Sylvia M. Barker, MA, RN

Sylvia M. Barker, 99, died peacefully at her home in Manhattan, surrounded by close friends. She was a giant among professional nurses of her generation, graduation from the Mount Sinai Hospital SON in 1836 and for more than 50 years served in various leadership positions at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. She served as Assoc. Director of Nursing until 1984, when she stepped down to continue her service to Mount Sinai as a consultant to Nursing Administration until her retirement in 1994. She was widely recognized for her distinguished work in advancing the areas of risk management, quality assurance, and labor relations in nursing.

She earned her BSN and MA degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. She received numerous awards throughout her long career: the Jane Delano Distinguished Service Award (New York Counties Registered Nurses Association, District 13, NYSNA) in 1982; the Distinguished Alumna Award from the Alumna Assoc. of the Mount Sinai Hospital SON in 1990; the R. Louise McManus Medal for Nursing Service from Teachers College in 1994; and the Distinguished Membership Award from the American Nurses Association in 1998. With Marjorie Lewis, BS, RN, Miss Barker co-authored The Sinai Nurse, which described 150 years of nursing experience, invented devices to facilitate patient care and was the esteemed and beloved teacher of many generations of nursing students and co-workers.

Her passionate dedication to the profession included holding positions as president of Nurses House, the only national organization that aids nurses in distress. She served as president and also a board member of the Alumna Assoc. of the Mount Sinai Hospital SON. As a member of the bylaws committee NYSNA, she was an acknowledged leader in the development and revision of bylaws for nursing organizations.

Miss Barker was an active member and leader for sixty years of The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, United Methodist, in Manhattan. In the 1970s, she helped found the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, now the largest emergency food program in NYC and a pioneering Meals on Wheels Program now serving 500 seniors six days a week. She was instrumental in founding the church’s homeless shelter for women and after-school tutoring program. Miss Barker was a national leader in the United Methodist denomination in civil rights, gay rights, and interfaith work. She will be missed by all whose professional and personal lives were touched by her brilliance and generosity of spirit.

Mary Elizabeth Carnegie, PhD, RN

Dr. Carnegie died suddenly at her home in Maryland on February 20, 2008. A 1937 graduate of Lincoln Hospital School for Nurses, she earned her Ph.D. from New York University. Dr. Carnegie, dedicated to breaking down barriers encountered by black nurses, led by example thus furthering the impact of black nurses on the profession. She became the first dean of the Florida A&M University School of Nursing. As President of the Florida State chapter of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) in 1948 and a “courtesy member” of the Florida State Nurses Association, Dr. Carnegie fought segregation by “ignoring the rules of the day” demonstrating that one person can make a difference in breaking down the walls of segregation. She often cited the wisdom imparted to her by her mentor Mabel Keaton Staupers. Dr. Carnegie continued to mentor young nurses throughout her life. Author of The Path We Tread: Blacks in Nursing Worldwide, Dr. Carnegie received eight honorary degrees. In 1977, Hampton University named its repository with memorabilia on minority nurses “The M. Elizabeth Carnegie Nursing Archives.” She was inducted into the Halls of Fame of the Nursing Education Alumnae Association of Teachers College, Columbia University, West Virginia State University, the Florida State Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association.

Susan J. Fraley, MS, RN

Susan Fraley passed away at her home on Saturday, March 26, 2011. A highly distinguished and respected nursing leader, Ms. Fraley dedicated her career to improving the health care delivery system and patient care, advancing the nursing profession and enhancing its capacity to serve society. As a Trustee, Vice-President, President, Deputy Executive Director and Executive Director of the Foundation of New York State Nurses, she made extraordinary contributions to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission and strengthening its programming. Ms. Fraley was a skilled nursing clinician and held senior nursing executive positions in hospitals and other healthcare organizations. She also served as Executive Director of Nurses House, President of the New York State Nurses Association, Co-President of the Northeastern Organization of Nurse Executives, a member of the Board of Directors of the Capital District Nurses Association, a member of the Russell Sage Colleges of Nursing Advisory Council, and in various elected and appointed capacities in numerous other nursing and community organizations. She received the Northeastern New York Organization of Nurse Executives Excellence in Programming Award, the New York State Nurses Association Nursing Service Administration and Legislative Awards and the Capital District Nurses Association Distinguished Member Award.

In announcing her death, her family noted, “Susan was well known for her passion for all living things. As a longstanding member of the African Violet Society and a certified master judge of African Violet displays, she loved growing things and teaching others about caring for them. Her love for not only her own animals but for all animals was always a defining characteristic of who she was.”

Joan Madden Wilson, President of the Foundation of New York State Nurses, commented, “Susan was an accomplished and dedicated nursing leader. Her distinguished contributions to advancing the nursing profession and promoting excellence in its services will live in perpetuity. On behalf of the Foundation Board of Trustees, I reiterate our profound appreciation for her services to the Foundation and our deepest condolences to her family.”

