#Memory care Milton Georgia

[seniorlivingsuwanee1]

Comprehensive Guide to Senior Living and Assisted Care: Alpharetta, Suwanee, Milton, and Duluth GA

Choosing the right senior living or assisted care facility is crucial for ensuring the well-being and quality of life for seniors. The areas of Alpharetta, Suwanee, Milton, and Duluth, GA, offer a wide array of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care. This guide will provide an overview of the options available, helping you find the perfect fit for your loved ones.

Senior Living in Alpharetta, GA

Senior living in Alpharetta, GA is known for its vibrant communities that cater to various needs, from independent living to assisted care. The facilities here are designed to provide seniors with comfort, safety, and engagement through diverse social and recreational activities. Many of the assisted living in Alpharetta, GA facilities also offer on-site healthcare services, ensuring that seniors receive timely medical attention when needed.

Senior Living in Suwanee, GA

For those looking for senior living in Suwanee, Georgia, you���ll find a range of facilities that prioritize both independent living and assisted living in Suwanee, GA. These communities are ideal for seniors who prefer a quieter environment, with easy access to medical care and day-to-day assistance. Assisted living in Suwanee, Georgia provides personalized care services, helping seniors with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Assisted Living in Alpharetta, GA

When looking for assisted living in Alpharetta, GA, it’s important to find a facility that can cater to both physical and emotional well-being. Many of the senior living near Alpharetta, GA options offer a mix of assisted and independent living units, allowing seniors to transition smoothly as their care needs change. These facilities provide top-notch care, ensuring that each resident receives the attention and support they require.

Assisted Living in Suwanee, GA

In Suwanee, the assisted living communities are dedicated to providing quality care in a comfortable setting. Assisted living in Suwanee, GA offers a range of services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and personalized care plans tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Senior living near Suwanee, Georgia also gives seniors access to vibrant local communities, keeping them socially active and engaged.

Memory Care in Suwanee, Georgia

For seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia, memory care in Suwanee, Georgia is a critical service. Specialized memory care facilities are equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by memory loss conditions, providing safe, secure environments where residents receive individualized care. Staff in memory care in Suwanee, GA are trained to offer cognitive therapies and engage residents in activities that enhance memory retention.

Memory Care in Alpharetta, GA

Similar to Suwanee, memory care in Alpharetta, GA offers a secure environment where seniors with cognitive decline can receive specialized care. Memory care facilities ensure that residents maintain their dignity and independence while being supported in daily activities. The staff in memory care near Alpharetta, GA focus on creating a compassionate and supportive atmosphere that enhances residents' quality of life.

Senior Living in Milton, GA

For those looking for senior living in Milton, GA, there are a variety of communities that offer both independent and assisted living options. These facilities are designed to foster a sense of community while providing top-notch care. Senior Living in Milton, Georgia also caters to seniors who want to remain active, offering a range of recreational activities and wellness programs.

Assisted Living in Milton, GA

The assisted living in Milton, GA facilities are dedicated to providing personalized care that meets the needs of each resident. These communities ensure that seniors have access to essential services like medical care, physical therapy, and assistance with daily activities. Whether you're looking for senior living in Milton, Georgia, or assisted living in Milton, GA, these facilities provide a warm and caring environment.

Memory Care in Milton, Georgia

For families searching for memory care in Milton, Georgia, there are excellent facilities that offer specialized care for seniors with memory loss conditions. Memory care in Milton, GA focuses on creating a supportive environment that promotes the safety, comfort, and well-being of residents. The staff here are trained to provide individualized care while helping residents stay engaged with their surroundings.

Assisted Living in Duluth, GA

Assisted living in Duluth, GA is perfect for seniors who need help with daily tasks but still want to retain their independence. These communities provide support with day-to-day activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, allowing residents to enjoy their golden years without the stress of managing everyday chores.

Memory Care in Duluth, Georgia

For those dealing with dementia or other memory-related conditions, memory care in Duluth, Georgia offers specialized care that focuses on the unique needs of these individuals. Memory care near Duluth, GA provides a safe and structured environment where residents can receive the attention and support they need while preserving their quality of life.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for senior living near Suwanee, Georgia, or assisted living near Alpharetta, GA, these areas offer a range of options designed to meet the unique needs of seniors. With dedicated memory care units and assisted living facilities available in Milton, Duluth, Suwanee, and Alpharetta, GA, families can find the ideal community to support their loved ones. Each location offers high-quality care, ensuring that seniors live comfortably, safely, and happily in their chosen environment.

[junipernight]

I stopped liveblogging Hurricane Milton somewhere around the eye, because there was too much going on, but I do want to write it down for my own sake, so here we go:

______________________________________________________

So the eye had come and gone. My wind chimes began to chime again, heralding the return of the wind, and soon the storm was as strong as it had been before, shrieking through the trees and making deep bass noises as it pushed against our apartment building.

We'd been spared the worst of the noise during the first part of the storm, because the wind had been buffeting the opposite side of the building, blowing from SE. The wind had been so strong then that it blew the rain into my neighbors' apartments in a steady stream around the edges of their tightly closed windows and doors. Now, the wind had shifted to come from the NW, and was forcing its way around our doors.

There was an ominous scraping noise. It was completely dark outside the window — no moon, no stars, no streetlights, only the sporadic green flare of exploding transformers. Inside the apartment wasn't much brighter. We couldn't see what was causing the sound, but Little Sister thought maybe the patio screen had been ripped off, staple by staple. The wind got louder and louder. A frantic knocking sounded at the door — it was our upstairs neighbor Bea and her eight-week-old puppy.

We ushered her in. She was apologetic about coming, but said she had wanted to get downstairs because "the wind was starting to sound tornado-y." I was glad she'd come, because I'd offered our downstairs apartment as a tornado shelter before, and also because the conversation was a welcome distraction from the wind. Sister was glad she'd come because she likes puppies. We talked and watched the transformers blow up for a while. There were so many of them... it was a little like that scene in Lilo and Stitch, when Stitch crash lands and the sky pulses with green light and Lilo thinks it's a shooting star. It was like a hundred experiment 626's crash-landed on Earth that night.

Something went Boom! and shook the building.

I was sure a tree had fallen on something or someone. We ran into the hall to see if everyone was okay. Almost everyone else was in the hall too, trying to figure out what caused the boom. One neighbor wasn't answering her door. She's an older lady, and she's starting to have some memory problems. She seemed the most nervous about the storm. We knocked on her door multiple times. I was afraid that maybe she'd had a medical emergency in there, but I couldn't just break into my neighbor's apartment to see if she'd had a heart attack or been squished by an oak tree or something. Another neighbor, Tea thought maybe Elder Neighbor was asleep and decided to text her.

Bea was worried because when she'd grabbed the puppy and ran, she’d been in such a hurry that she'd forgotten to blow out her candles, and she didn't want to leave live fire unattended with cats. I asked if she wanted to bring the cats down too, but she said they were hiding and we probably wouldn't be able to get them out. She also apparently had a fish tank she'd left on her balcony, tucked behind a wall, that she no longer thought was safe.

Was I incredulous that Bea had left anything, let alone living creatures, outside during a hurricane? Yes. Do I think this was irresponsible? Yes. But Bea had just driven home from Georgia the day before and was taking care of a new 8-week-old, so I’m trying not to judge.

So me, Bea, Little Sister and Baby Puppy all climb the stairs to Bea's apartment, carrying flashlights and solar lanterns, and then Bea does the unthinkable. She does the thing you're not supposed to do.

She opens a door during a hurricane.

She slides open the sliding glass door to her balcony in the middle of the eyewall, and goes outside to grab her fishtank.

Earlier that day, I had learned about a different neighbor, in a different building, during a different hurricane, who once opened a door into the storm; the wind ripped the door off it's hinges and put it in a tree.

Bea goes out into the hurricane, picks up her fish tank, and carries it in, while my sister and I stand ready to slide the door shut the moment she's back inside. And we do shut it, but this stupid balcony curtain is in the way, and it's blocking the latch. We have to crack open the door again and again, and try to push the curtain back out, but the wind is a sustained 80mph, and even with both of us we cannot force the curtain to stay outside, so we get it away from the latch and slam the door shut with half the curtain poking through. But it latches, so that's that.

That’s about when the gutter finally snapped free of it's moorings, and started flapping around outside Bea's balcony like a 40 foot metal kite. I took a picture, Bea blew out her candles, and we went back down to my unit.

The partially-ripped-off gutter was long enough to be seen from my floor, so we sat in the living room and watched the gutter flap and the transformers blow for a while, all the while hoping the gutter wouldn’t punch a hole in either someone’s windshield or my patio door. Eventually, Bea decided that the wind had gone down enough, and she went home.

I kept watching the window from the couch, and Little Sister did the same from the floor, where she was soothing her pets: Cat did not like being in the carrier one bit. Rabbit was eating hay like it was just another Wednesday. The gutter broke away and disappeared.

More transformers lit up the horizon, mostly green, some purple. One transformer was very very close when it blew out, somewhere behind us; it didn’t just light the sky, it temporarily illuminated all the other buildings in the apartment. The gutter blew back towards us, dragging along the sidewalk. It went back and forth several times before being caught underneath some cars in the parking lot.

Another transformer blew, and this one was different. This one was orange. This one didn’t go out after a few seconds, or half a minute tops. This orange glow on the horizon flickered.

Something was on fire. Something close. Across the street, maybe.

We were in the south side of the storm at this point, which for Hurricane Milton happened to be the dry side. So it was very windy and relatively dry and something was on fire.

We couldn’t go outside to see, and even if we called someone, no emergency departments would be responding to anything for several hours, so we just watched to see if it would spread.

Whatever was on fire stopped being on fire. Hallelujah.

The wind was still fucken wimdy, but I was dead tired at this point. It was sometime past midnight. Little Sister was staying up with the animals until she felt safe to let them out of their carriers, so we agreed that she would keep watch, and when she was ready to sleep, if things still seemed dangerous she would wake me up.

That’s more or less it. The winds died down. The sun rose.

Me, my sister, and all our neighbors all went outside at about the same time, dawn, to look at the damage. By 7:30, we’d cleared all the branches from the entry road, in time for the first evacuee to return home.

(Eldest neighbor was fine; she was sleeping. I still don’t know how she slept through all that.)

[kilosch]

Journal Entry: 10/07/2024

Morning Meetings & CTC Referrals: It’s Monday, and I managed to motivate myself enough to attend two meetings—one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 10 a.m. I felt like I was masking my feelings around my coworkers, trying to hide how down I’ve been lately. After the meetings, I finished six referrals for the CTC. I finally spoke up and said I needed help with the workload, and Ruby started to help, but in the end, I ended up doing the work myself. I need to be more patient when it comes to asking for assistance.

Catching Up with Nate: The morning dragged on, but I caught up with Nate, my best friend from Alaska. We talked about Zach Bryan’s Lucky Enough poem, which I had posted earlier. His comment, “If I’m lucky enough, I will become the version of myself I really like. Just keep loving, man,” made me smile. He’s right. I am lucky to have someone like him in my life. I also told him about my police academy plans and that I wanted him to attend my graduation in 2025.

Family & Mental Health Struggles: Mentally, I feel like I’m sinking. I miss my family the way we used to be. It’s like the wellness we once had is falling apart, and I can’t hold it together anymore. I miss the days of Pasko (Filipino Christmas), being young, eating my mom’s cooking, and just feeling whole. I broke down today, crying and wondering how I can make it stop.

Work Conversations & Nessa’s Message: Had some chit-chat with Ruby and George, my fellow EMTs, mostly joking about how boring meetings can be. I slipped in some dark humor, and everyone was laughing. I also talked to Christina, an RN, about the CHWs' scope of practice. I told her I didn’t know the full scope, but basically, they’re going to take over some of my responsibilities. Christina was surprised to hear I’d be leaving soon and made some bittersweet comments about it. I reassured her that I’m not leaving immediately, just preparing.

Nessa messaged me today, apologizing for not responding on Friday. Honestly, I didn’t care—everyone’s busy. She asked how my weekend went, and I told her it was crappy, as usual. She had a good weekend, which made me happy because she deserves it. For some reason, I told her I feel like a ticking bomb. I didn’t want to dive too deep into that, so I changed the subject and told her I’d be in the office tomorrow for CHW training. She said she’d be there too, and I joked, “If you need a driver to ride a county vehicle, I can get you one,” which was my attempt at a corny joke.

Dinner & Jealousy Over CA-TF2 Deployment: For dinner, I decided to take my little brother out to Chick-fil-A. It was one of those nights where I didn’t feel like cooking, and honestly, I just needed to get out of the house for a bit. While we were eating, I scrolled through social media, and that’s when I saw the post that hit me hard—California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2), my old team, is deploying to Georgia for Hurricane Milton.

Immediately, I felt a wave of jealousy wash over me. It’s not like I regret choosing to focus on myself and the upcoming police academy, but seeing the team gearing up for another mission brought back so many memories. I used to be part of that, getting ready for deployments, the adrenaline rush of heading into disaster zones, and the sense of purpose that came with it. Now, I’m sitting here, feeling like I’m missing out on something I loved doing.

What makes it even weirder is that CA-TF2 isn’t just firefighters from the LACoFD; it’s filled with civilians like me—people with specialized skills in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). We worked alongside firefighters, but it was more than just a job. It was a community, and I felt like I belonged there. Knowing that they’re out there preparing for the hurricane, while I’m stuck here, made me feel…disconnected. It’s like a piece of me is still with that team, but I’ve had to move on.

I know I made the right choice, though. I need to focus on the police academy and my future in law enforcement, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that I’m missing out on something important. There’s a part of me that still longs for the action, the camaraderie, and the sense of making a difference during those deployments. It’s a tough balance—trying to move forward while still feeling a pull toward the past.

