In Memoriam



If you know of any alumni who we have missed please contact us and we would be more than happy to make the inclusion.

Dr. Christine Newburn-Cook, MSN ‘79 (August 15, 2011)

Dr. Newburn-Cook received her MSN in 1979 from the University of British Columbia and her PhD in 1996 from the University of British Columbia in Interdisciplinary Studies: Epidemiology, Research Design and Measurement, Biostatistics. In 1999, she completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Alberta in the Perinatal Research Centre under the supervision of Dr. David Olson. She joined the Faculty of Nursing as an Assistant Professor in 1996 and progressed through the ranks to Professor. In 2006, she assumed the role of Associate Dean (Research), a position that she held until her death.

Dr. Newburn-Cook joined the Queen’s Commission (Navy) in 1974, and was a member of the naval reserves at the time of her death. Dr. Newburn-Cook served for 10 years as Consultant and Senior Advisor (Naval Reserve) and for 17 years as a Member of the Naval Reserve Council. She also served as Commanding Officer of the HMCS Discovery from 1993-1996 and as Officer-in-Charge of the HMCS STAR, Engineering & Boatswain Division from 1980-1987. In 1994 she was promoted to Captain (Navy) – Senior Officer Appointment and in 2006, she received her second clasp to Canadian Forces Service Decoration (CFSD).

“We share a very deep sadness, personally and professionally over this loss,” said Anita Molzahn, dean of the Faculty of Nursing. “Chris’ contributions to the Faculty have been immeasurable and we will miss her wisdom and sense of humour. The Faculty’s reputation as a research intensive organization has been strengthened as a result of her dedication to advancing the work of all our students, scholars and researchers.”

You are invited to send any condolences, reflections or memories—both personal and/or professional—that you may have about Dr. Newburn-Cook to yolanda.poffenroth@ualberta.ca. All submissions received will be complied into a book for Brian, Dr. Newburn-Cook's husband.

Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, http://www.nursing.ualberta.ca/en/News/2011/08/FacultyofNursingmournsthelossofDrChristineNewburnCook.aspx (August 25, 2011)

Judith Stein, RN, MN, CPMHN (C) (May 1, 1950 – August 17, 2010)

Judith Stein, UBC School of Nursing adjunct professor since 2006, was a mentor and preceptor to clinical nurse specialist students and a wonderful nursing colleague.

Judith completed a Masters from the University of Washington with a double major in psychosocial and occupational health nursing. Judith worked in the Ombudsman's office and dealt with issues involving workplace mistreatment. Her primary areas of research were lateral workplace violence and adolescent health. Judith was a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria in the School of Nursing, and was able to facilitate students learning experiences as a teacher, mentor, or supervisor. She actively participated in nursing research projects, such as the partnership project - “Creating Adolescent Girls’ Circles”. This participatory action partnership project built on her extensive experience in designing research related to the implementation of First Nations’ adolescent girls’ groups.

Judith joined the Pacific Regional Nursing team, FNIHB, Health Canada in 2004. In my role as the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Maternal/Child Health, FNIHB, Health Canada, I have had the opportunity to work with Judith, in her role as Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adolescent Mental Health. Judith possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience in her chosen field, in particular on the prevention of aboriginal youth suicide. For example, she was critical to the development of the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS) in providing clinical expertise to the BC, NAYSPS task force.

Judith embodied the advanced practice nurse, collaborating with and participating on regional and national working groups, and standing professional committees such as the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS). She was interested in the issue of moral distress and its relationship to her role as an advanced practice nurse. She was a caring and dedicated advocate for individuals, families and community members, primarily with women and female youth focusing on issues such as critical incident stress management, family violence, sexual abuse and addictions.

