I speak for the dead.
The dead speak for me.
Hello, I’m Mary Jumbelic, an expert forensic pathologist, author and educator sharing stories about life to demystify death.
Forensic Pathologist
I am a board-certified forensic pathologist and formerChief Medical Examiner of Onondaga County, the first female to hold the role in all of Central New York.
In my 25-year career, I’ve performed thousands of autopsies across the United States, and abroad as part of special assignments to aid in world disaster sites. I’ve even used forensic evidence to help pass national safety policies for consumer products, preventing untimely deaths.
In the course of my work, I’ve aimed to find the facts and bring closure to cases, and help families, giving a voice to the voiceless.
Over time, I’ve received awards for my work from the National Transportation Safety Board and the New York State Senate, among others. I am honored to have been recognized as a trailblazer by the National Organization of Women.
You might’ve seen me as an expert witness on national broadcasts and specials, including Dateline, 48 hours, Discovery Channel, and Law&Crime.
While retired from government work, I continue to lend my expertise and consult on cases, as well as speak on forensic pathology topics on national podcasts and for educational speaking engagements.
Author & Educator
My childhood journaling laid the foundation for my memoir and nonfiction work today, as I share stories of life both in and out of the morgue.
In the last decade, I’ve published numerous short stories across more than 30 publications. I’ve been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and as a top-ten finalist in the Tucson Literary Festival.
In 2023, I launched my company Final Words Publishing, and released my first book Here, Where Death Delights: A Literary Memoir. The book quickly gained international readership, receiving First Prize from The BookFest, Silver Awards from the Nonfiction Authors Association and Reader’s Favorite, as well as Gold from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association.
In all I do, I explore the imprint made by the departed, using my experiences to advocate for the underserved. A proponent of women’s rights, I am proud to help create visibility as a woman in government, science, and business.
As an avid reader and lecturer, I always support libraries, bookstores, book clubs and professional groups. My speaking engagements often blend stories of my career as a medical examiner and author, serving as inspiration to high school, college, post graduate students, and community members.
I also enjoy producing local events to promote writing, reading, and literature with an aim to create forums where our voices can be heard.
Born in Maryland and transplanted to New York, I love to spend time with my three grown children, husband, and Boston terrier.
Here, Where Death Delights: A Literary Memoir
My new book Here, Where Death Delights: A Literary Memoir reflects a delicate balance between my personal life as a woman, wife and mother, and my professional life as a government worker and forensic pathologist—a balance between the living, and the dead.
Final Words Publishing
In 2023, I launched my independent publishing label Final Words Publishing, home to my authored works. The name comes from my former online publication ‘Final Words,’ host to a decade of numerous short stories. These stories went on to win several awards, and found their way into my first book Here, Where Death Delights. The label will also publish my forthcoming work Speak Her Name, expected in 2025.
Recent Press & Media
Consulting
I am a board-certified forensic pathologist with decades of experience in and out of the courtroom. I have been a witness for plaintiffs, prosecution and defendants in civil and criminal matters working with government, private citizens, and attorneys.
How can I help you?
Events
Find upcoming events featuring my forensic expertise, book readings and signings, and storytelling for both public and private venues. I also produce events, and am always glad to be invited to yours.
Speaking
I offer speaking engagements for public and private events and organizations on forensics, writing, and my personal and professional experiences.
Courses
I offer multiple courses on forensics for writers, creativity for scientific writing, and memoir writing as workshops and multiday events.
