She was one of the first women to register to vote in Boston in 1920, at the age of 76. Mary contracted breast cancer in 1923 and died 3 years later. long battle January 7, 1926. The NACGN established the prestigious Mary Mahoney Award in 1936, in honor of her respected life, to recognize excellence and elevate the status of black nurses. The award was retained when the NACGN merged with the ANA in 1951. There is also a Mary Mahoney Medal awarded annually for excellence in nursing. In 1976 she was chosen to be part of the Nursing Hall of Fame and in 1993 the National Women's Hall of Fame. Mary Mahoney fought not only for women of color and equal opportunity, but also for women's educational and professional rights. minority. He left a legacy that is as vital today as it was when he was alive, and will continue to be just as vital in the future.