Judith’s friends and family have created a trust fund to build upon the great work started by Judith. To make a donation to the Judith A. Stein First Nations Well Being Trust Fund, please click on the link: https://vancouverfoundation.ca/JudithSteinFund/donateonline.asp

(Written by Elizabeth Harrold, RN, BScN, MSc)

Kirsten (Weber) Hyde (November 22, 1923 - December 4, 2010)

Former colleagues and students were saddened to hear of the recent death of Kirsten (Weber) Hyde. Kirsten joined the School faculty in 1969, retiring as an Associate Professor Emerita in 1988, having served in a range of teaching and academic service capacities. During her time in the School, Kirsten was known as strong public health nursing advocate, exerting her unique brand of diplomacy and tenacity to ensure that appropriate systems and processes were in place for nursing students to have optimal access to excellent public health clinical training opportunities. She left her mark upon the School, and will be missed.

Ada Ponsford Butler, Professor Emerita and former faculty (May 20, 2010)

Ada Ponsford Butler, Professor Emerita and on faculty 1972 - 1988, passed away May 20, 2010. Ada was committed to nursing as a profession and envisioned a strong role for nurses, particularly in the areas of prevention and health promotion. She graduated from UBC in 1950 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing, and again in 1971 with her Master of Science in Nursing. She will be missed. A service for her is to be held at a later date at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Kerrisdale.

Mary Regester, Senior Instructor Emerita (June 16, 2010)

Dr. Mary Regester, Senior Instructor Emerita of the School, died on June 16th, 2010. Mary was a genuine character in nursing education and contributed a distinctive and forward thinking perspective to the School during her 21 years on faculty and in retirement.

Mary was a champion of epidemiological approaches to understanding trends in the health of populations and informing public health strategies. Those who knew her will have wonderful memories of her intelligence, her strongly held opinions, her talent for a wide range of arts, crafts and experiences, her tenacity, and her irrepressible laugh. Mary truly lived life with joy and abandon.

Among a wide network of friends and family, Mary remained very close to her School of Nursing colleagues. She was a remarkable nurse, scholar, and friend, and will be very much missed.

Helen Mark (nee Giegerich) BSN ’65 (May 8, 1941 - December 26, 2009)

MARK, Helen Louise May 8, 1941 - December 26, 2009 Passed away at home after an eight month illness of multiple myeloma. Helen was born in Kimberley, BC, the fourth child of Joe and Eva Giegerich. In 1959 Helen moved to Vancouver and studied nursing at UBC and the Vancouver General Hospital and obtained her RN in 1964. In 1966 she embarked on a trip around the world on an ocean liner and met Don Mark. They were married in 1968 and had four children, twin daughters and two sons. Helen was an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast all her life, from climbing the ski hill in Kimberley on foot in her childhood, through skiing with the UBC ski team, to family ski weeks at Big White, and many snowy weekends spent at Whistler among friends. Helen's other favourite outdoor pursuit was cycling, which she enjoyed with a great group of Crescent Beach area friends. She cycled with her husband and friends in France, Belgium, Ottawa/Gatineau, the Gulf Islands, the San Juan Islands, the Kootenays, the Okanagan, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. After adopting her youngest son from Vietnam in 1975, she began to gather and distribute information to assist people in the adoption of children from overseas. Her organization grew from her kitchen table into the Adoptive Families Association of BC incorporated in 1981. Her belief that every child deserved a loving home fueled her thirty year commitment to the AFA, first as a volunteer, and later as an employee. In 2004 the AFA created the "Helen Mark Excellence in Adoption" award, which is given annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to adoption. Helen is survived by her husband Don, her children Barb (Jim), Jan (Jeremy), Dan, Steve (Sunjit), her grandchildren Adam, Ruby, Claire, Anthony, Eloise, Noah, Kaylin and Asher, and her siblings Joe, Bob and Daryl and their families. Helen will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family is grateful to all the friends and neighbours who supported her in many ways during her illness. Particular thanks go to Charles King, Helen's doctor and friend of forty years. A service to commemorate Helen's life will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Victory Memorial Park, 14831 - 28th Ave., Surrey, BC . In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory can made to the Adoptive Families Association of BC or to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from 1/2/2010 - 1/4/2010

Bernadet (Kiss) Ratsoy, BSN '68 (1936 – October 2, 2009)

Bernadet passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Department of St. Paul's Hospital on October 2nd, 2009. She will be dearly missed by her husband Edward, her family, friends and the UBC School of Nursing community.