After dinner, I couldn’t stop thinking about the team, wondering what it would’ve been like if I had gone with them to Georgia. But at the end of the day, I have to remind myself that I’m on a different path now. Hopefully, this path will bring the same sense of fulfillment, even if it’s in a different way.

Wrapping Up the Day: I’ll be waking up tomorrow to drive into the office and train the CHWs. I really hope I wake up in a decent mood tomorrow. It’s been hard lately, and I could use a day where things feel even just a little bit lighter.

[milton-ga-dentistry]

Walking Through History: Explore the Walk of Memories in Alpharetta, Georgia

In the vibrant city of Alpharetta, Georgia, near Milton, Ga, lies a hidden gem that pays tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. The Walk of Memories, located at American Legion Post 201, stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve the freedoms we cherish. As you stroll along this hallowed path, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of stories etched into almost 8,000 bricks, honoring Georgians who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. In addition to the walkway, the memorial features a collection of military equipment that adds depth and poignancy to the experience. Join us as we embark on a journey through history, exploring the Walk of Memories and uncovering the stories of valor that shaped our nation.

A Tribute to Valor: The Walk of Memories

Discover a Legacy

The Walk of Memories at American Legion Post 201 stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of our nation. Founded in 1946, this sprawling memorial occupies 13 acres on Wills Road, serving as a focal point for honoring veterans and their families. Each step you take along this solemn path brings you closer to the memories and sacrifices of those who bravely defended our country.

A Living History

As you traverse the Walk of Memories, you'll encounter an awe-inspiring array of bricks bearing the names of individuals who served in various conflicts, from the Indian War to WWI, and from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan. These bricks pay tribute to the fallen heroes, prisoners of war, and the sons of the Legion, etching their names into the annals of our collective memory. The walkway is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of these brave individuals who stood tall in the face of adversity.

Commemorating Conflicts

Monuments dot the path, serving as poignant reminders of the battles fought throughout history. From World War II to Korea and Vietnam, these memorials serve as touchstones, allowing us to honor and remember the sacrifices made by those who served. Each monument represents a chapter in our nation's history, underscoring the resilience and courage of our armed forces.

Immersive Exhibits: Unveiling the Stories

Bringing History to Life

In addition to the walkway, the Walk of Memories houses an extraordinary exhibit that brings history to life. Step into the past as you encounter a remarkable collection of military equipment that once played pivotal roles in shaping the world. These artifacts offer tangible connections to the experiences of our veterans and invite visitors to understand the challenges they faced.

Icons of Valor

Among the exhibits, you'll find an impressive array of military hardware. The imposing M60 tank, weighing a staggering 93,000 pounds, symbolizes the power and resilience of armored forces during World War II. The UH-1 Huey helicopter, flown during the infamous 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam, carries with it tales of heroism and sacrifice. Its pilot was even awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor. The Air Force T-33 jet, used extensively for training during the Korean War, represents the collective efforts of nations striving for peace. These artifacts stand as icons of valor, preserving the stories of those who served.

Honoring the Extraordinary

Within the memorial's grounds, you'll discover a dedicated area that pays homage to the extraordinary valor of seventeen Medal of Honor recipients. These brave individuals went above and beyond the call of duty, exhibiting exceptional courage and selflessness. Their names are etched in history, and their stories serve as a constant reminder of the true essence of the human spirit. Each Medal of Honor recipient's story showcases bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to protecting our nation's ideals. These remarkable individuals faced unimaginable challenges, often putting their own lives on the line to ensure the safety and freedom of others. Their heroism inspires us to strive for greatness, embrace compassion, and stand up for what we believe in. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifice serve as a timeless testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within each and every one of us. As we reflect on their extraordinary valor, we are reminded that the true essence of humanity lies in our capacity for courage, empathy, and sacrifice. Their stories are a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, ordinary individuals can rise to become extraordinary heroes. The dedicated area honoring these Medal of Honor recipients serves as a sanctuary of reverence and gratitude, allowing visitors to pay their respects and be inspired by their remarkable legacy.

As you conclude your visit to the Walk of Memories, you'll carry with you a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans. This immersive experience serves as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us that the freedoms we enjoy today are a direct result of their dedication and bravery. Alpharetta, Georgia, Near Milton, Ga, beckons you to explore its dynamic cityscape, offering a plethora of shops and dining options to complement your visit.

Make Your Own Memories: Visit the Walk of Memories

We invite you to embark on a journey through history at the Walk of Memories in Alpharetta, Georgia, near Milton, Ga. Let the solemn walkway, adorned with thousands of engraved bricks, guide you through the stories of Georgians who served our country. Explore the captivating exhibits showcasing military artifacts that witness the trials and triumphs of those who fought for our freedom.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a patriot, or simply someone looking for an enriching and inspiring experience, the Walk of Memories offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans. Plan your visit to Alpharetta, Georgia, and immerse yourself in the history and heritage that shape our nation.

Note: For more information and updates, visit the Walk of Memories at 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009, or contact (770) 475-9023.

[celtfather]

Celtic Instrumental Reconnect #591

Reconnect with your Celtic heritage with instrumental episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #591.

The Byrne Brothers, Poisoned Dwarf, Widening Gyre, One Street Over, Sylvia Woods, Lilt, Mason Brown, Robin Huw Bowen, W Ed Harris, Keith Hinchliffe, West of Mabou, Sliotar, Kilrush, Scythian, Jonathan Milton

VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2023

This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2023 episode.  Vote Now!

Two weeks after the episode is launched, I compile your votes to update a playlist on Spotify and YouTube. These are the results of your voting. You can help these artists out by following the playlists and adding tracks you love to your playlists. Follow us on Facebook to find out who is added each week.

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THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC

0:02 - Intro: Jen Midkiff

0:07 - The Byrne Brothers "Savage Cabbage  -  McKennas Jig, Ships are Sailing, Ormond

Sound Reels (Traditional)" from Living the Dream

4:10 - WELCOME

5:29 - Poisoned Dwarf "Col Rebertson's" from Bolt The Door

11:56 - Widening Gyre "MacDougall's Pride" from Reel Shadows

15:44 - One Street Over "Across the Black Water" from Beyond the Gate

17:56 - Sylvia Woods "Morning Calm" from The Harp of Brandiswhiere

21:12 - FEEDBACK

25:02 - Lilt "The Price of My Pig / The Coming of Spring / Paddy Fahy's" from X

28:42 - Mason Brown "Mark Miller's Jig" from I am a Handsome Devil

New album: Los Boyos

32:45 - Robin Huw Bowen "Y Fwyalchen" from Iaith Enaid

39:08 - W Ed Harris "O'Dowds  -  Master Crowleys  -  Dogs Among the Bushes" from The Well Below The Valley Project

Two new albums: Family, Friends, Choices, & Memories and also Cares of Tomorrow (Can Wait)

43:02 - Keith Hinchliffe "A WEE DRAM or HENRY THE HORSE'S HORNPIPE " from A WEE DRAM

44:58 - THANKS

49:19 - West of Mabou "Lime Hill (With Wendy MacIsaac)" from The Bridge

52:40 - Sliotar "The Boys of the Town" from Voyage

57:42 - Kilrush "Monaghan / Dunmore Lassies" from Kilrush [Explicit]

1:03:29 - Scythian "Scratchbox Reel" from American Shanty

1:06:12 - CLOSING

1:07:57 - Jonathan Milton  "Gander" from Just One More...

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.

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* Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I’m a musician and podcaster out of Atlanta, Georgia. This Podcast is here to build our diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast.

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TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos.

In 2023, we’re going on a Celtic Invasion of County Mayo in Ireland. We’re gonna explore the area and get to know Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

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Rob emailed Greetings from the Snowy North: "Good day Celt Father,

I just to want to say thank you for the amazing musical offerings, it makes shoveling the winter snow a much more pleasant experience, and to ask for a favor. After replacing my phone some apps did not make the transfer successfully. Since than I have a song stuck in my head that I cannot track down and I swear that it was from an episode of the podcast. I did some digging and matched up the lyrics to "The Barroom Girls" by Gillian Welch but I can not find the version that played on the podcast. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you again for a wonderful podcast and thank you again for the motivational snow shoveling music."

Daphne Arthur of the Homespun Ceilidh Band sent holiday greetings last month: "I’ve been saving up all the Christmas - themed episodes of music podcasts until the actual start of Christmastide, so I’ll have them to listen to during the twelve days, so on the first day of Christmas, I was listening to #586 while waiting for my after - Christmas - dinner tea to steep, and making sure Guillaume didn’t accidentally burn his tail on my teeny tiny, improvised Advent wreath.  Enjoying the music, as always! Merry Christmas to you and yours!"

Leti and Rodolfo emailed: "The best time to listen to Celtic music is ...during breakfast!

Hi Marc, This is Leti and Rodolfo from Madrid, Spain.

We always listen to your podcasts while we have our banana and oats pancake breakfast on weekends. It has become a kind of a ritual and we really enjoy the music and the food before going out for a walk in the country.

Keep up the good work. Thanks a million!"

Check out this episode!

[mrsrcbinscn]

Franny Robinson HC Infodump #4: Country and Bluegrass Music

hi, I’ll finally do a writeup on her work in jazz next but I’m in a country mood and was INSPIRED so oops country first

Word count: 2486

Dara & Danny

  In 1991, Daniel Maitland (fc: Martin Sensmeier), an Indigenous Alaskan kid, moved from Alaska to Payne Lake, Georgia, with his parents and older and younger sisters after his father got a job opportunity in Atlanta, a reasonable commute away. Daniel spent two years being musical rivals with Franny Framagucci before he proposed they just combine their talents and perform together at talent shows and the county fair. The two were inseparable, musically, until Franny went to college at NYU and Daniel went to East Tennessee State.

  They remained friends throughout college and reunited during winter and summer breaks to play together locally. Daniel was in Franny’s wedding party. He’s Wilbur’s godfather and is ‘Uncle Dan’, they’ve always remained close. They would write songs together usually through an internet connection except for when they could travel to write in person.

  In 2009, Daniel once again was the one who suggested they officially collaborate. That’s when the bluegrass-country-traditional southern/Appalachian folk duo was born. They have released 9 albums together since they started releasing music under Dara & Danny.

  One album, titled Molly’s Church, is almost entirely songs from the hymnal of the Church of the Nazarene in their hometown in Georgia, which was the church their friend Molly attended before her death. It was a “fuck you” response to them having received backlash from certain gatekeepers for a video of them singing Hank Williams’ I Saw The Light going viral. They were pissed two non-Christians were getting praise for performing the song. (Franny is a Buddhist and Daniel is an Indigenous Alaskan with traditional spiritual beliefs).

  To the backlash, Franny said, and announced the dropping of this album on an Instagram Live Q & A, “It’s funny. Like. Christmas is such a part of mainstream American culture. I celebrate Christmas, my non-religious Maori husband celebrates Christmas, are y’all mad about that too? Christianity is so deeply woven into American culture and the history of American music, like I just -- its wild y’all are so mad. And because I like to poke an angry bear, our new album, Molly’s Church [...] and what really gets me is like - just because I ain’t Christian, don’t mean I’m ignorant about it either. I’m from the Bible Belt, y’all. I did go to church with my little friends some Sunday mornin’s as a child if I had a sleepover at their house. [...] One of my best friends, the lovely, talented, beautiful, late Molly Vaughn, who we named the album after, was a devout Christian. When I would cry, she’d always sing It Is Well With My Soul to me and play with my hair. You can’t tell me that because I’m not a Christian, that song ain’t special to me. I think of that song whenever I’m going through a hard time and my heart is at peace because at its core it's a song about looking at your situation and making peace with it, and finding the strength to move on to hopefully better days. At her husband’s request, I sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing at her funeral, okay? Like- [pause for annoyed exhaling] to suggest we have nothing but respect for these beautiful hymns is insulting. [...] Insulting not just to us, but to the hymns. They’re so beautiful that they have made an emotional impact on two non-Christian musicians. I think that’s wonderful and speaks to how lucky we are to live in a time where all sorts of sorts are able to learn from and share with each other. But that’s just us, I guess.

  Every song on Molly’s Church has a special memory attached to it for either myself or Daniel, or in the case of Be Thou My Vision, it was Molly’s favorite hymn ever. We couldn’t name an album of hymns after her and not put that on it.”

  The track list is as follows: [Spotify playlist]

  I couldn’t find a folksy or bluegrassy version of Be Thou My Vision, which. I’m ANGRY about. Because when I was a practicing Nazarene Christian it was my favorite hymn, and I still find it beautiful but.

  Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

How Great Thou Art

Dwelling In Beulah Land

Be Thou My Vision

It Is Well With My Soul

I Saw The Light

Victory In Jesus

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 

Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory

Holy, Holy, Holy

  Another album, titled Something’s Rotten in The Sticks is purposely very dark. It’s largely covers of murder ballads and sad traditional folk songs from the American South and Appalachian Mountains, featuring original songs and covers of songs that explore the darker sides of more modern rural life like the opioid crisis, unemployment, poor education, poverty with no social safety nets, and more. 

  Franny openly admits that she wrote the original songs from a place of immense privilege. In an Instagram Live Q&A about the album she said, “These aren’t my exact lived experiences. But I feel like I have some right to talk about these stories because these are the things happening to my people, the good people of the town that took my mother in when she was a twenty-something year old refugee, and then helped raise me. I buried my first friend thanks to the Sacklers (the family whose pharma company produces oxycontin, who purposely spread misinformation about how its a safe drug and who pret-ty much engineered the opioid epidemic) in 1998. I just last month buried one of my best friends since elementary school after three narcan shots couldn’t save them. 

