Grace-Marie Turner, a nationally respected voice for free-market health policy and the founder and president of the Galen Institute, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025.

A tireless advocate for patient-centered health reform, Grace-Marie dedicated her life to advancing ideas that put individuals—not bureaucracies—at the center of the health care system.

Through her writing, public speaking, and behind-the-scenes work in Washington and beyond, she shaped the national conversation on health policy for more than three decades.

In 1995, Grace-Marie founded the Galen Institute, a public policy research organization devoted to promoting free-market ideas for health reform. Under her leadership, the institute became a leading voice in advocating for patient-centered health care solutions, focusing on transferring decision-making power from government bureaucracies to individuals and their doctors.

Her expertise and thought leadership earned her widespread recognition. Washingtonian magazine consistently named her among " Washington's 500 Most Influential People " in health policy, and Business Insider included her in its 2020 list of the 24 most powerful people advising the White House on health care. She was also a sought-after speaker, advisor, and commentator, contributing to prestigious publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. Her appearances on programs such as ABC's 20/20 highlighted her ability to communicate complex policy issues in ways that resonated with broad audiences.

Grace-Marie grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from The University of New Mexico. She spent her early career as a news reporter, where she won numerous awards for her work and had the opportunity to interview Elvis Presley at the height of his career. She was also worked as a
radio correspondent, association director, presidential campaign adviser, and U.S. Senate press secretary.

Throughout her career, she worked closely with members of Congress, presidential administrations, and numerous state and national policy organizations. Yet she remained firmly committed to the principle that good policy begins with listening to the real needs of patients and families.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Grace-Marie was known for her kindness, generosity, and unfailing optimism. She mentored countless young professionals in the policy world and was a source of inspiration and encouragement to friends and colleagues across the ideological spectrum.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mark Noyes. She was predeceased by two brothers, Marvin and John.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, VA.

A Catholic Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive, Leesburg, VA on Thursday, June 12 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Galen Institute at Donors to support ongoing programs in Grace-Marie's name (https://client.mydonorstrust.org/grantee/achcontribution/choose).