Ms. Fraley was predeceased by her husband William J. Fraley, Jr. She is survived by her stepchildren Linda and Tim Dowen, William Fraley, III, Charles and Susan Fraley, Susan and Mark Scaringe and Gloria and Craig Herrmann as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to The Family of Susan Fraley, c/o Gloria Herrmann, 47 Joy Drive, Loudonville, NY 12211.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation of New York State Nurses, 2113 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY 12084. The Foundation Board of Trustees plans to dedicate a garden in remembrance of Susan on the grounds of the Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing, probably in late June. Joan Madden Wilson stated, “Given Susan’s passion for both flowers and the Foundation, this seems a most appropriate tribute to her.”

Janet P. Mance, DLH (Hon.), MN, RN

Dr. Mance was born in Elmira, NY on March 15, 1931, and died in Rochester, NY, on June 5, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. James E. Mance; and her daughter, Sharon (Mance) Yohe. Dr. Mance is survived by her son, Kenneth (Linda) Mance, son-in-law, Robert Yohe; sister, Florence Landon; grandchildren, Angela (Joseph) Ruta, Kelly (Chris) Bonanno, Tami (Edward) Mascadri, Chris (Terri) Yohe, and Amy Phillips; her great-grandchildren, Alexander, Anthony, Alivia, Ava, Jackson, Madalyn, Maria, Giovanni, and Daniel; many nieces and nephews, including nephew Ron Landon, niece Brenda Reckart, and great-nephew, Cody Reckart; special friends, Jerry & Sue Lang and Cathryne Welch, & many other friends and family.*

Dr. Mance graduated from Elmira College with her Baccalaureate in Nursing degree and from Yale University with her Master in Nursing degree.  As an Educator and through her work with Governor Mario Cuomo in the 1970’s and 80’s, Dr. Mance made it her lifelong commitment to improve the field of nursing and strove to ensure nursing was respected as a true profession.  As a member of the Genesee Valley and the New York State Nurses Associations, she championed the professionalization of the nursing.  Dr. Mance was Director of Nursing at Highland Hospital and Asst. Director of Nursing and Instructor at The University of Rochester before going to work as the Director of the NYS Nurses Association Legislative Program. She retired from that position and joined Keuka College in 1991 as an Adjunct Professor. She served as Interim Chair of Keuka’s Division of Nursing and Nursing Program Administrator. In 2010, Dr. Mance received the Yale School of Nursing’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Nursing Education and Legislation.  In the same year, Keuka College conferred upon Mance the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.*

Dr. Mance was a Founding Member of the Foundation of New York State Nurses. She served on the Board of Trustees (1975-2013), President of the Board of Trustees (1992-1997), and Trustee Emerita from 2013 until the time of her death.

Upon learning of her colleague’s death, Joan Madden Wilson, President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees issued this statement:

The Foundation of New York State Nurses mourns with profound sorrow the passing of our friend and colleague Janet Mance.  Janet was a Founding Member of the Foundation of New York State Nurses and was a past President of the Board of Trustees.  We shall miss her warmth and kindness and her active participation in Foundation issues.  Personally, I shall miss her counsel on administrative strategy and her thoughts about our mutual interest in opera and how much she enjoyed her visits to New York City.

*Some information obtained from obituary published in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle as posted on www.burgerfuneralhome.com

Erline P. McGriff, EdD, RN, FAAN

Dr. McGriff’s involvement in the Foundation began when it was established in 1975 and extended throughout her life. During service as an active Trustee in the Foundation’s formative years, Dr. McGriff was looked to and counted upon for inspiration, wise counsel and undaunted leadership in advancing the Foundation’s mission and work. Her creativity, intellect, and vision helped shape and advance all of the Foundation’s programmatic thrusts. When a period of ill health required her to resign, the Board recognized her extraordinary contributions by designating her an Honorary Trustee. Subsequently, when she was again well and strong, she accepted, with great zest, appointment as General Chair of the Foundation’s $3.5 million Healing Hands Campaign.

Her leadership of that campaign was brilliant, crucial – and highly successful. Dr. McGriff was truly gifted in ways too numerous to count. Among her most visible gifts were uncommon grace, astonishing generosity, and inimitable style. She gave of these and her many other gifts of self without measure. Without exaggeration, her leadership in and contribution to the Foundation were transformational

In November 2004, in recognition of her extraordinary and sustained contributions to the Foundation, the family of Veronica M. Driscoll and the Foundation Board of Trustees selected Dr. McGriff to receive the Driscoll Award. In the award citation, Dr. Driscoll’s niece Madeline Driscoll Sicko and Foundation President Patricia Perry stated, “Like Veronica M. Driscoll, your imprimatur on the Foundation’s growth, development and achievements is indelible. Like Veronica M. Driscoll, your courage, creativity, vision and dedication have helped preserve the nursing profession’s proud heritage and ensure its continuing capacity to serve society.”