Bernadet was a passionate and devoted nurse whose ambition was to have a lasting impact on nursing practice and care. Throughout her career, she pursued positions that would allow her to support nurses more effectively and make improvements in health care for patients.

Bernadet was always very active in professional nursing activities. In addition to serving on several RNABC (now CRNBC) committees, she was the president from 1983 to 1985. She was active in the Canadian Nurses Association, the Nurse Administrators Association of BC, the Canadian College of Health Services Executives, and she was on several hospital, university and community committees. She was on the board of BCIT, MDS Metro (now Life Line) and on many regional health board committees.

In 2002 she received the RNABC recognition Award for her valuable contributions to the nursing profession in BC and in 2003 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Health Care Leaders Association of BC.

In her career, Bernadet was most proud of her mentorship of others. Ultimately, all of her work was directed toward supporting nurses in practice.

The Registered Nurses Foundation of B.C. and the UBC School of Nursing are supporting donations towards a Bursary for Students in M. Bernadet Ratsoy's name, C/0 The Registered Nurses Foundation of B.C., P.O. Box 33957 St. D, 2405 Pine Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 4L7. An electronic copy of the donation form is available online here.

For an in depth biography of Bernadet, her life and nursing career please visit the Amazing Alumni Stories page.

Jacqueline Sue Chapman, BSN ‘58 (July 9, 2009)

Dr. Jacqueline Sue Chapman succumbed to illness on July 9, 2009 at Lakeview Manor, Beaverton, Ontario. One of Canada's most noted nurse researchers, Jacquie’s doctoral studies led to care improvements in neonatal nurseries. Jacquie obtained her BSN from UBC in 1958 and quickly advanced to head nurse roles and then to instructor positions at UBC and at several American universities. Jacquie earned her MSN from Case Western University in Cleveland and PhD in Nursing from New York University. She became a Full Professor at the University of Toronto.

She was the first nurse in Canada to be awarded the prestigious National Health Research Scholar Award. Jacquie garnered many honours including being named an American Nurses Foundation Scholar and being invited to be a Founding Fellow of the Nightingale Society.

In retirement she became an active member of her church and community, sharing generously in the lives of those around her. She maintained a special passion for infants, children and education. She was an ardent traveller and enthusiast of the Arts. She will be remembered and missed by many.

In Jacquie’s honour, please join UBC Nursing colleagues and friends in contributing donations to the BSN Class of 1958 Bursary Fund, a lasting endowment to assist nursing students in financial need. Donations can be made by contacting Debbie Woo, Major Gifts Officer, at 604 822-6856 or debbie.woo@ubc.ca.

(Main text published in the Toronto Star on 7/11/2009)

Sally Phin Parker Hurst, BSN ‘59 (June 10, 1936 - April 24, 2009)

Sally Hurst, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away in April of 2009. A member of the BSN Class of ’59, Sally was a cherished alumni and always remained an active member of her alma mater.

Sally graduated from York House in 1954 and was a member of the Junior League. She worked extensively with families, and thus, enjoyed her years as a Community Health nurse in Vancouver. In mid-life she returned to UBC and obtained her Master of Social Work and thereafter practiced as a family therapist in her own clinic, Sally Hurst Counselling Services. She was a faculty member of Pacific Coast Family Instititute for many years, and taught and worked extensively using a Multigenerational (Family of Origin) approach.

She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Paul Gray), Victoria (Patrick Martin), and their father John Hurst; her granddaughters Sarah and Lisa Gray, Catherine and Jessica Martin; her sister Diana Graeber.

Sally lived her life and her death with strength and grace. She touched the lives and enriched the hearts of everyone she met. She will be forever missed by her family, friends, and clients, and will always be in our hearts.

