ANNA Nightingale Tributes
As the members of ANNA approach our 55th Anniversary Celebration, we cannot help but look back and appreciate our founding members and all those who have followed in their footsteps striving to fulfill ANNA's mission. In doing so, we realize that so many who brought us to where we are today are no longer with us. ANNA would like to memorialize and honor those giants who formed us, moved us forward, and left behind a legacy to guide us into the future of Nephrology Nursing!
ANNA members, please continue to submit your tributes!
Submit ANNA Nightingale Tribute
Donna Carlton Casey
August 31, 2017
Donna was an active member of ANNA and passionate about vascular access for patients. We miss her expertise and friendship.
Hazel Taylor Chapter 239
Marilyn Eilert
December 20, 2019
Marilyn was the spirit of leadership during several decades of ANNA. Her cheerleader energy and guidance to the chapters was incredible.
Molly Cahill, Donna Bednarski & Donna Painter
Rosanna Victoria Atienza
March 10, 2014
Rosanna was a strong leader, hard worker, compassionate, and skilled dialysis/transplant RN. She was a brave cancer warrior with a big heart & joyful laugh. We will always remember you.
ANNA 503 Pacific Northwest Chapter
Janie Martinez
May 24, 2018
Janie had a great attitude about her role in ANNA and loved her San Antonio Chapter. She loved doing the regional parties. She was a treasure on the BOD
Molly Cahill, Donna Bednarski & Donna Painter
Barbara Prowant
March 07, 2009
Barb taught the world about CAPD. She was also a beneficent NN leader, a prolific author, and an incredible editor for nephrology scientific/nursing journals and textbooks! She is greatly missed!
Leonor Ponferrada, Glenda Payne, Lesley Dinwiddie
June McClernan
December 26, 2023
Gordon Keller School of Nursing in 1961.
Founded TGH dialysis unit; retiring in 1996.
USF dialysis until 2001.
Served as Treasurer & contributing member.
Nursing license remained active until death.
ANNA Suncoast Chapter 213
Frank Borsey
April 23, 2017
Frank Borsey was a teddybear of a guy and was loved by all who worked with him. He was a Chapter Leader, a mover, and a shaker. We miss him.
Alamo City Chapter 205
Pat Weiskittel
April 29, 2011
Pat was short in stature but made up for that in leadership and presence. She was respected in the transplant field and in the association for her enormous contributions
Molly Cahill & Donna Bednarski
Mollie Harrison
April 12, 2016
Nephrology Nursing was her passion. A member since 1984. She started ANNA's Master's City chapter serving as their first chapter President. Her proudest accomplishment was Southeast Regional Chapter Coordinator.
Glinda Stricklin, BSN, RN, CNN
Helen Williams
July 01, 2023
Helen was a past leader of ANNA she was a champion for Acute Care. She a past SPN leader, published author with a beautiful smile & kind heart.
Molly Cahill
Deborrah K. Ferguson
May 02, 2022
When I met Debbie, she was FKC's regulatory manager, she took me under her wing and taught me so much. I just learned of her passing, she's now my angel.
Jovohn Belle, SR Manager, Clinical Education, Fresenius
Janel Parker
August 26, 2003
Janel was a passionate, inspirational, and fun loving nephrology nursing visionary and past ANNA president. She pioneered the concept, structure, and process of nephrology nursing certification and lead early efforts.
Gail Wick, Karen Robbins, and Sandy Bodin
Mary Houglum
July 08, 2019
Mary was an amazing cheerleader and motivator for the chapters. She was always at the National Symposium and greeting her friends from around the country with warm hugs
Molly Cahill & Donna Bednarski
Patricia (Patti) B. Salai
November 23, 2020
As a dynamic nephrology NP and CNS, Patti held many leadership positions across ANNA. She was also a prolific nurse educator and scholar, whose publications continue to advance nephrology nursing.
Mary Ann Gould and Helen Currier
Juanita "Janie" Martinez
May 24, 2018
Janie was a tireless ANNA member, colleague and friend. She mentored many, and served her chapter and the members of ANNA with love.
Cindy Richards, Sara Kennedy and Susan Bridger
Alex Jay Rosenblum
May 01, 2022
Alex Rosenblum
Alex Rosenbaum was a legendary member of the ANNA Dallas Chapter. Alex served as the QI Manager for ESRD Network 14 and known for his animated educational presentations.
Nenita Cuellar & Gail Dewald/ANNA Dallas Chapter 208
Annette Frauman
April 12, 2020
NN educator extraordinaire - she taught me that it takes nurses to teach nurses, that nursing is teaching, and there's a difference between teaching and nagging! Thank you, Annette!
Lesley Dinwiddie
Patricia Weiskittel
April 29, 2011
Pat was my extraordinary Nephrology mentor. If not for her I would not have been an active ANNA member since 1989.
Maryam Lyon MSN RN CNNe
Lillian "Lil" Ruth Gibson, BSN, RN
November 02, 2020
Lil worked her last 17 years at Dialysis Center of Lincoln as a nurse and vascular access coordinator. She was known for her kindness and her positivity. Both were contagious!