  Rural Southern folks and the problems they face are dear to my heart. [...] I know how lucky I am to have grown up in the rural south and ended up where I am today, in the privileged position I am in. [...] And I see the way people in the cities talk to and about these people and it’s fucking gross. You know nothing about these people and what their lives are like, and what they care about and worry about. I have always been proud to be Southern, just as I’m proud to be Cambodian. [...] Rural poor folks are the kindest, most loving, most resilient people, and I am not ashamed that I came from that. 

  This album… so our last album, Prodigal Children of Clayton County, Georgia, was a love letter to and about our hometown and the people of the rural south. This album is more of a ‘we see you.’ And it's also, I hope, an accessible way to start explaining the problems our people face to city elites that look down their noses at them. Like, I hope people can say in response to “I just don’t understand these people”, “hey, go listen to I Grabbed A Banjo (And You, The Pills), then talk to me.”

  Daniel said in that same Q & A, “I was born in Alaska, I met Franny when I moved to her hometown in Georgia, in middle school, and we began playing music together in high school. I live in the Appalachian Mountains now, I studied Bluegrass and Old Time music at East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City. Now, I’m -- I’ve been lucky enough to make a living out of the music I love, but you know- like I said. I live in the Appalachian mountains, in Kentucky, in a rural area. I never left the rural south, since I came here, this has been my home. We’re privileged now, but had a few stars aligned differently, our high school friends’ lives would have been ours. We love the people of this region. Like Franny said, we both have two groups of people we are passionate about amplifying and equipped to amplify. Mine are our struggling rural folks, and Indigenous voices, and Franny don’t ever shut up about Cambodian or the rural south.”

  “I really fucking don’t.” Franny quipped.

The track list is as follows: [Spotify link, the first 8 tracks are the songs they covered on the album and the rest are songs that fit the vibe of the original songs to give y’all a picture]

  Knoxville Girl

I Grabbed A Banjo (And You, The Pills), an original song about the opioid epidemic that’s killed many of Franny and Daniel’s high school friends 

Troubles, traditional folk song as popularized by Kilby Snow and Anna & Elizabeth

Red Dirt Girl (Emmylou Harris cover)

But I Ain't A Milton Boy/Girl , an original song about how in Milton (a bougie rich people part of Georgia) kids go to college and become doctors and lawyers while people from the song narrators’ town don’t bother learning to solve for X because all that waits for them is army recruiters, the power company, or the unemployment line [the male narrator, Daniel], and the female narrator [Franny] sings about how she was a smart girl who held her first baby when she was a baby herself, married two bad men she thought were good, and now she sells her ADHD pills to college kids to buy groceries, and how their high school aspirations crumbled easily, and the chorus is literally just narrators fantasizing about a decent standard of living and having decent opportunities and then going, “But I ain’t a Milton boy/girl, and that’s why I’m cryin’ today”

Deportee (Woody Guthrie song as covered by Dolly Parton)

Savannah, a song Franny wrote about the time her brother drove her down to Savannah when she got pregnant in high school so she could have an abortion three hours from home, where nobody local to them would be out front shouting at people needing abortions

Poor Folks Town (Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton cover, instrumentation is modified to be a little melancholy to fit the rest of the album, but it is still a markedly happier song than the rest of the album except for Rich Kid Clothes)

Don’t Put Whiskey In My Water, an original song about a man nine years sober almost falling off the wagon when he’s laid off ahead of his teenage daughter’s high school graduation, including the line ‘don’t worry about Ole Miss, we’ll figure it out, somehow we always do, smart little girl like you can’t die in this town’

Don’t Take Your Guns To Town (Johnny Cash cover)

Pretty Polly

Down In The Willow Garden

Rich Kid Clothes, original song about a brother and sister super jazzed about their “new” clothes, hand-me-downs from the rich kids of the house their mama cleans, happiest song on the album

Health Insurance, an original song from the perspective of three different people, on in each verse, either dying or seriously suffering from solvable medical issues but because healthcare in America is trash they either can’t get help, or are going bankrupt trying to, that’s incredibly sarcastic including lyrics like ‘and I know I deserve to die for not having had a rich great-grandaddy, and who wants to see their daughter graduate college anyway’ , one of those sad songs with joyful instrumentation

  Another album! Is titled The Rise And Fall of Jenny and Jamie, and is a concept album meant to be listened from start to finish that tells the story of a couple that falls in love, gets married, has a very dysfunctional marriage, and ultimately divorces. Think the energy of Alpha Desperation March by The Mountain Goats, and the entire Tallahasee album but especially No Children. The Dara & Danny album is a little less dark because the last few songs, about divorce, are like...happy. 

  Daniel, who had been divorced twice by the time they wrote the songs for that album, said “There is nothing sad about ending a marriage you’re miserable in or don’t want anymore. The two songs about the divorce, they’re happy because our characters are happy to be done with each other. It isn’t Tammy Wynette spelling D-I-V-O-R-C-E and lamenting the end of her marriage, instead, Jenny and Jamie realize their marriage is toxic not just for the other person, but for themself, and they’re relieved to not be married anymore.

  Notable Dara & Danny performances and accomplishments:

They cover Whiskey Lullaby at many shows they do. A video from a 2016 show went semi-viral, and fans of the duo will show it as an example of “Peak Dara & Danny”

Nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song, as the duo Dara & Danny, but ultimately Brandi Carlile won for ‘The Joke’

Franny was absolutely thrilled for her. She STANS Brandi Carlile and has written songs with her before. 

In the post-Grammys interview, the interview asked Franny if she was disappointed and she was like “I would pay Brandi Carlile to punch me in the face, so no.”

The clip of Franny saying that went viral and embarrassed poor Wilbur

“To be honest, when I saw The Joke was nominated, I didn’t even bother writing a speech. Daniel and I were both just thrilled to be considered to be like, at her level.”

Nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance, as Dara & Danny, and again lost to “The Joke”, but again, did not care at all

Won the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album as Dara & Danny, their fifth nomination in the category and second win

Nominated as Dara & Danny in the category Vocal Duo of The Year at the 2019 CMA awards.

Nominated for IBMA Album of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018

Won the 2019 IBMA for Album of the Year 

Won the 2019 IBMA for Song of the Year 

Franny is the first person of Cambodian descent to win a Grammy, an ASCAP award, an IBMA, or be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Daniel is the first Alaskan Native to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Solo work

  Franny’s used bluegrass-folk style music to write songs about the experiences of her mother and other relatives under the Khmer Rouge and in the civil conflict that preceded it. It leans a little away from #pure bluegrass but it includes mandolin, banjo, and even some traditional Cambodian instruments. It’s this blend of bluegrass instrumentation and traditional Cambodian instruments that on paper sounds like “Franny you’re crazy” but in practice its fuckin’ lit, y’all.

  It’s as genius as The Hu, that Mongolian band that was like “what is we play metal music with guitars and a drum set and TRADITIONAL MONGOLIAN INSTRUMENTS?” Lit.

  She did an entire album, Franny Sor Robinson Covers Kitty Wells [playlist] and that album gained Franny a ton of street cred in the country/bluegrass industry. She got a lot of respect for her Kitty Wells covers.

  She’s released three solo albums of folksy-bluegrass-country style music that is original music she wrote the lyrics and music for.

  Three solo albums, the Kitty Wells cover album, and nine Dara & Danny albums makes twelve country-bluegrass albums total Franny’s released, not counting featured artist appearances on other albums.

  Notable Franny Sor Robinson awards, performances, and accomplishments in the country music sphere:

  Franny sang ‘Born To Fly’ with Sara Evans once

Franny loves that song, it came out in 2000, when she was in college at NYU, and it was a staple song of hers to perform at any gigs she did in college

The day the United States legalized same-sex marriage, Franny was a supporting solo act for a friend of hers and she was like “I don’t know a better way to celebrate than by taking one of my favorite country love songs and making it better. And by that I mean gay.” By this point she’d been out as bisexual for years. So she sang Brad Paisley’s She’s Everything 

Franny’s always kept the pronouns the same in songs she covers, so if it was a man’s song about a woman she’s always kept it about a “she.” Her cover of She Thinks I Still Care by George Jones was an instant hit when it was released on one of her solo albums

At an event honoring Randy Travis, Franny performed his hit Deeper Than The Holler for him

She also got to sing I Told You So with him once at another occasion and she damn near died

At the final show of George Strait’s final tour, Franny sang Carried Away with him and almost cried he is one of her!!! Idols!!! and during his encore, she joined him and all of the other special guests of the final concert to sing All My Exes Live In Texas

She’s been awarded and recognized by various organizations for the furthering of Asian-Americans in the arts in general, in music, and empowerment for both her work in jazz and country umbrella music

She’s performed at and been nominated for CMA awrds, ACM awards, and Americana Music Honors & Awards

She’s won Americana Music Awards

When challenged to prove she could yodel she fuckin got right up and sang Hank Williams’ Long Gone Lonesome Blues and nailed all the very technical yodeling, and its a thing she’s like, Known for doing, so she will perform it live pretty often

[exploringatlanta]

Santa Sightings

Santa is coming back to #ATL, so here’s the guide to where to find the jolly one around down and get those wish lists in before the big day!

Santa at Battery Atlanta. 11/21-12/19. All Santa visits are free and include a digital and printed photo. Santa has some special visits planned, including Sensitive Santa Sundays, a low sensory Santa experience for families with special needs, and Santa Paws Nights for pet pics. Make day of it with shopping and lunch/dinner. Annual tree lighting is on Sat 11/23. Free 4 hour parking.

Santa’s Cottage - Atlantic Station. 11/23 - 12/23. $29.99+ (photo packages). St. Nick stops by Atlantic Station with his helpers to hear holiday wishes and take photos with kids. Skip the line by making a FastPass reservation online. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Walk-ups accepted daily. Special events will include Santa’s Pet Night (12/9), Santa Cares (12/1) and Jolly JAMboree (12/14).

Breakfast with Santa- Georgia Aquarium. Sat 11/23 9-10:30am. $19.95+. Kids can help ‘wake up’ Santa with fun activities, eats/drinks, and of course photos with the Jolly One. Advance tickets required.

Photos with Santa - Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, North Georgia Premium Outlets, Phipps Plaza (fully booked) and Town Center at Cobb, November-December, check individual sites for days/times. Simon Malls website features a Santa FastPass to find your closest photo opp and make a reservation.

Santa at Avalon. 11/25-12/23. $35+. Santa arrives in Alpharetta for the Lighting of Avalon event on Sunday 11/24 and is available for photos starting on Mon 11/25. Reservations are already closed, but walk-ups are welcome each day. Check the site for his daily hours. Story Time with Santa and Pet’s Night also available.

Santa Brunch at Milton’s. 12/1 & 12/8. $12.50/$25. Make that rez to enjoy a delicious brunch and grab some time with ol’ Kris Kringle! Santa portraits are only available with brunch purchase. You may visit with Santa before, after or during your brunch up until 3:00pm.

Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting. 12/5 6-8p. The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit is this cool annual event! Live music, local eats/drinks, shopping and of course Santa! Cool trains will provide rides around the Jubilee for kids, so get that gift list ready.

Santa in Smyrna - Aunt Fanny’s Cabin. Weekend dates 12/6-23. Enjoy a day in Downtown Smyrna with a visit and photo with Santa, enjoy delicious eats at local restaurants and shopping as well!  

Cookies with Santa - Zoo Atlanta. 12/7 & 12/8 8am-4:30pm. $12+. Spaces book up fast, so pre-register online by Friday, November 29 to reserve your spot. Kids can meet and get a professional photo with Santa, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and start the holiday season with festive crafts, costume characters, animal encounters, music and a holiday movie.

Hipster Santa - Hodgepodge Coffee. Sunday 12/8 3pm-7pm. #Santa is making a special stop at one of #ATL fave indie coffee spots! Photos are Free with your donation to Nicholas House of Grant Park.

Santa Claus - Scofflaw Brewing Co. Sunday 12/8 3:30pm-7:30pm. Free photos over some tasty local brews. 

Santa Brunch - Muss & Turners. 12/8 & 12/15. $33.93 adults/$14.93 kids 6-12/ free for kids 5 and under. What better way to catch up with Mr. Claus than over a delicious spread? Santa visits and professional photos by Drew Wills Photography are complimentary with the purchase of brunch (digital download only). 

Santa Brunch - The Livingston. 12/8 & 12/15. $30 adults/$15 kids 12-3yo, kids under 3 free. (+tax/tip) Make holiday memories at The Livingston with a delicious holiday brunch and pics with the man in red! Combine this with a trip to the Fox to see The Nutcracker for a wonderful day of holiday spirit!

Pop-Up Brunch with Santa - The Shed at Glenwood. 12/22 10am-3pm. Free with reservation! Ensure a Merry Christmas and sit down with Santa. Wear your PAJAMAS to this pop up breakfast/brunch! Bring the children as Santa will be listening to those last minute Christmas list requests: 

*More Santa events to be added as they are announced.

[fallsekings]

The Psychology of the Governor- So many people seem to assume that the Governor was a jerk from the start, when he wasn’t, and I will never portray his character as such. When I write a character, I never base my opinions on a character solely on their actions, but the reasons behind why they do the things that they do. The Governor is a villain, so I already expect him to do bad things, so the fact that he does bad things is boring. Why he does those bad things? Far more interesting. At least to me personally. That’s why I like digging into a villain’s psychology... and so I hope that this helps you guys understand him a little better, too.