Some of the above text has been borrowed from the memoriam on the Burquitlam Funeral Home web page.

Carmel Marion Chambers (August 1, 1933 - March 16, 2009)

Carmel Chambers, a devoted nurse, mother, grandmother, partner and friend will be truly missed. A passionate and determined woman in all that she did, Carmel is now at peace. Born in Australia, and a true Aussie always, she also put down roots in Canada and was loyally Canadian from her arrival in 1960. She grew up in the wide-open spaces of Larras Lee Station in New South Wales, trained as a nurse in Sydney, before embarking in worldly explorations. En route back to Australia she got sidetracked in Toronto by Bruce Chambers (who became her partner of 22 years), and since then lived in Ontario, Quebec, and B.C.

Besides working as a nurse in various places including Papua New Guinea and teaching at UBC and Kwantlen College, Carmel did an MA in adult education at UBC and was a reader, thinker, fixer of practically everything, builder of houses, a computer nerd, a dog and cat whisperer, and a passionate opera and classical music fan.

She will be missed by her children Karl (Sandy) and Mimi (Eddie) and her grandchildren Blake, Paige, Charlotte, Brooke; Bruce Chambers; Jean Wilson; and Hottie (the Calico cat). A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, March 31, at the Vancouver Unitarian Church.

Jean Dorgan (Nov 15, 1910 - Dec 2, 2008)

Jean Dorgan (BSN '34) died peacefully in hospital, with family and friends on December 2, 2008. Jean was born in New Wesminster in 1910 and lived much of her life there. She enrolled in UBC's nursing program during the Depression and specialized in public health. She graduated in 1934 and became a public health nurse in East Vancouver. In World War II she volunteered as a nursing sister, and enlisted in 1942. Upon return from service, Jean entered into the School of Social Work at the University of Toronto, graduating with a master's degree in 1949.

In 1956, Jean began work with the Federal Government, working in various departments as a vocational rehabilitation consultant and later, as head of the appeals section of the Canada Pension Plan. She retired in 1975 and after travelling for a year, returned to B.C. She remained an active member of her community.

The School of Nursing extends our condolences to the family and wishes to express appreciation for a life so wonderfully lived. Jean was a longstanding friend and supporter of the School, and a senior mentor to several generations of younger nurses. Her remarkable feisty spirit epitomized the best of public health nursing. We were cheered to hear that she was able to remain so productive and independent to her final days - an accomplishment all public health nurses would aspire to!

Lois Margaret Blais RN, MSN '96 February 6, 1938 - August 31, 2008

On August 31st, Lois Blais died peacefully at Vancouver's Marion Hospice. She will be greatly missed by her partner Dave Smith; her brother Ron and nieces Sandy and Becky, all from North Bay, Ontario where Lois was born and raised. Lois will also be missed and remembered by her many friends.

Lois began her career as a nurse at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto before moving west. She held many positions at St. Paul's Hospital throughout her career from Staff Nurse to Patient Care Manager, and worked at the Vancouver General and the BC Cancer Agency. In 1996 she received her master's degree in Nursing from the University of British Columbia and later became an adjunct professor for the School, offering her wise and skilled mentorship to students.

Among her many volunteer experiences Lois was a member of St. Paul Hospital's Ethics Committee, was active with and dedicated to the BC History of Nursing group, was a member of the UBC Nursing Xi Eta Chapter, and sat on the BCIT Med/Surg Advisory Committee. Lois was also heavily involved with the Langara College Holistic Health Program sitting on their advisory committee as member and also as chair.

Once holding the position of President of the Vancouver Chapter of the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia, Lois remained dedicated to that association after "work retirement" as well. She held executive positions on the board and on a number of committees including the Philosophy of Nursing Group and the Nursing Research Professional Practice Group. Lois also received an Award of Honour from the CRNBC in 1994.

Anyone who knew Lois knew she was ready with a smile and kind word. She held optimism and hope close to her heart and emanated a natural desire for those around her to feel content. An active member of many communities in her life, Lois also nourished her many talents. She was known as a poet, a dancer, teacher, historian and newspaper columnist just to name a few.