Platte River Chapter #324
Sally Burrows Hudson
July 21, 2014
Sally was an incredible mentor to so many. Her leadership and guidance were an inspiration. Her writing and accomplishments are endless
Molly Cahill, Donna Bednarski & Donna Painter
Sally Burrow-Hudson
July 28, 2014
Sally, ANNA president 1990-1991, was a dedicated advocate for patients in the ESRD Networks, quality assurance, research, and safety and a fierce proponent of continuing education for all nurses.
Glenda Payne, Donna Syracuse, Lesley Dinwiddie
Deloris Jean Gill-McCarthy
September 13, 2021
Deloris was one of the first dialysis nurses in Oklahoma. She was an encyclopedia of dialysis and a mentor to many. She introduced ANNA to me. She is greatly missed.
Barbara L. McKie Northeast Oklahoma Chapter 256
Mary K Houglum
July 08, 2019
Mary was an educator at heart. She worked hard everyday to teach and train new nephrology nurses and celebrated every win with them.
Elizabeth St John
Frank Borsey, Jr.
April 23, 2017
Frank was an amazing nurse and amazing friend. He served ANNA tirelessly for many years, and he is truly missed. He was a member of the Alamo City Chapter.
Cindy Richards and Susan Bridger
Barbara Prowant
March 07, 2009
I was fortunate to have Barb as my mentor and friend. She was a wealth of knowledge and compassion. She was a life long ambassador for Nephrology Nursing.
LaVonne Burrows
Sara Garza
July 04, 2021
Sara was a long-term member of ANNA (since 1988). She managed dialysis clinics, taught PD for Baxter, and was Home Therapy Director for US Renal Care. Alamo City misses her.
Alamo City Chapter 205
Janel Parker - Past president 1986-1987
August 26, 2003
A quintessential leader, she possessed the essential qualities: personal integrity; a strong moral compass; clear professional values/goals; ability to listen to diverse opinions through the best and worst of times.
Geraldine Biddle
Dr. Kim Schafer Astroth
September 04, 2023
Dr. Astroth was an excellent, caring mentor to Research Committee members. Despite her health challenges, she maintained an optimistic attitude that inspired others.
Kelly Dyar
Jan Brondyke
March 01, 2014
Jan was God's servant and changed many lives during her nursing career. She was everyone's best friend and never missed a chance to make funny comments. We miss you friend.
Gail Dewald
Linda Smith
October 14, 2022
Anyone who worked with Linda on a committee has a million stories. All are fun! Her work dedication to education and professional practice was impeccable. Huge supporter of Nephrology Nurses
Molly Cahill, Donna Bednarski & Donna Painter
Janel Parker - Past president 1986-1987
August 26, 2003
Vivacious, vibrant, effective, Janel's leadership ushered in a new era of education for ANNA including the first Core Curriculum, Scope and Standards of Practice, and NNCB - Gone too soon!
Lesley Dinwiddie
Donna Carlton Casey
August 31, 2017
Donna was a wonderful nephrology nurse, colleague and friend. She was a wealth of knowledge about dialysis accesses and always willing to share her knowledge.
Cindy Richards / Hazel Taylor Chapter of ANNA
Janel Parker
August 26, 2003
ANNA President Janel Parker was a force of nature in her efforts to improve nephrology nursing and the care of nephrology patients.
Beth Ulrich
Gloria Scharf Beedie
August 25, 2001
Gloria was such a fun part of the regional team in the 90's, always part of the chapter support team. Her family honored her for several years with scholarships
Molly Cahill & Donna Bednarski
Janie Martinez
May 24, 2018
Janie was one of our Chapter leaders who gave her heart and soul to assist others. She won multiple national ANNA awards. We miss her dearly!
Alamo City Chapter 205
Patricia Sordillo
January 18, 2023
Our colleague and mentor Pat was a beacon for nephrology nursing education and kidney patients. Her delightful humor and kindness brought a smile to all who worked with her.
Fresenius Clinical Support Specialists
Marilyn Eilert
December 20, 2019
Marilyn was not just a nephrology nurse but a mentor, friend, leader, ANNA advocate, and source of inspiration. Jersey North thanks you as we continue your legacy
ANNA Jersey North 126
Sonia Fish
October 24, 2023
Sonia was a Friend, Leader, and compassionate Nurse. She will be missed. Gone too soon.
Bluegrass Chapter 322
Patricia "Pat" Sordillo
Pat was a mentor for me when my company was purchased by Fresenius and I will always fondly remember her for welcoming me and helping me during the transition.
Sheila Deziel - Desert Vista 501
Laura Hojnacki
December 11, 2022
Laura loved being a nephrology nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. She was a bright and shining star, always learning, teaching, and caring. Dance on, Laura!
Irene Krall on behalf of ANNA #503 PNW
Jean Nardini
May 23, 2005
Jean was a past president and known for her wit and sense of humor. She was a Boston girl and her accent her trademark
Molly Cahill & Donna Bednarski
Barbara Prowant
March 07, 2009
Barb taught the world about CAPD. She was a beneficient NN leader and mentor, a prolific author and incredible editor for nephrology scientific/nursing journals and textbooks! She is greatly missed!"
Leonor Ponferrada, Glenda Payne, Lesley Dinwiddie