Kathleen Hoover Papes, PhD, RN

Dr. Papes died suddenly at home on February 21, 2008. A graduate of Saint Mary of Nazareth School of Nursing in Chicago, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Russell Sage College, her master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University and her doctorate from Florida Atlantic University. She served as Director of both the Legislative and Economic and General Welfare Programs of the New York State Nurses Association, earning statewide and national respect for her dedicated and tireless efforts to advance the nursing profession, improve conditions for practicing nurses and increase recognition of autonomous nursing practice. She subsequently served as Deputy Director, Sigma Theta Tau International. In 1989 she joined the faculty of the Barry University School of Nursing in Miami Shore, FL and rose steadily through the ranks, holding the positions of Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs at the time of her death. An active community member, she was involved in the League of Women Voters, the Nature Conservancy, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and several other organizations. Dr. Papes’ honors include induction into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers, NYSNA’s highest honor – Honorary Recognition, the American Nurses Association’s Shirley Titus Award, The Barry University School of Nursing Teaching Award and numerous additional Barry University Awards.

Laura Simms, EdD, RN

The Foundation mourns the loss of Dr. Simms who died peacefully on January 31, 2009, at her cherished home in Kent, Connecticut, with loving friends at her side. Dr. Simms celebrated her 90th birthday on January 4, 2009.  An Incorporator of the Foundation of New York State Nurses, Dr. Simms served as its first President and subsequently as a Trustee-at-large. She spearheaded the drive to construct the Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing and shepherded development of the Foundation’s program centers for nursing history, public education and nursing research.  Upon her resignation as an active Trustee, the Board of Trustees designated her as a Trustee Emeritus. At the ceremony to celebrate the early retirement of the mortgage on the Center for Nursing, the Board of Trustees recognized Dr. Simms’ extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Foundation.

Dr. Simms was a towering leadership figure in the nursing profession. Those of us who were privileged to work with her and witness her extraordinary leadership can attest that her passion for and dedication to excellence in nursing were boundless. Dr. Simms chaired the 1969 New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Special Committee to Study the Nurse Practice Act. That Committee’s work resulted in the 1972 landmark revised legal definition of professional nursing practice which, for the first time in history, specified the diagnostic privilege and autonomous nature of nursing practice. The definition became a model for practice acts in other states and countries and was incorporated into the American Nurses Association’s “The Social Contract.” Dr. Simms later served as President and Director-at-large of NYSNA. Prior to entering nursing through the Cadet Corps program, Dr. Simms taught high school English. Her initial nursing preparation was at Parkland Hospital School of Nursing Dallas, Texas, and she earned her Masters at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. She came to New York to seek additional education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned her Doctorate of Education Degree. While serving as Director, Department of Surgical Nursing at New York – Cornell University Medical Center and Professor of Surgical Nursing, Cornell University- New York Hospital School of Nursing, Dr. Simms pioneered the role of the Clinical Nursing Specialist. Her doctoral dissertation, “The Clinical Nursing Specialist,” details the significance of this role in the delivery of quality nursing and healthcare. Dr. Simms was an untiring community leader in Kent, Connecticut. She assisted in establishing a nutrition center for senior citizens, served on the Kent Scholarship Committee, chaired the Kent Garden Society (leading a Daffodil Festival which resulted in the planting of more than 10,000 bulbs throughout the village) and was a member of the Kent Quilting Society. A beautiful quilt she handstitched in her 80th year graces the front wall of the Board Room at the Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing.  Among Dr. Simms’ numerous honors and awards are Honorary Recognition, NYSNA’s highest award; The Driscoll Award, FNYSN’s highest award; and, The R. Louise McManus Medal, the highest award of the Nursing Education Alumni Association, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Margaret G. Tyson, RN, EdD

The Foundation notes with great sorrow the passing of an extraordinary Foundation friend. Our sadness is tempered by our profound appreciation of her lifelong wonderful gifts of self. Margaret G. Tyson entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 25, 2008. “Peg,” as she was affectionately known, was a beloved and inspirational nursing leader. Among the positions she held were Deanships at the University of Virginia, Hunter Bellevue and Binghamton University Schools of Nursing. She also served as Associate Director, Department of Nursing, Teachers College, Columbia University. Gracious, calm and poised in demeanor, she quietly, but forcefully expressed and demonstrated the highest personal and professional standards. Her impact on colleagues, students, the nursing profession, family and friends from all walks of life is immeasurable.

Dr. Tyson served as an active and Honorary Trustee of the Foundation and was the recipient of its highest honor, The Driscoll Award. In comments conferring the Driscoll Award, Susan Fraley noted:

“Margaret Tyson is, without question, one of the Foundation’s most extraordinary supporters. From the moment of the Foundation’s establishment in 1975 she vigorously supported its mission and programming. As an active member of the Board of Trustees she gave perceptive and wise counsel and guidance to a fledgling organization struggling to find its balance and rhythm.”