A memorial service will be held September 12th at 1 p.m. at Dunbar Heights United Church where Lois was an active and loved member of the congregation. (Dunbar is located at 24th Ave. and Collingwood, one block east of Dunbar).

In memory of Lois, please consider a donation to the B.C. History of Nursing, P.O. Box 72082, RPO Sasamat, Vancouver, V6R 4P2.

To view Lois' obituary in the Vancouver Sun please click on the following link:
http://www.legacy.com/can-vancouver/Obituaries.asp?Page=Notice&PersonID=116970896

Florence Adeline (Barbaree) Graham BASc '35

Florence Graham attended the School of Nursing's 85th Anniversary celebration in 2004 and captivated many with stories from her long career in public health nursing. Not only did she influence the field of nursing through her professional career, she also made an effort to stay in contact with students, and inspire them on their own nursing journey.

Nora Whyte, BSN '73, was first inspired by Florence when Nora was a grade eight student asking herself her first tentative questions about what she might like to be when she grew up. Florence was the Public Health Nurse who came to Nora's school to administer immunizations and encouraged Nora to explore Nursing by providing her with a patient ear and plenty of information. Later, as a UBC Nursing student, Florence influenced Nora's path once again by becoming Nora's practicum supervisor. Of working with students, Florence has said "it's just part and parcel of the job. You want to serve as a good role model and ensure that they get the best training and education they can get."

Right after graduation, Florence entered the work force as a Public Health nurse for the Vancouver Metropolitan Health Board, the New Westminster School Board and the Ministry of Health in Cowichan. After moving to Vancouver Island, Florence worked as the Night Supervisor at the Kings Daughters Hospital before returning to public health nursing with the Minsitry of Health at the Central Vancouver Island Health Unit, Margaret Moss Health Center.

Florence was a member of many health and nursing related boards, she loved her family and friends, and was a constant source of inspiration to students and nurses throughout the lower mainland, and especially at UBC.

Gail Beverly Bishop BSN '67, MSN '81

Gail Bishop, former nurse educator at the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing, died on February 15, 2008. Gail grew up in Toronto and earned her RN diploma from Toronto Western Hospital in 1961. She subsequently moved to British Columbia, earning her BSN and MSN from the UBC School of Nursing in 1967 and 1981 respectively. During the era of the collaborative VGH/UBC program, Gail served as the Director at the VGH site. After a successful five year period of collaboration, the Vancouver General Hospital decided in 1984 to withdraw its funding for nursing education. When the final cohort of students from that collaboration graduated in 1989, Gail stepped down from that position and her formal relationship with the School. However, she remained in close contact with us as a "Friend of the School of Nursing," and attended a number of events over the years. Throughout her career in BC, Gail was known as a dedicated caregiver and educator.

The UBC School of Nursing benefitted greatly from its relationship with Gail and is proud to have had her on our team.

Lyle Morrison Creelman (Aug 14, 1908 - Feb 27, 2007)

Lyle Morrison Creelman was a provincial, national, and international nursing leader of great distinction. On her retirement as Chief Nursing Officer of the World Health Organization in 1968, an editorial in ICN Calling, the news journal of the International Council of Nurses in Geneva, honored her many contribution, stating: "In [her] fourteen years [with WHO], she has probably achieved more for nursing throughout the world than any other nurse of her time."

Dr. Creelman was born August 14, 1908, in Upper Stewiacke, a farming area in Nova Scotia. She moved with her parents to Richmond, B.C., as a child, and eventually attended Vancouver Normal School to receive her teacher's certificate. Her first career was an elementary school teacher for three years. She then entered the degree nursing program at the University of British Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing in 1936. Her fi rst nursing job was as a public health nurse in Cranbrook, B.C., for a year; she then moved to the Metropolitan Health Committee (later the Vancouver Health Department). A Rockefeller scholarship in 1938 enabled her to attend Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York, and she graduated with a master's degree in nursing in 1939.