The Governor’s childhood- For part of this character analysis, I will be using the novel written on Philip’s/Brian’s backstory, The Rise of the Governor, since they didn’t really go into his background much in the show. In the book, The Governor’s name is actually Brian Blake (but the show condensed everything) and Brian was the eldest of three siblings. He was also described as a sickly book nerd... or the “runt” of the liter. He was highly intelligent and even went to college! But his home life wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. His father, Ed Blake, was a violent drunk that frequently yelled and screamed and beat on his children... however, his younger brother, Philip, would always stand between him and his father and protect Brian from the beatings that they would receive and this is a fact that Brian also mentioned in the show:

Brian: “I remember the first smoke I ever had. Me and my brother huddled in the garage puffing on one of my dad's Lucky Strikes. He must have smelled the smoke, because he came barging in looking to beat up on us. But my brother got between us. Said he stole them. Wasn't true. It was me. But that was my brother. Hero. He got two black eyes and a broken rib for that. And I got beat anyway.” (S4E07)

(Since this post got a little long, the rest will be beneath the cut.)

I won’t go into Brian’s entire childhood history, but suffice it to say that, even though he was the older brother, he came to see Philip as his hero. He wanted to be just like him. He was everything he wanted to be and more. His brother was popular in school, had lots of friends, helped people, did ‘manly’ things like hunting, etc. etc. etc. Brian was the exact opposite. He was weak and could not take care of himself in hardly any setting. Philip honestly came to see Brian as a burden and he resented him for it... because Brian was the bigger brother and Brian should be the one that he could look up to, and not the other way around.

The Apocalypse- When everything went down, Philip (along with Bobby and Nick, two of Philip’s friends) found Brian hiding in their parent’s basement. Philip became the leader of their small group. They traveled from Waynesboro, where they originally lived, to Wiltshire Estates (where they lost Bobby), and then onto Atlanta, Georgia. Brian initially couldn’t kill a zombie. He just couldn’t bring himself to kill something that used to be a human being and he even broke down crying at the thought of it a few times, which would always piss his brother off. He would either push Brian out of the way, or kick him, and beat on him and try to drill it into his head that he NEEDED to be the bigger monster in order to survive.

Still, Brian didn’t mind the beatings so much. He actually tried to impress his brother a few times and do impossible (for Brian) things, just to prove to his hero that he could do what he needed him to do and be who he wanted him to be.

He still failed. Penny died. They were running away from crossfire and Penny was shot through the stomach and she bled to death in his arms. Later in the show he says:

Milton: “What would your daughter think about what you are?” Brian: “She'd be afraid of me. But if I had been like this from the start, she'd be alive today.” (3x16)

“If I had been like this from the start.” You see how he is blaming himself for her death? How he believes that if he was the bigger monster from the start, like his brother literally beat into him, that be believes that she would still be alive? This is what it’s all about. Not just Penny, though. Shortly after he lost her, he lost his brother, too, who at this point was starting to lose his own sanity. The stresses of leadership had gotten to him enough that Nick decided to kill him... and Brian of course defended his hero and told Nick that he believed that, if given the chance, he could fix himself... but Nick didn’t listen and shot Philip... and then Brian wrestled the gun out of Nick’s arms and shot Nick. Philip also bled out and died in Brian’s arms just as Penny did.

This is when they arrived at Woodbury. Before Brian was the leader of the small town. This is where it gets tricky, though.

Woodbury was, at the time, ran by Gene Gavin, who was a ruthless National Guardsman that held the town by force. Brian had gone into a dissociative state after his brother died... wondering how he would make it without him or if he even wanted to... and then one day Gene Gavin held a town meeting and when there was a disagreement, someone tried to leave and Gavin shot the man. Brian kept asking himself what his brother would do over and over again, and as if something else controlled his body, Brian stood up and walked up onto the stage and unloaded his gun into Gavin and encouraged the rest of the town to take their town back from the National Guardsmen. 

And so they did. Martinez was one of the first people on his side and when he asked Brian what his name was? Brian didn’t say Brian. No. Brian told Martinez that he was Philip Blake. Brian essentially develops a dissociative fugue, and took on the personality of his brother... which eventually morphs into the monster known as the Governor.

In General Psychology- So... Brian has always been weak. Always. He couldn’t survive, so he took on a personality that could survive. Something that was far more ruthless and monsterous. Brian tried to do right for a while, but he was thrust into the position of being a leader before he was ready. He was still mourning his brother and Penny and all he had to go on when it came to being the leader is what his brother beat into him. Be the bigger monster in order to survive. So he did try that. He even tried to desensitize himself by putting head in fish tanks and forcing himself to look at them... and to remind him that he was still alive and if he wasn’t careful, he would end up exactly like those guys. Dead.

Brian has a dual personality. Himself and that of his brother. He’s constantly waging a battle for dominance inside of his head... but the Governor eventually gets strong enough to overtake him.

Weakness is the trigger that brings this monster out. Because it was his own weakness that got everyone killed.

Why do people develop multiple personalities?

Dissociative identity disorder, previously called multiple personality disorder, is usually a reaction to trauma as a way to help a person avoid bad memories.

The definition: 

Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality identities. Each may have a unique name, personal history, and characteristics. 

This is Brian/Philip/The Governor and this describes him perfectly.

You can see the monster triggered by weakness when he kills Marinez, like a switch being flipped in his head, please pay attention to his eyes. You can tell he’s slipping into a dissociative state here:

Brian’s immediate reaction to Martinez admitting to no being able to defend the camp is “oh my god, you’re going to get my family killed. You can’t do what it takes in order to survive and I DON’T WANT IT. I don’t want to share the crown. I don’t want the crown at all, damn it.”

But the question is... why didn’t he want it? Brian didn’t want it because, when he killed all of his own people at the end of season 3... Brian came back out. It shocked him to see what he did... what he became... he knew he was a monster and he was afraid of what he was capable of... so he separated himself from everyone... because he knew that if he had a reason to care, he would have a reason to fight and that meant the monster would come back out... and he didn’t want that monster to surface again.

Except it did, after Martinez triggered the monster/the Governor to come out again by admitting that he was too weak to defend the camp... and then he tried to squash the monster down again.

The problem was... he was starting to realize that he was the only one that was there that could lead--- he shouldn’t lead, but he was the only one that was capable of it and he didn’t like it.

Brian: “We need to leave. It isn't safe here anymore.” Lily: “What are you talking about? We can't just run off. I'm the only nurse in camp. Tara's got Alicia. What about Megan?” Brian: “Look, things are about to go very wrong here. It's happened to me before. I can't put you and Megan through that. Can't lose you again.” (4x07)

“Can’t lose you again.” This whole conversation is about him and Penny and how everything circled back to that moment that he lost her (because he couldn’t lose Meghan a second time if he hadn’t lost her the first time). HE was what was about to go very wrong there. It had happened to him before... he was referring to the monster resurfacing again when he tried so hard to put it away in the box and forget about it... but it was bubbling to the surface once again and there was nothing he could do except try to run from himself... and as you know, he wasn’t capable of escaping it. 

So like I said before jsbkjbg the Governor is many things, but a sociopath isn’t one of them. He is very misunderstood. He is an abuse survivor and yes, he has done a lot of terrible things, but he is a product of nurture, not nature.

[the-record-obituaries]

Oct. 9, 2019: Obituaries

Brenda Johnson, 76

Mrs. Brenda Lowe Johnson, age 76, wife of L.E. Johnson of North Wilkesboro, died Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Darrell Poole officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 PM prior to the service at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mrs. Johnson was born January 8, 1943 in Wilkes County to Roy and Bertha Robinson Lowe.  

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by one sister, Hazel.

She is survived by her husband, L.E. Johnson, of the home; one daughter, Renae J. Ward and husband, Darrell, of Boone; one son, Brent Johnson and wife, Annette, of North Wilkesboro; four grandchildren, Nathan Ward and wife, Kayla, Rachel Brown and husband, Thomas, Tiffany Leonard and husband, Matt, and Megan Johnson and Seth Bell;  six great-grandchildren, Sydney Ward, Cole Ward, Haddie Brown, Bailey Leonard, Tripp Leonard, and Leah Bell; six sisters, Betty Jo, Dottie, Margaret, Barbara, Tilly and Tootie; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vascular Cures, 274 Redwood Shores Parkway #717, Redwood  City CA 94065 or at info@vascularcures.org.

 Carol West, 76

Carol Burchette West, 76, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019. Carol was born December 18, 1942 in Elkin, North Carolina. Carol was the daughter of the late Robert & Mauvrean (Pardue) Burchette. She came to Spring Hill three years ago from Wilkesboro, North Carolina and was employed as a cashier for Walmart for 20 years. She was Baptist by faith. Mrs. West was preceded in death by her husband, William Lloyd West.

     She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Robert & Jan West of Dallas, Georgia and William Thomas West of Randleman, her daughter and son-in-law, Alma "Lynne" & Mike McHugh; brother and sister-in-law, Robert "Frank" & Patsy Burchette of Winston Salem; and grandchildren, William Thomas West Jr., Michael Timothy McHugh II, Melanie Lynne McHugh, Robert Franklin McHugh and Max West.

     Funeral service was October 8,  at Mount  Pleasant Baptist Church in Wilkesboro with Rev. Kevin Brown and Rev. Ken Pardue officiating.  Interment was at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery where she will join her beloved husband.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carol's honor to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 239 Champion-Mount Pleasant Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

     Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Brenda  Hodges, 60

Brenda Lou Hodges, age 60, of Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019. She was born February 16, 1959 in Wilkes County to Gilford and Doris Hendren Johnson. Mrs. Hodges was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father; and her brother, Clay Johnson.

Surviving are her husband James Hodges; her sons, Josh Richardson and spouse Karen, Adam Richardson all of Wilkesboro, Ryan Hodges and spouse Bethany of Taylorsville, Adam Hodges of Millers Creek; her mother, Doris Hendren Johnson of Wilkesboro; sister, Linda Prevette and spouse Junior of Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Sera Richardson, Jared Richardson, Caleb Richardson, Avan Richardson, Anna Hodges and Nathan Hodges.

Funeral service was October 6,  at Cherry Grove Baptist Church on Brushy Mtn. Road with Rev. Ryan Hodges, Rev. Tim McCann, Rev. Philip Moore, and Rev. Ethan Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cherry Grove Baptist Church from 2:00 until 3:00 on Sunday, prior to the service. The family has requested no flowers. Memorials may be made to Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatment. To donate go to g-pact.org                            Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Jerry Price, 81

Mr. Jerry Milton Price, age 81 of Millers Creek, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019 at his home.

Memorial services was October 6,   at Welcome Home Baptist Church with Rev. Lyn Lambert and Rev. Jeff Collins officiating.

Mr. Price was born November 29, 1937 in Iredell County to Raymond Milton and Jeanette Lewis Price. He was retired from Carolina Business Machines after thirty six years of service. Mr. Price was a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings; Diane, Joe and Grady.

Mr. Price is survived by his wife of sixty two years; Roberta Mitchell Price of the home, two daughters; Beverly Price Walsh and husband Kirk of Wilkesboro and Kathryn Price Junge and husband Chad of Cornelius, a grandson; Nathan Walsh, two sisters; Brenda Goodin of Mooresville and Jean Kennedy of Statesville, two brothers; Tony Price and wife Donna of Olin and Perry Price and wife Ida of Statesville, two step brothers and two step sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Welcome Home Baptist Church 132 Welcome Home Church Road North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Wake Forest Baptist Care at Home Hospice 126 Executive  Drive Suite 110 Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

   Bob Osborne, 87

Bob Osborne, age 87, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center. Bob was born February 15, 1932 in Ashe County to Bryan and Vera Osborne. Bob spent most of his life living in Boomer, NC. He played guitar and sang for both his high school 4-H band and for the Gospel singing Travelairs. He was a US Airforce Veteran. Bob sold insurance for 38 years and was a beloved member of the community and of Cornerstone Church. Mr. Osborne was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruby Furr, Dorothy Hayes, Thelma Parker and Mildred Sexton; and brothers, Howard Osborne, Max Osborne and Ralph Osborne.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Grace Osborne; his son, Lee Osborne and Sandra Twomey of Hickory; granddaughters, Jacqualine Mahaffey and spouse John of Cornelius, Alisha Osborne of Asheville; his great grandchildren, Trajyn, Hayden, Gavin and Mika Mahaffey; and brother, Ronald Osborne and spouse Dorothy of West Jefferson.

A Celebration of Life with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142 was  October 6,  at Cornerstone Church in Wilkesboro with Rev. Workman officiating. The family has requested no flowers. Donations can be made to Cornerstone Church, 418 Wilkesboro Blvd., Wilkesboro, NC 28697 in honor of Bob.                        

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  James Kennedy, 54

James Kenneth Kennedy, age 54, of Indian Trail, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the home of his parents. Kenneth was born September 5, 1965 in Wilkes County to James Curtis and Brenda Stanley Kennedy. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He attended Double Creek and Piney Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Kennedy was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Ray Kennedy.

Surviving in addition to his parents, James Curtis and Brenda Stanley Kennedy of Hays; are his son, Josh Kennedy and spouse Tori of Traphill; daughters, Ashley Bare and spouse James of Crumpler, Kristina Tobar and spouse Christian of Lake Norman; grandchildren, Dalton Bare, Gannon Bare, McKinley Bare, Steven Tobar, Christian Junior Tobar, Fredy Tobar, Aiden Kennedy, Easton Kennedy and sister, April Ballard of Wilkesboro.

Funeral service was October 4,  at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Walter Hutchinson officiating. Burial   followed in Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer, PO Box 9, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

   Barbara Howell, 80

Barbara Jean Howell, age 80, of Ferguson, daughter of the late Lida R. Testerman and the late Clyde S. Testerman, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on October 1, 2019. She was born October 17, 1938 in Ashe County. Barbara was a member of Duncan Acres United Methodist Church in Union, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Franklin Testerman and Hunter Testerman.

Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Donald Howell; her children, Donna Parsons (Ron), Danny Howell (Jenny), Dianne Miller (Joel) and Dottie Lage (Randy); brother, Jerry Testerman (Marlene); five sisters, Janet Potts (Johnny), Jewel Mullis, Margie Stanley, Mary Ferguson (Danny) and Teresa Fraley (Mike); twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren who she was known to as "Biggy"; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was October 3, 2019 at Mountlawn Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Mitchell Phillips officiating. Burial  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wake Forest Stay at Home Hospice, 126 Executive Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.        

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Walker, 71

Mrs. Mary "Ruth" Phillips Walker, 71, of Boomer, went to her Heavenly Home to be with her Lord and  loved one's that have gone on before, on Tuesday, October 01, 2019.

Ruth was born on October 28, 1947 in Wilkes County to Delbert John"Tom" Phillips and Della Dare Pennell.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stuart Monroe Walker; daughter, Barbara Lynn Walker and sister, Gloria Edminston.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Sharon Key (Michael) Bobbie Walker (Mike) , Kathy Key (Mark) , Robin Souther ; sister Debbie Spears (Doug);  brothers, Ansel Phillips, Wayne Phillips, Joe Phillips; 8 grandchildren, Adam, Brittney(Michael), Kody Key, Daniel, Jessica (Dustin) Brown, Lauren (Rodney) Sparks, Josh (Jenna) Walker, Jordan Souther; 5 great grandchildren, Callie, Trentyn, Killian, Mason, Stormy.

Memorial service was October 5,  at Boomer Advent Christian Church.  Pastor David Jones will be officiating.

In addition to flowers memorials may be made to Caldwell Hopice, 902 Kirkwood St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Walker Family.

  Dianne Eller, 72

Miss Dianne Madeline Eller, age 72 of Ferguson passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Wilkes Senior Village.

Private Graveside Services will be held at Hartley Ferguson Cemetery with Rev. Gordon Noble officiating

Miss Eller was born July 7, 1947 in Caldwell County to Vaden Greenmore and Julia Hartley Eller.  She was a member of Beaver Creek Advent Christian Church.      

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother; Gary Douglas Eller.

She is survived by several cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hartley Ferguson Cemetery Fund c/o Beaver Creek Advent Christian Church, 11665  W. NC Highway 268, Ferguson, NC 28624.

 Randall  Combs, 47

Randall Scott "Freebird" Combs, age 47, of West Jefferson, passed away September 30, 2019 at Ashe Memorial Hospital. Mr. Combs was born November 27, 1971 in Ashe County to Dale Emmett Combs, Sr. and Carolyn Price Combs. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Emmett Combs, Jr.

Surviving are daughter, Brianna Storm Nethery and spouse Mexwell Owen Feigel of Idaho; son, Dakota Scott Combs and girlfriend Kayla Bennett of Lansing; his parents, Dale Emmett Combs, Sr. and Carolyn Price Combs of West Jefferson; sisters, Karen Sue Barker of Glendale Springs, Tina Combs of Hays, Sharon Taylor and spouse Allen of Todd; and three grandchildren, Dalton Matthew Nethery, Wesley Owen Feigel, and Linsie Kalin Combs; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was  October 4,   at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Joey McClure and Rev. Tommy Dollar officiating. Burial   followed in Goodman Cemetery Mulatto Mountain Road.   Flowers will be accepted. The family has requested no food.                            

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  Keith McNeil, 51

Mr. Keith Daniel McNeil, age 51 of Ferguson, passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services were October 7,   at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Bumgarner officiating. Burial wasin Mountlawn Memorial Park.  

Mr. McNeil was born May 23, 1968 in Wilkes County to Ike Daniel and Annie Ruth Church McNeil. He was a member of Dunkirk United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five uncles; Lawrence Church, Kenneth McNeil, Ray Church, Vilas Church and Fred Junior Church and two aunts; Eula Dean Hyatt and Shirley Johnson.

He is survived by nine aunts; Judy Church of Ferguson, Stella Greene and husband James of Ferguson, Beulah Greene and husband Benny of Ferguson, Joyce Minton of Wilkesboro, Stena Payne and husband Vilas of Wilkesboro, Catherine Eller of Ferguson, Jeanette Edmiston of Ferguson, Rebecca Hamby and husband Steve of Ferguson and Elizabeth Marley of North Wilkesboro, four uncles; Tom McNeil and wife Edith of Ferguson, Henry McNeil and wife Shirley of Lenoir, Andrew McNeil and wife Gaye of Georgia and Charlie McNeil of Granite Falls and lifelong friends; Ida McNiel- Isaacs of Boone, Jeff Gentry of Kingsport, TN and dedicated friend; Carl Wolfe of Ferguson.

Flowers will be accepted.

 Charles Hale, Sr. 70

Mr. Charles Allen Hale, Sr. age 70 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, September 30, 2019.

Funeral services were October 4,   at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Steve Snipes, Rev. Jimmy McGlamery and Rev. R.C. Griffin officiating. Burial with Masonic rites by Wilkesboro Liberty Lodge #45 and Marine Corps League Brushy Mountain Detachment 1187 was in Scenic Memorial Gardens.  

Mr. Hale was born October 16, 1948 in Columbus, OH to Raymond Lee Roy and Dorothy Flo Six Hale. He never met a stranger. He loved the simpler times which included trains, antiques and cowboy westerns. He took pride in helping his children and adored his grandchildren. He was member of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church. Charles was a Vietnam War Veteran where he served in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal w/1*, Vietnamese Campaign Medal 1/1960, Meritorious Mast, Ltr of appreciation, Air Medal w/1* and the Good Conduct Medal. Charles was a member of the Oasis Shriner Temple, Oldies Shriner Club, Past Master of Liberty Lodge #45 AF&AM, Wilkes Chapter 42 Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of the Wilkes Rescue Squad.  Charles was a devoted public servant in the community having given years of service to the NC Forest Service and working for Wilkes County EMS where he was a retired EMT Intermediate.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister; Betty Leslein.

He is survived by his wife; JoAnne Combs Hale of the home, two sons; Charles "Chas" Allen Hale, Jr. and wife Jana Leigh Hale of Mooresville and Justin Andrew Hale and wife Kaylin Lambert Hale of Purlear, three grandchildren; Molly Leigh Hale, Caroline Elizabeth Hale and Allie Grace Hale, a sister; Edna Butts and husband Jerry of OH and a brother; Raymond Lee Roy Hale, Jr. and wife Arlene of FL.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Oasis Shriners Temple 604 Doug Mayes Pl Charlotte, NC 28262.

  Claudia Eller, 90

Mrs. Claudia Mae Eller, age 90 of Purlear passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Mrs. Eller was born May 25, 2019 in Ashe County to Carl and Edna Dancy Pruitt.  She was an avid reader, loved flowers and animals and was a member of Millers Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Bill Eller, two sisters; Ruby Harless and Mary Wilson and two brothers; Claude Pruitt and James Pruitt.

She is survived by three daughters; Susie Tilley and husband Daniel of North Wilkesboro, Kathryn Eller of Purlear and Barbara Foster and husband Roger of Concord, one son; Rickie Joe Waters of Virginia Beach, VA, five grandchildren; Michael Queen and wife Deanna, Timothy Burton Foster, Nicole Jacobs and husband Craig, Joey Eller and wife Wendy and Kristina Goulds, ten great grandchildren; Caleb and Noah Queen, Raegan and Garrett Foster, Madison Jacobs, Leah Meeks and husband Andrew, Chase, Brayden and Paxton Eller and Peyton Ann Goulds and one great great grandson; Dawson Meeks and fur baby; Kaley.

     Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 9, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

 Mattie Blackburn, 78

Mrs. Mattie Church Blackburn, age 78 of Purlear, wife of Harold Blackburn, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Wilkes Senior village.

Private Graveside services were October 1,  at Lewis Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Dwayne Andrews officiating.

Mrs. Blackburn was born June 14, 1941 in Wilkes county to Troy Alton and Lora Mae Faw Church.  She was a member of Lewis Fork Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by an infant brother and sister.

She is survived by her husband; Harold Clay Blackburn of the home, four daughters; Debbie Blackburn of Purlear, Patricia Wyatt and husband Jeffrey of North Wilkesboro, Beth Johnson and husband Roy of Purlear and Christian Cardwell and husband Kevin of Millers Creek, eight grandchildren; Jennifer Wyatt, Matthew Wyatt, Emilee Hartley, Courtney Pierce, Madison Huffman, Seth Hartley, Haley Cardwell and Hannah Ortiz, two sisters; Janie English of Drexel and Sue Shumate of Biloxi, MS. and one brother; Troy Leon Church of North Wilkesboro.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 9, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

The family requests no food.

J.C. Felts, 87

J.C. Felts, age 87, of McGrady, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019 at SECU Hospice Home in Yadkinville. He was born December 17, 1931 in Wilkes County to Everett and Cordelia Absher Felts. Mr. Felts was a member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church of McGrady and a US Army Veteran. Mr. Felts was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Christine Davis Felts; brothers, Don Felts, Edward Felts; and sisters, Hazel Felts Greene and Ruby Felts McGrady Royal.

The patriarch of the gospel singing group "Felts Family" and husband to Christine Felts as well as daddy to Cathy and Vicki went home to be with the Lord and join his wife of 66 years on September 28, 2019. His life began with very humble beginnings to a family during the depression. He lost his dad at age 5 and was then raised with two brothers and two sisters by a very determined Mommy. Despite all of his childhood struggles he overcame them all. At age 21 while working in Lenoir, he met a 16 year old young lady, Christine Davis. 30 days later they ran away and got married. Shortly after getting married he joined the Army and proudly served for two years. Leaving the military with a life long disability and with the help of his wife Christine, he successfully built three businesses from the ground up; at the same time raising his two daughters along with traveling as "The Felts Family". While building the business, "Felts Grocery and Snack Bar" he took his family and traveled for fifteen years singing the gospel.

He was a charter member of the McGrady Fire Dept. as well as the Halls Mills Ruritan Club. As he reached his retirement years he once again began a new venture, J & J Mobile Home Park. Throughout the rest of his life he continued being faithful to God's calling as a deacon, working in his local church as well as spreading the gospel in song at every opportunity.

When tragedy struck his wife of 66 years he faithfully took care of her until her death, June 1, 2019. For him he then felt like his work on earth was finished. The things that brought him joy in his later years was making music with old friends and playing his guitar. But the thing that brought him the most joy was knowing the family tradition of gospel singing was going to be carried on by his granddaughter, DeAnna Bumgarner Lovette and her family. J.C. Felts was not a perfect man but he was a perfect daddy, grandpa, great grandpaw. It brings us real peace to know he and our mother are now singing God's praises together and they will never grow old or sick again.

Surviving are his daughters, Cathy Bumgarner and spouse Garey, and Vicki Carty and spouse Tim all of North Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Deanna Bumgarner Lovette and spouse Bobby of Wilkesboro, Rev. James Jason Bumgarner and spouse Michelle of Millers Creek, Tabitha Lovette of Ronda, Rebecca Shepherd Minton and spouse Anthony of Wilkesboro, Brandi Carty Linville and spouse Kenneth of McGrady, Samantha Carty of North Wilkesboro; and twelve great grandchildren.

Funeral service was October 1, at Mountain Valley Baptist Church in McGrady with Rev. Jason Bumgarner, Rev. Donnie Shumate, Rev. Eddie Tharpe and Rev. Ronnie McManus officiating. Burial with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142  followed in Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 134, McGrady, NC 28649.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Mary  Sheppard, 71

Mary Lou Lunsford Sheppard, age 71, of Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, September 27, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. She was born June 21, 1948 in Wilkes County to Grover and Maie Hendren Lunsford. Mrs. Sheppard was a member of Cub Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Bower Sheppard; granddaughter, Kayla Dubuque; grandson, Anthony Sheppard; brother, Coy Lunsford; and sister, Pauline Jarvis.

Surviving are her children, Beth Wood and spouse Jeff of North Wilkesboro, Mary Sales and spouse Donald of Ronda, Billy Sheppard and Kim Young both of Wilkesboro, Shane Sheppard and spouse Shelia of Purlear; grandchildren, Alicia Wood, Curtis Wood, Nicole Gwyn, Bill Hairston, Donavan Sheppard, Catlin Foster, Mason Foster; sisters, Irene Johnson and spouse Commie of Moravian Falls, Juanita Greene of Mulberry; brothers, Clyde Lunsford and spouse Debra of Moravian Falls, Billy Lunsford and spouse Vicie of North Wilkesboro; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Memorial service was October 1, at Cub Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Sampson officiating.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  Vena Prevette, 90\

Mrs. Vena Mae Roope Prevette, age 90 of Hays, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Wilkes Senior Village.

Funeral services were September 29,   at Round Mountain  Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Jennings and Rev. Jason Wiles officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  

Mrs. Prevette was born February 26, 1929 in Wilkes County to James Sherman and Mattie Billings Roope. She retired from Modern Globe and was the oldest living member of Round Mountain Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Albert Prevette, a daughter; Debra Prevette, a son; James Albert Prevette, a granddaughter; Andrea P. Owings, two brothers; Wayne Roope and Fred Roope and a son in law; Clinton Miller.

She is survived by a daughter; Mary Miller of North Wilkesboro, a son; David Prevette of North Wilkesboro, five grandchildren; Brandon Prevette, Amanda McMillan, Barry Prevette, Michael Prevette and Dana Prevette, seventeen great grandchildren; Andrew Owings, Elizabeth Owings, Sarah Owings, Brendan Prevette, Laney Prevette, Brayden  Prevette, Alexis Prevette, Christian Prevette, Joshua Miller, Cameron McMillan, Caleb McMillan, Cadence Prevette, Alexis Peacock, Hailey Peacock, Nathan Brown, Hailey Brown and Emma Brown, six great great grandchildren; Camilla, Calvin, Jaxon, Maddix, River and Delilah, a sister; Virginia Dare Neenan and husband Charles of Wake Forest, a brother; Clyde Roope and wife Charlene of King and a daughter in law; Margaret Prevette of North Wilkesboro.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse PO Box 300 Boone, NC 28607.

