Evelyn Emma Nicholson

Evelyn Emma Nicholson, 83 years, 2 months and 11 days, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009.
Evelyn was born May 8, 1926 to Clarence and Hilda Nicholson. She graduated from Moline High School, and Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses in Illinois, she began her nursing career in 1947, earned her BSN from Augustana College and was awarded her MSN Degree from Boston University.
Evelyn moved to Chicago excepting a position of Director of Nursing of Education at Passavant Hospital. She was one of the forces instrumental in achieving a successful merger by Passavant and Wesley Memorial to form Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
In 1973, Evelyn became Director of the Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines. She strove untiringly to improve standards of patient care. She organized the only division of Continuing Education for RNs and LPNs to be operated by a hospital school for nurses in Iowa.
As a nurse leader in Central Iowa, she was directly involved in the development of reinitiating the nursing program at Drake University where she continued to serve on the advisory board until her retirement in 1987.
Under the sponsorship of the National League for Nurses and as a member of the Board of Review for Accreditation of Diploma Schools, Evelyn worked diligently and successfully to improve the education of nurses.
After retiring, Evelyn unselfishly volunteered time at the hospital, the Salvation Army, the Festival of Trees, the Planned Parenthood book sale, and taught an arthritics exercise class at her church. She enjoyed traveling, visiting friends, cooking and playing bridge. Evelyn was a member of the Wakonda Christian Church and the Eastern Star as well as many other organizations related to her profession.
Evelyn committed her professional and personal life to nursing education. She had a positive and vital impact on the nursing profession and especially upon those embarking on a nursing career. It is impossible to estimate the thousands of people who have benefited from her commitment.
Evelyn is survived by her sister-in-law, Arlene Nicholson Roberts; niece, Patricia Youngquist; grand-nephew, Paul G.C. Smith; and grand-niece Christina Murray, all of California. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Clifford Nicholson.
A time for friends to visit at the Wakonda Church in Des Moines from 9 to 11 am with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2009. A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Greenview Memorial Gardens, 1201 Ave. of the city, East Moline, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to IMMC Nursing Education, Des Moines, IA or Trinity College of Nursing, Rock Island, IL.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print