Her international nursing role began in 1944, near the end of World War II, when she was invited by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) to join its work. After nearly a year in England, she was appointed chief nurse in the British Zone of Occupied Germany. Her job was to organize nursing services to help care for the millions of people of many nationalities who have been displaced from their homes during the War.

In 1950, she was invited to become a nursing consultant, in maternal and child health, in the Nursing Department of the newly formed World Health Organization (WHO). In 1954, she succeeded a British colleague to become WHO's Chief Nursing Officer. During her work with WHO, she visited many countries, collaborated with many nations, and recruited many well-prepared nurses to initiate projects that later could be carried on alone by the individual country.

Dr. Creelman received many tributes some of which include an honorary doctorate (LLD) from the University of New Brunswick (1963), Canada's Centennial Medal (1967), she was named to the Order of Canada (1971), received a lifetime honorary membership from the Canadian Public Health Association (1972) and received an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of British Columbia (1992) as well as the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.

Of nursing, she wrote in 1943, and reiterated in the 1990s: "What of the future? It is to a very large extent in our own hands. We will make many errors, but as long as we know our goal and keep it ever in mind our future is bright and secure."

(Prepared by Glennis Zilm based largely on material she prepared for an entry for American Nursing: A Biographical Dictionary, edited by Vern Bullogh, Lilli Semtz, et al and published in 1999.)

Janet Gormick (1940 - April 27, 2006)

Janet Gormick, RN, BSc, MSN, Assistant Professor Emerita, who died on April 27, 2006, was a dedicated member of the School of Nursing faculty for 26 years. She played an active role in the development of the UBC Model for Nursing, worked on curriculum building and theory development, and supported clinical practice in psychiatry as well as community and family health.

"Janet was one of my teachers in the post-RN program," says Kathy O'Flynn-Magee, BSN '98, MSN '02, currently a Lecturer in the School. Kathy thinks the feedback Janet gave her on her final conceptual paper was foundational to her belief in herself, and her subsequent professional career. "She implied through her comments that I had the potential to move forward to graduate work." Kathy remembers that message each year at convocation when she wears the academic gown Janet passed down to her.

"Janet was involved in the history of nursing in order to appreciate the context in which nursing developed and grew toward uncovering and increasing its theoretical base," says Emerita faculty member, Dr. Mary Regester. "She understood that nursing is essentially the backbone of the health care system and was desirous of inculcating this knowledge and value in the students she taught." Mary remembers how Janet's sense of humour enlivened her interactions with her students and colleagues.

Emerita faculty member, Helen Shore, remembers that students looked up to Janet's wisdom and fund of knowledge, and that Janet thoroughly enjoyed her work with students. "When it came time to talk about her will, Janet thought about her own days as a student," says Helen. "She received a number of awards and scholarships and reflected on how much they meant to her, saying, "If it hadn't been for awards, I never could have gone to school." I think she wanted to leave a similar legacy to students." According to Helen, the ideal recipients will not only love learning, but will want to contribute in some way to developing nursing knowledge and practice.

The inaugural recipients of The Janet Gormick Memorial Scholarships, one each year for an undergraduate and a graduate student, are Sonia Orenchuk and Lyle Grant, respectively.

Sonia says the award will motivate her academically and will inspire her to cultivate her nursing skills and philosophy (along with relieving the anxiety associated with increasing costs of education). "I felt extremely honoured and privileged to be the recipient of this award. I was told a little about Janet Gormick and realize she was an exceptional person. Not only was her friendship dear to faculty members, but she was also very dedicated to and involved in the School."

"Receiving this kind of scholarship helps to boost a sense of recommitment to my academic work," says Lyle Grant, BSN '04, MSN '07, a doctoral student whose particular passion is finding ways in which nursing can contribute to improving the health trajectories of persons with severe mental illness. "I look forward to my research making valuable contributions to health promotion and health services provision to a variety of disenfranchised or vulnerable populations."

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