Jerry Lowe, 74

Jerry Ray Lowe, age 74, of Lakeland, FL, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 at Lakeland Regional Health. He was born Dec. 1, 1944 in Wilkes County to Roy and Vera Hall Lowe. Jerry attended Bethel Baptist Church in Lakeland, FL and was a US Marine Veteran. Jerry loved God and his family more than anything. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Clifton Lowe, Vera Hall Lowe and his brother, Everett Lowe.

Surviving are his children, Pamela Bracey and spouse Brian, Cynthia Shower and spouse Kevin of Lakeland, FL, Shoun Lowe and spouse Pennie of Euless, TX; and grandchildren, Easton Bracey, Layton Bracey, Brila Bracey, Chanse Shower, Bryse Shower, Courtney Martin, Dayna Lowe and Keyda Lowe; brother, Bill Lowe of North Wilkesboro, NC and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was October 5,  at Miller Funeral Chapel with Pastor Eddie Foster and Pastor Wayne Roberts officiating. Burial with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142  followed at Mountlawn Memorial Park.  

Flowers will be accepted or donations to Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 3125 West Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, FL, 33810.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

[gordonwilliamsweb]

Lost On The Frontline

America’s health care workers are dying. In some states, medical staff account for as many as 20% of known coronavirus cases. They tend to patients in hospitals, treating them, serving them food and cleaning their rooms. Others at risk work in nursing homes or are employed as home health aides.

Some of them do not survive the encounter. Many hospitals are overwhelmed and some workers lack protective equipment or suffer from underlying health conditions that make them vulnerable to the highly infectious virus.

Many cases are shrouded in secrecy. “Lost on the Frontline” is a collaboration between The Guardian and Kaiser Health News that aims to document the lives of health care workers in the U.S. who die of COVID-19, and to understand why so many are falling victim to the pandemic.

These are some of the first tragic cases.

  Lost On The Frontline

This project aims to document the life of every health care worker in America who dies from COVID-19. If you have a colleague or loved one we should include, please share their story.

    ‘Working There Was The Proudest Accomplishment Of His Life’

(Courtesy of Maria Joy Agtarap)

Romeo Agtarap

Age: 63 Occupation: Emergency room nurse Place of Work: NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City Date of Death: April 24, 2020

Joy and Romeo Agtarap met in Queens in the 1980s, when they were both young nurses, newly arrived from the Philippines. Joy Agtarap said her husband was a jokester who had a vibrant personality that often made him the life of the party. At gatherings, he liked to get people onto the dance floor.

Read More

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Widely Used Surgical Masks Are Putting Health Care Workers At Serious Risk Apr 28

OSHA Probing Health Worker Deaths But Urges Inspectors To Spare The Penalties Apr 22

True Toll Of COVID-19 On U.S. Health Care Workers Unknown Apr 15

“He’s a very good dancer ― sometimes he made the line dances too hard and people would get lost!” she remembered.

He was also a dedicated emergency room nurse. Agtarap had spent 20 years at what his wife said was his “dream job” at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

“Working there was the proudest accomplishment of his life,” she said. He was still seeing patients when the pandemic hit. (The hospital did not respond to requests to comment on whether he had adequate personal protective equipment).

Romeo was diagnosed with COVID-19 in late March. Joy, who had left nursing due to an injury, became sick a week later. They were both hospitalized ― he at NewYork-Presbyterian and she at a facility on Long Island. As Joy recovered, she anxiously awaited updates on her husband’s condition.

“It was the most devastating thing that’s ever happened to me. I was going crazy in there waiting for calls about him,” she said. He died on April 24. “I believe he took the worst of the virus for me, that’s why I’m still here,” she said.

— Anna Jean Kaiser, The Guardian | Published June 2, 2020

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As Nurse And Minister, She Tended To Her Patients, Flock ― And Garden

(Courtesy of Elijah Ailende)

Felicia Ailende

Age: 67 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Bria of Forest Edge in Chicago Date of Death: April 20, 2020

Felicia Ailende was a beacon of unity to her family and members of Maranatha Chapel in Evergreen Park, Illinois, where she was a minister. She counseled many, helping keep marriages intact and lives on track, her son Elijah Ailende said. Though her six children were very different from one another, she saw the best in each.

An immigrant from Nigeria, she planted a garden each year and used the produce to cook West African dishes. When there were too many cucumbers, hot peppers or greens, she shared with neighbors.

At Bria of Forest Edge, a nursing home, Felicia cooked for residents at times or prayed for them, Elijah said.

Administrator Julie Kosman said in a statement that Ailende was a hardworking nurse who was pleasant and funny and had a great rapport with residents.

She is one of three workers at the facility who have died of COVID-19; two residents also died. The facility reported 132 infections.

Elijah said staffers had to reuse surgical masks provided by the facility. Administrators did not tell them when residents and other staff members got the virus “so they could take precautions and safeguard their lives,” he said.

Kosman’s statement says “full PPE” — personal protective equipment — was available to staffers and there is no reason to believe Ailende was exposed to COVID-19 “within our facility.” She “had no known contact with any resident or staff member who showed symptoms or had tested positive for COVID-19.”

— Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News | Published June 2, 2020

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He Practiced What He Preached, Caring For Inmates With Mental Illness

(Courtesy of Gwendolyn Davis)

Bishop Bruce Edward Davis

Age: 57 Occupation: Shift leader for forensic service technicians Place of Work: Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia Date of Death: April 11, 2020

In sermons at his Pentecostal church, Bishop Bruce Davis preached love. On weekdays, he practiced it by feeding, bathing and caring for patients at a maximum-security psychiatric hospital. Davis worked for 27 years at the state facility, said his wife, Gwendolyn Davis.

As a boy, Davis would break his pencils in half to share with his twin sister. At church, he hosted youth parades and gave away computers, bicycles and groceries. He distilled the Bible into simple lessons, she said, once winning over a parishioner with a sermon based on “The Wizard of Oz.”

When COVID-19 emerged, Davis and his co-workers at the psychiatric facility were told they couldn’t wear masks or gloves because it wasn’t part of their uniform, she said. Five days after a close co-worker tested positive for COVID-19, Davis was hospitalized, she said.

More than 70 workers at the hospital have tested positive for COVID-19, according to state data; Davis is one of two who have died. A hospital spokesperson declined to comment on Davis’ case.

After Davis’ illness, his entire household – Gwendolyn, three children and a grandchild – got sick with COVID-19, Gwendolyn said. Their adult son, who has autism, was hospitalized, Gwendolyn said. Their daughter, 22, recovered and returned to work at the same hospital.

“It is extremely hard for her to go back to work there,” Gwendolyn said.

— Melissa Bailey | Published June 2, 2020

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Dedicated Dad And Technologist ‘Was As Smart As They Come’

(Courtesy of Junette Francis)

Devin Francis

Age: 44 Occupation: Radiologic technologist Place of Work: Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Date of Death: April 8, 2020

Devin Francis was due to get married June 27 to his longtime love, Micela Scott, mother of their 11-year-old daughter, Dekayla.

Scott said her fiancé was a devoted father.

“He’d take [Dekayla] to school every morning. He’d help her with her homework,” she said. “He just wanted peace to his life and us to have a good life.”

“He had a very jovial spirit,” said his youngest sister, Junette Francis.

Devin took a COVID test at Jackson Memorial after his shift on April 6 — it came back positive. His breathing became labored and he died at home early on April 8.

His family and a hospital representative said it was unclear whether he came into contact with patients with COVID-19. Devin also worked in fleet services for American Airlines.

Colleagues admired his work ethic.

“No matter where we were in life, he never had less than two jobs,” said Milton Gonzalez, a hospital co-worker. “He was as smart as they come.”

— Sharon Jayson | Published June 2, 2020

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A Pediatric Neurosurgeon Who Separated Conjoined Twins

(Courtesy of Judy Goodrich)

James Goodrich

Age: 73 Occupation: Pediatric neurosurgeon Place of Work: Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York City Date of Death: March 30, 2020

James Goodrich was a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, best known for separating conjoined twins ― a rare and risky procedure. Over the course of his career, he was directly involved in about 10 cases, advising on dozens more.

A late bloomer academically, Goodrich began his undergraduate studies at age 24, after returning from Vietnam, where he served in the Marines.

“He had seen a neurosurgeon when he was in Vietnam, and he just was fascinated at what they were able to do,” said Judy Goodrich, his wife of 50 years. “I thought, just try to become a doctor first.”

He was also known for innovations regarding conditions affecting the skull. He helped develop standards for treating craniosynostosis, in which the bones of a child’s skull fuse too soon, preventing the brain from growing properly.

Goodrich was an avid collector ― of antique medical books, pre-Columbian medical artifacts, rare watches and fine wines, among other things. He surfed, cultivated bonsai trees and played the didgeridoo.

He had seen patients in the clinic in early March, just before flying to Mexico for a family vacation. He soon began to feel ill, and when he returned to New York, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. He was hospitalized on March 25 and died five days later.

Read more here.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published June 2, 2020

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She Brought ‘Calming Presence’ And Fun To Nursing Home

(Courtesy of Howard Fox Jr.)

Leola Grady

Age: 59 Occupation: Recreational aide Place of Work: Bria of Forest Edge in Chicago Date of Death: April 10, 2020

Leola Grady had planned to be with her son and granddaughter in Mississippi for Mother’s Day but did not live to make the trip.

At the Bria of Forest Edge nursing home, she entertained residents, including with a “good game of cards,” administrator Julie Kosman said. “She had a calming presence about her.”

When Grady fell ill, a nurse at the facility was already sick with the coronavirus. A nursing aide whose name has not been released also died of COVID-19. Staff at the facility, with SEIU union leaders, spoke out saying they were unaware their co-workers were dying until they saw it on the news.

Howard Fox Jr., Grady’s son, said his mother was his best friend. An honest, straightforward and loving person, she enjoyed listening to the blues. “I’m not going to sit here and sugarcoat it,” he said. “It hurts. … I look at our picture. I cry.”

Fox said his mother went to a Chicago hospital with COVID symptoms but was sent home. She was found dead several days later. A Cook County spokesperson confirmed she died of pneumonia due to COVID-19.

Kosman said the facility does not believe Grady or the nurse, Felicia Ailende, “were exposed to COVID-19 within our facility. They had no known contact with any resident or staff member who showed symptoms or had tested positive for COVID-19.”

As of May 27, Bria of Forest Edge has reported 132 coronavirus cases and two deaths to Illinois officials. In the statement, Kosman said it reported worker deaths to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which shows three pending death investigations at the facility.

— Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News | Published June 2, 2020

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Young Nurse Lived A Life Of ‘No Regrets’

(Courtesy of the Guzman family)

Krist Angielen Castro Guzman

Age: 35 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Meadowbrook Manor in Bolingbrook, Illinois Date of Death: May 2, 2020

Krist Guzman packed a lot into her short life. She worked full time while studying to become a registered nurse. She had three children, one a newborn.

Smart, funny and outgoing, she nurtured relationships.

“Hers was a life of no regrets,” said a cousin, Jeschelyn Pilar.

In a Navy family that moved often, she was close with her brother, Anjo Castro.

“She was my role model,” said Castro, who also pursued a medical career as an independent duty corpsman in the Navy.

The pandemic hit home when their uncle, pediatric surgeon Dr. Leandro Resurreccion III, died March 31.

Guzman told family she had seen COVID patients. Worried she didn’t have adequate protective gear, she scrambled to find some online.

Meadowbrook has registered the worst COVID outbreak in Illinois, with more than three dozen deaths. Nursing home spokesperson Marissa Kaplan said in a statement: “Meadowbrook puts the safety and welfare of its residents and staff at the forefront of everything we do.” She did not address whether there was sufficient protective gear.

— Mary Chris Jaklevic | Published June 2, 2020

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Selfless Nephrologist Fought For Her Life While Treating Others

(Courtesy of the Khanna family)

Priya Khanna

Age: 43 Occupation: Nephrologist Place of Work: Khanna Nephrology in Glen Ridge, New Jersey Date of Death: April 13, 2020

Priya Khanna came from a family of doctors, and she knew the risks of contracting the deadly coronavirus. She was immunocompromised and actively seeing patients days before she became ill with COVID-19.

On April 1, Priya was hospitalized in the same facility where her father, Satyender Dev Khanna, had been brought days earlier. He was also being treated for COVID-19.

From her hospital bed, Priya checked in on friends, reviewed patient files and communicated with the physician who was seeing patients in her stead. She continued to do so until she was put on the ventilator.

“She literally worked for others until she could no longer breathe for herself. That was Priya,” said childhood friend Justin Vandergaag. “Always putting others first with a smile.”

“She was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt,” said childhood friend Laura Stanfill. “Her healing gifts extended not only to her patients but, in the many ways, she made everyone in her life feel important and loved.”

Read more here.

— Natalia Megas | Published June 2, 2020

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‘He’s One Of Our Legends’

(Courtesy Stephanie Mahoney)

James ‘Charlie’ Mahoney

Age: 62 Occupation: Pulmonologist Place of Work: SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York City Date of Death: April 27, 2020

James “Charlie” Mahoney eschewed hospital hierarchies.

“He didn’t treat people like underlings,” said his sister, Saundra Chisholm. “He would talk to housekeeping like he would talk to the chief of the hospital. That’s why he was so well respected.”

