcing the opening of a public restaurant at LSHTM requiring meals to be wheeled through the Library Reading Room on a daily basis. The Librarian was about to set off for the Dean’s office when he realised it was a hoax.
On her retirement Mary settled in Saxlingham Nethergate in Norfolk, where she took an active role in village affairs. She remained in touch with former colleagues, and continued to send copies of the Journal of Medical Biography (with her own comments and corrections) to the Library for many years, along with the occasional consignment of home-made toffee. She will be missed by all who knew her.
David Archer, Director of Library, Archive & Open Research Services
