This article addresses the professional history and theoretical and practical contributions to teaching, research and care in psychiatric nursing and mental health given by Dr. Maria Aparecida Minzoni. Dr. Minzoni was born on August 22, 1936 in Jacareí/SP and died on April 30, 1981. The instruments used were documents such as articles of her authorship published by journals, her doctoral dissertation, Associate Professor's dissertation, and memorial as well as accounts from informers who were faculty members and worked in the Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, thus sharing experiences with Dr. Maria Aparecida Minzoni. The topical life story research technique was used. Data were grouped into categories and focused on Dr. Minzoni's personal and professional characteristics, apprehension concerning mentally ill patients and contributions in psychiatric nursing education. They were also based on the respects paid to Dr. Minzoni as well as on her death.
History; Nursing; Psychiatry