Growing up on Long Island, Mahoney was an ace student and athlete. He was one of only a handful of black students at his medical school and throughout his training. He and his brother, Melvin Mahoney, worked side by side at SUNY Downstate for many years, a public hospital that treats a mostly minority and low-income patient population.

When the pandemic hit New York in March, Mahoney, who specialized in respiratory care, “ran into the fire,” Melvin said. But his hospital, like other underfunded public institutions in the city, was short of protective equipment and staff.

Mahoney started experiencing symptoms in early April, and was hospitalized soon after. He died on April 27.

“He’s one of our legends ― he’s one of our giants,” said Julien Cavanaugh, a neurology fellow at SUNY Downstate who trained under Mahoney.

Read more here.

— Ankita Rao, The Guardian | Published June 2, 2020

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Psychiatric Nurse Knew Her Patients’ Hometowns And Hobbies

(Courtesy of Eddie Ballard)

Shenetta White-Ballard

Age: 44 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Port Allen, Louisiana Date of Death: May 1, 2020

Eddie Ballard was baking “Pecan Delight” pie at the Piccadilly Cafeteria in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when Shenetta White, accompanying her auntie and grandmother, leaned over the buffet counter to grab a Jell-O.

“She gave me this look,” Ballard said, and he gathered the confidence to ask for her number. On their first date he quickly realized “not only was she beautiful, but she was mature beyond her years.”

That maturity manifested across her life.

As a nurse to psychiatric patients, she was adored by those she “saw as people more than just patients,” Ballard said. She knew their parents’ names, their hometowns and hobbies. At home, White-Ballard was “queen of the house,” Ballard said. She handled the errands and the finances, while “her two boys [Ballard and his son, Warren] hung on whatever she asked.”

With a preexisting condition, White-Ballard depended on supplemental oxygen. She died May 1, just three days after developing COVID-19 symptoms.

In an email, a Legacy spokesperson wrote that the facility had followed all guidelines and “had more than enough PPE.”

The first piece of jewelry Ballard bought his wife was a bracelet that read: “Love is patient, love is kind, love never ends.”

“I hadn’t read that in 11 years,” he said, “but boy, it’s still true.”

— Eli Cahan | Published June 2, 2020

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From His ICU Bed, Nurse Planned To Help Fight COVID After Recovery

Christopher Dean with his wife, Natalya Kubaevskaya (Courtesy of Donna Dean)

Christopher Dean

Age: 37 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Northport VA Medical Center’s Valley Stream Clinic in Valley Stream, New York Date of Death: April 15, 2020

When Christopher Dean went to the emergency room, he was “absolutely positive” he would be in the hospital a few days, get some fluids and oxygen and then go home.

“He was always optimistic, full of life,” said Natalya Kubaevskaya, his wife of 10 years. “And he had a big heart.”

When tests came back positive for COVID-19, he planned to recover and then help fight the disease by donating blood and plasma. Three weeks later, he was dead.

He had mild asthma, his wife said, but was a healthy man who loved snowboarding, swimming and racquetball.

His father, Alvin Dean, shared on a GoFundMe page that Christopher Dean caught the coronavirus at work. Northport said by email that it provided “PPE in accordance with CDC guidelines.”

Kubaevskaya, who recently finished treatment for breast cancer, said Dean pushed her to keep going.

Daughter Donna, 15, struggles with her adoptive father’s death. “There are moments,” Kubaevskaya said, “when she tries to convince herself that he’s still in the hospital and will come home soon.”

— Katja Ridderbusch | Published May 29, 2020

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A Robotic Surgery Expert Who ‘Just Made Everything Fun’

(Courtesy of the Lopez family)

Maria Lopez

Age: 63 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago Date of Death: May 4, 2020

“What lady? I don’t see a lady here.”

That was the sort of self-deprecating comment Maria Lopez would fire back when teased by a co-worker about an etiquette faux pas in the operating room.

Lopez knew how to break the tension, said chief nurse anesthetist Mary Ann Zervakis Brent, a colleague since 2005. Lopez called everyone “amigo” or “amiga,” regardless of rank.

“She just made everything fun,” Zervakis Brent said.

Lopez was an expert in robotic surgery and trained others to use the equipment.

She taught her two daughters to be independent. The oldest of nine kids, Lopez fought her father’s expectation that she forgo college, said her daughter Maria, who was named for her.

Lopez’s symptoms appeared days after she returned to work from leave for knee surgery. She planned to retire April 30.

In the hospital, Lopez tried to stay positive. Yet during one FaceTime call, daughter Maria said, “she just broke down. She said, ‘I wouldn’t want anyone I love going through what I’m going through right now.’”

A hospital official confirmed in a statement that Lopez died of complications of COVID-19.

— Mary Chris Jaklevic | Published May 29, 2020

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With Retirement In Sight, She Died Awaiting COVID Test Results

(Courtesy of Hannilette Huelgas)

Hazel Mijares

Age: 66 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Amsterdam Nursing Home in New York City Date of Death: March 30, 2020

Faith was central to Hazel Mijares’ life. She was a lay leader at Trinity United Methodist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey.

She was drawn to church as a child in the Philippines, sister Hannilette Huelgas said. Theirs was a big family with nine children. At get-togethers, Mijares always led the prayers.

After a long career, Mijares was finally ready to retire in late March.

She worked through March 13, burned up accrued paid time off, then stopped back a week later for her last day. As she said her goodbyes, she noticed a little cough.

Learning that one of her patients had died of COVID-19, Mijares tried several times to get tested. Her results were expected March 30. When Huelgas called that day, Mijares didn’t answer. She had died waiting for the results, which the family learned were positive.

As of May 24, the nursing home had recorded 45 presumed-COVID deaths. Officials there did not respond to requests for comment, but a phone recording updated May 21 said they had “completed COVID-19 testing of residents” and had “begun testing of all staff.”

“Our dedicated and caring staff are continuing the Amsterdam tradition of providing exceptional care,” the recording noted.

Mijares “had wanted to go to Jerusalem, to the Philippines,” Huelgas said. “And she didn’t even get to enjoy retirement.”

— Maureen O’Hagan | Published May 29, 2020

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You Could Count On Him ‘For Anything’

(Courtesy of Griselda Bubb-Johnson)

Adiel Montgomery

Age: 39 Occupation: Security guard Place of Work: Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York Date of Death: April 5, 2020

When Griselda Bubb-Johnson couldn’t reach her friend Marva — hospitalized with COVID-19 — Bubb-Johnson called her son, Adiel Montgomery.

Montgomery, a security guard in the hospital’s emergency department, found Marva in the ICU. He then did “everything for her,” Bubb-Johnson said. When Marva was cold, he got a blanket. When she was hungry, he got food. When her phone died, he found a charger.

“Some people boast about their children, but I didn’t have to,” Bubb-Johnson said, “because everybody knew you could count on Adiel for anything.”

Montgomery doted on residents as a part-time supervisor at the Urban Resource Institute, a domestic violence shelter. He invited his godbrothers for Golden State Warriors games, Thanksgiving and sometimes for his mom’s renowned oxtail dish.

Two weeks after Montgomery noted he couldn’t taste his lunch, he experienced acute chest pain. When, after 12 hours in the ER, his heart stopped “nobody could believe it,” Bubb-Johnson said.

Montgomery was vocal about a lack of personal protective equipment for hospital security guards, according to a New York Times report. The hospital did not respond to requests for comment.

Montgomery’s 14-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, never got to say goodbye. She wrote a poem to put in the coffin.

“Don’t worry,” Bubb-Johnson told her. “He’ll read it. I promise.”

— Eli Cahan | Published May 29, 2020

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Traveling Nurse ‘Wanted To Be Somebody’

(Courtesy of Daniel Perea)

David Joel Perea

Age: 35 Occupation: Traveling registered nurse Place of Work: Lakeside Health & Wellness Suites in Reno, Nevada, via MAS Medical Staffing Date of Death: April 19, 2020

David Joel Perea would call in from Maine, Vermont, Minnesota and, ultimately, Nevada, with the same request: “Mom, can you send tamales?” Dominga Perea would ship them overnight. This is how she always knew where her son was.

A traveling nurse routinely pulling 80-hour weeks, David “had a tremendous work ethic,” said his brother, Daniel. A young David, returning from his father’s mechanic shop, said, “I don’t want to spend life sweating under a car,” Dominga recalled. “I want to be somebody.”

Dominga was proud of him, “for doing God’s work.”

When “mijito” didn’t respond to her text April 6, Dominga knew something was wrong: “I could always tell how David was. If he said ‘Hi, Mama,’ he was happy. If he said ‘I’m fine, Mom,’ he was tired.”

This time he said neither. “Don’t panic, Mama,” David wrote, “just pray for me. I have the COVID.”

His workplace did not respond to requests for comment.

David FaceTimed with his mother on Easter Sunday. “He was starving, but he struggled even eating mashed potatoes,” Dominga said, “because he couldn’t breathe.” The next morning, he was on a ventilator and never woke up.

— Eli Cahan | Published May 29, 2020

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His Church Became His Second Home

(Courtesy of Lean Carlo Romualdo)

Ritchie Villena

Age: 44 Occupation: Physical therapist Place of Work: SportsMed Physical Therapy clinic in Glen Rock, New Jersey, placed by AHVIA Staffing Solutions in Jersey City Date of Death: April 15, 2020

When Ritchie Villena emigrated from the Philippines in 2011 after studying physical therapy, he struggled. Then he got in touch with Lean Carlo Romualdo, a fellow Filipino physical therapist in New York state. Villena moved in with him and secured a good job at a sports medicine clinic.

He became devoted to his church, Iglesia Ni Cristo, where he spent hours singing with the choir and practicing the organ. “He’s not an outgoing person,” Romualdo said. “But if you ask people in his religious group here in Rockland County, everyone will know him.”

Romualdo’s 7-year-old still plays the “Baby Shark” song Villena taught him on the piano, asking, “Is Uncle Ritchie coming back home?”

It’s unclear how Villena contracted the coronavirus. According to the staffing agency, he worked until March 13 and took ill the following week. On March 26, he called 911 with difficulty breathing; he was hospitalized until his death.

Villena, who only recently gained permanent residency status, hadn’t seen his family in nine years. “Every time his mom calls me, she wants to see Ritchie’s stuff,” Romualdo said. As he gives a video tour of Villena’s room, she can’t stop crying. He promised to pack everything and send it home.

— Maureen O’Hagan | Published May 29, 2020

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Nurse With ‘Heartwarming’ Smile Did Her Best For Her Children

(Courtesy of Anderson Family)

Jenniffer Anderson-Davis

Age: 44 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Meramec Bluffs Life Plan Community in Ballwin, Missouri Date of Death: April 14, 2020

As a single mother, Jenniffer Anderson-Davis was determined to give her three children everything they needed, so she pursued her nursing degree while delivering pizza to make ends meet.

“She always did the best that she could to give them the best life,” her brother Earl Anderson said.

Most recently, Anderson-Davis worked as an admission and discharge nurse at a senior living community. Her mother, Edna Anderson, said that Anderson-Davis was concerned about residents who returned to the facility after visiting Florida (it has since banned reentry for residents who spent time away).

Anderson-Davis tested positive for COVID-19 on April 9 and died at home five days later. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened a fatality investigation at Meramec Bluffs on April 16.

Lutheran Senior Services, the nonprofit that operates Meramec Bluffs, acknowledged Anderson-Davis’ death but did not respond to specific questions about her case. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Jenniffer’s coworkers remember her as a thorough and well-respected nurse who had a smile that could warm any heart.”

— Cara Anthony, Kaiser Health News | Published May 26, 2020

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A Tireless Nurse, She Loved Her Children And Travel

(Courtesy Stefaney Cicala)

Susan Cicala

Age: 60 Occupation: Registered nurse Places of Work: Northern State Prison in Newark, New Jersey; Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey Date of Death: April 4, 2020

Susan Cicala worked long hours. A typical workday began at the hospital surgery department at 5:30 a.m. She’d work there until 2 p.m., and an hour later would start her next eight-hour shift at a nearby state prison. She worked weekends, too.

As for sleep? “She must have slept somewhere, but I don’t know,” her son, Steven Cicala, said with a laugh. “She was the hardest worker I ever met.”

Reminiscing on Facebook, colleagues said she talked about her two children constantly. She started wrapping Christmas presents in May. She loved to travel, to Disney World and national parks, and saw vacations as opportunities to learn about the world beyond New Jersey — on a trip to Hawaii, she delved into the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Cicala became sick in late March and died in early April; her family said they presume she contracted the virus at one of her jobs.

“She didn’t go anywhere else,” Steven said.

As of May 21, the New Jersey Department of Corrections had tallied 152 COVID-19 cases at the prison where Cicala worked; 134 of those diagnoses were among staffers. In early May, the union representing Cicala and other workers filed a safety complaint saying precautions have been inadequate and may have led to Cicala’s death. A spokesperson for the prison health care agency that employed Cicala said that it had followed all state and federal guidelines, and that the staff was provided with personal protective equipment.

— Maureen O’Hagan | Published May 26, 2020

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The Single Mother Dreamed Of Opening A Nursing Home

(Courtesy of Rebecca Gbodi)

Helen Gbodi

Age: 54 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Date of Death: April 19, 2020

Helen Gbodi was known for helping elderly neighbors and fellow churchgoers — picking up their medications and groceries and accompanying them on walks. She even dispatched her daughter, Rebecca Gbodi, to shovel snow in neighbors’ driveways.

“Even when she didn’t have a lot, she would always give,” Rebecca said of her mother, who worked long hours to put her children through college and helped pay school fees for other relatives. This year, she embarked on her own dream: crafting plans to open her own nursing home, her daughter said.

Gbodi understood the severity of COVID-19 early on. In March, she called every person in her contacts list, including people she hadn’t talked to in years, to make sure they were aware and taking precautions, her daughter said. Though she did not actively care for patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, such patients were being treated on her floor, her daughter said.

Days later, she was fighting for her life. By the time she was hospitalized with COVID-19, she was too weak to lift her arm for a virtual handshake with her daughter on FaceTime.

“At the end of the day, she was willing to put her life in danger for others,” Rebecca said.

— Anna Jean Kaiser, The Guardian | Published May 26, 2020

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Always Upbeat, Patient Transporter Was A Sewing Wiz

(Courtesy of the Ismayl family)

Gabrail ‘Gabe’ Ismayl

Age: 62 Occupation: Patient transport worker Place of Work: Swedish Hospital in Chicago Date of Death: May 6, 2020

Caring, upbeat, always first to arrive at a party. Gabrail Ismayl loved an excuse to don a suit and splash on cologne.

That’s how Fidelline Youhanna remembers her uncle. “Everybody loved Gaby,” she said.

After migrating from Syria in the 1980s, Ismayl ran wholesale clothing shops on Chicago’s North Side. He was a wiz with the sewing machine and enjoyed altering dresses, making curtains and doing creative projects for family and friends.

Later, his people skills were an asset as he wheeled patients where they needed to go.

As the pandemic took hold, Ismayl worked despite health conditions that elevated his risk, Youhanna said.

“I think he just liked his job,” she said. “He made a lot of friends there.”

On May 6, Ismayl was self-isolating in the basement of the house he shared with two sisters. He was short of breath, Youhanna said. By evening, he was dead.

Ismayl was employed by management services company Sodexo. The CEO of its health care division in North America, Catherine Tabaka, said in a statement that his passing “is a tragic loss for Sodexo and we mourn an incredible friend and presence.”

— Mary Chris Jaklevic | Published May 26, 2020

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Charismatic Surgical Technician Taught His Kids To Be ‘Faithful To Your Job’

(Courtesy of the Martinez family)

Juan Martinez

Age: 60 Occupation: Surgical technician Place of Work: University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago Date of Death: April 27, 2020

It was easy to befriend Juan Martinez.

The surgical technician “could start a conversation up with anyone about anything,” said Jose Moreno, an operating room nurse and co-worker.

He went out of his way to teach others what he learned from 34 years in the field, said his son, Juan Martinez Jr., who followed his dad’s career path at the same hospital.

The military veteran and former church pastor set an example “to be faithful to your job,” his son said.

Due to retire April 30, Martinez anticipated spending time with his grandchildren, traveling and opening Bible education centers in Mexico, his family said.

After feeling tired and feverish, he went to be tested for COVID-19 on April 17. His symptoms were so severe that he was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he worked.

Family members said Martinez did not engage in direct patient care but came in contact with staffers who did.

Juan Jr. said that losing his dad has been like a nightmare, and that he and his siblings are “leaning on the Lord and praying a lot, just like how our father taught us.”

— Mary Chris Jaklevic | Published May 26, 2020

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Memory Care Nurse Set Fear Aside

(Courtesy of Jessica Forbes)

Nina Forbes

Age: 56 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Silverado memory care facility in Alexandria, Virginia Date of Death: April 25, 2020

Nina Forbes refused to let fear stop her from living.

She was terrified of flying. But a few years ago, Forbes got on a plane for the first time to watch her younger daughter Jennifer play volleyball.

COVID-19 also scared Forbes, and as a nurse at an assisted living facility, she knew the virus posed a serious risk. Still, she continued showing up to work.

Forbes tested COVID-positive just after Easter. Chills, body aches and a fever kept her from attending family dinner that Sunday. By the following weekend, she struggled to breathe and couldn’t walk on her own. An ambulance took her to the hospital.

Her older daughter, Jessica, said her mother didn’t have the necessary protection at work. Forbes sometimes wore trash bags to protect herself, she said.

In a statement, a representative for the facility said it met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for personal protective equipment. Employees sometimes used trash bags as an added layer of protection, worn over a disposable gown, according to the representative.

Forbes appeared to do what she wanted even in her final moments. Jennifer was able to visit her mother in the hospital, and Forbes died shortly after she left, Jessica said. “It was like she waited for her to leave.”

— Carmen Heredia Rodriguez, Kaiser Health News | Published May 19, 2020

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A Family Man Who Loved Disney, Took Risks To Help Others

(Courtesy of AMR Southwest Mississippi)

David Martin

Age: 52 Occupation: Paramedic Place of Work: AMR Southwest Mississippi, covering Amite and Wilkinson counties Date of Death: April 22, 2020

On March 22, David Martin changed his Facebook profile picture. Around his smiling face, the frame read, “I can’t stay home … I’m a healthcare worker.”

Outside of work, he was a dedicated family man with two children, known for his love of Disney.

Martin, who covered 1,420 square miles across two rural counties, had cared for people with suspected COVID-19 in the weeks leading up to his death, said Tim Houghton, chief of operations for AMR Southwest Mississippi.

“We do what we do knowing the risks,” Houghton said. But Martin’s death was “a hard hit.”

On March 23, at the end of a shift, Martin told a supervisor he had mild flu symptoms. A month later, he died at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

AMR paramedics had N95 masks and protective gear and followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Houghton said. “We have not yet had a shortage.”

In Facebook posts honoring Martin, colleagues described his excitement before trips to Disney World. In his memory, his fiancee, Jeanne Boudreaux, shared a photo of a hot air balloon ride at Disney Springs.

— Michaela Gibson Morris | Published May 19, 2020

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For a 9/11 First Responder, ‘Sitting on the Sidelines Was Never in His DNA’

(Courtesy of Erin Esposito)

Matthew ‘Matty’ Moore

Age: 52 Occupation: Radiologic technologist Place of Work: Northwell Health’s GoHealth Urgent Care in Eltingville, Staten Island, New York City Date of Death: April 17, 2020

Matthew Moore “would give the shirt off his back to help others,” said his sister, Erin Esposito.

A former firefighter and Staten Island native, “Matty” Moore volunteered as a first responder for weeks after 9/11, “even when everyone else stopped going,” Esposito said.

Moore was known as “a gentle giant” in Prince’s Bay, his brother-in-law Adam Esposito said. He was a devoted churchgoer and a beloved member of “The Beach Boys Firehouse” (as Engine 161/81 was nicknamed).

He even came through as Santa Claus, delivering gifts on Christmas morning to the children of two firefighters who died on 9/11.

Moore became an X-ray technologist, cherishing the ability to help those seeking urgent care. When COVID-19 emerged, he continued showing up to work. “Sitting on the sidelines was never in his DNA,” Erin Esposito said.

At the time, the family was reassured that he was receiving the personal protective equipment he needed. Despite his precautions, when Matty contracted COVID-19, it tore through his lungs, which had been damaged at ground zero.

As Matty lay dying, Esposito sought to reassure her brother. “You’ve done enough for us,” she told him, over the phone. Moments later, Matty’s heart stopped beating.

— Eli Cahan | Published May 19, 2020

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‘Gentle Soul’ Had A Brilliant Mind And A Big Heart

Neftali “Neff” Rios

Age: 37 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: St. Francis Hospital’s intensive care unit in Memphis, Tennessee Date of Death: April 26, 2020

Hospital colleagues loved working with Neftali “Neff” Rios. He was humble, kind and capable, a “gentle soul” who always strived to learn something new. Not just smart — “I’m talking extremely intelligent,” his brother Josue Rios said. And he simply loved people. Nursing was a perfect fit.

Neff worked at a small hospital in Clarksdale, Mississippi, then earned his master’s in business administration with an emphasis on health care, and moved to St. Francis, hoping to enter management.

In mid-April, he came down with fever, body aches and a terrible cough and tested positive for the coronavirus. Several family members got sick, too. His parents were hospitalized.

On April 26, Neff collapsed at home, unable to catch his breath. His wife, Kristina, called 911, started CPR and waited for the EMTs. When they arrived, he had already died.

The family believes he was exposed at work. A spokesperson for the hospital declined to comment, citing family privacy.

“Neff was never scared” of catching the virus at work, Rios said. “You take an oath to take care of people, no matter what.”

— Maureen O’Hagan | Published May 19, 2020

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His Warmth And Generosity Brought Diverse Clients To His Pharmacy

(Courtesy of the Titi family)

Saif Titi

Age: 72 Occupation: Pharmacist Place of Work: Noble Pharmacy in Jersey City, New Jersey Date of Death: April 7, 2020

When the pandemic hit, Saif Titi was working six days a week at his Jersey City pharmacy and had no interest in slowing down. As was his way, he wanted to be helpful.

“He didn’t really run it as a business,” said Titi’s son, Justin. “He wasn’t trying to make profit. He was really just trying to help people.”

Titi was born in Jaffa in the last days of British rule in Palestine and grew up a refugee in the Gaza Strip. After studying in Egypt, Austria and Spain, he immigrated to New Jersey in 1972 and bought Noble Pharmacy a decade later.

The pharmacy became a fixture in the community, known as a place immigrants could go for help and advice, often in their native language. If they couldn’t afford medication, Titi would give it to them for free. “All different types of people from different cultures would come and they would instantly fall in love with him,” Justin said.

Active in the local Arab American community, Titi gave to charity and sent money home regularly. A Facebook tribute included dozens of stories of his generosity and mentorship. “We all lost the sweetest and the most noble man on earth,” wrote one relative.

Titi, a father of three adult children, developed symptoms of COVID-19 in late March. He died in the hospital on April 7. His wife, Rachelle, also became infected and has taken some six weeks to recover. In quarantine, the family has been unable to grieve together.

— Noa Yachot, The Guardian | Published May 19, 2020

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Social Worker Was A ‘Big Voice’ In His Community

(Courtesy of Donna Welch)

Gerald Welch

Age: 56 Occupation: Social worker and behavioral specialist Place of Work: Opportunity Behavioral Health in Reading, Pennsylvania Date of Death: April 15, 2020

Donna Welch had sworn she would “never, ever, ever get married again.” Then Gerald appeared.

They met on MySpace, and she quickly realized that “our spirits connected.” On their first date, at Donna’s house in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Gerald proposed — and Donna said yes. “It was like he came down on a bolt of lightning from heaven,” she said.

Gerald’s fiery passion and courage to speak out served him as a boardroom advocate for underperforming students in the school district, and at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where he resurrected a scholarship now named in his honor.

“He had a big voice,” Donna said, “and he was not afraid to use it.” His “Families, Organizations and Communities United in Service” podcast combined Gerald’s lived experience overcoming drugs and his spirituality to support others struggling with addiction.

So even as the state’s COVID cases mounted, Gerald was a dutiful companion for his clients with severe autism — he took them to the supermarket in Lancaster and the laundromat in Lebanon. “Wherever they needed to go, he went,” Donna said. “He cared so much for them, and they loved him dearly.”

“We all did,” she added.

— Eli Cahan | Published May 19, 2020

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Hardworking Immigrant Realized His Dream To Practice Medicine In US

Jesus Manuel Zambrano and his son, Jesus Manuel Jr. (Courtesy of the Zambrano family)

Jesus Manuel Zambrano

Age: 54 Occupation: Pediatrician Place of Work: Private practice in Freeport, New York; attending physician at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital Date of Death: March 30, 2020

Jesus Manuel Zambrano studied medicine in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to New York in the 1990s.

He hustled, working in fast food and as a school bus driver between studies, his wife, Sandra, said. He completed his residency in 2010.

In the meantime, they had two children: Jesus Manuel Jr., 22, and Angelyne Ofelia, 18. Jesus Manuel Jr., who uses a wheelchair, never veered far from his father during family outings to restaurants and parks, and Holy Week vacations.

Zambrano’s bond with his son informed his care for his patients. “There was not a single day we met and talked when we didn’t talk about his son,” said Dr. Magda Mendez, a former colleague.

Zambrano spent days in private practice, Sandra said, and in the evenings treated others at the hospital, which saw COVID cases.

In early March, he felt ill. He took the next day off — a rare occurrence, Sandra said. He was taken to the hospital where he worked, where he died after a week and a half of care.

In becoming a physician in the United States, Zambrano had realized his lifelong dream. He wished the same for his family.

“He had a lot of plans for his children, a lot of dreams,” Sandra said. “He took them with him.”

— Carmen Heredia Rodriguez, Kaiser Health News | Published May 15, 2020

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Quick-Witted And Quick To Serve, Firefighter ‘Always Had Your Back’

(Courtesy of the Zerman family)

Robert Zerman

Age: 49 Occupation: Volunteer firefighter Place of Work: Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 in Robesonia, Pennsylvania Date of Death: April 16, 2020

Anyone who met Robert Zerman would see two things: He was devoted to firefighting and emergency medical services, and he had a quick sense of humor.

“He probably went on tens of thousands of calls,” said Anthony Tucci, CEO of the Western Berks Ambulance Association. Tucci, who knew Zerman for over three decades, added, “he always had your back, always knew his stuff.”

Most recently, Zerman was a volunteer assistant fire chief. He responded to an emergency in March in which the patient had COVID-19 symptoms.

“That was before there was really any guidance to wear PPE,” Tucci said.

Soon Zerman got sick, leading the family to suspect that he’d contracted the coronavirus on that call, Tucci said. Zerman tested positive and was hospitalized. He seemed to be improving before taking a bad turn.

Berks County, in eastern Pennsylvania, is among the state’s hardest hit, recording around 3,500 total cases and nearly 200 deaths by mid-May.

Representatives from two dozen first responder agencies lined the streets for Zerman’s funeral procession.

— Maureen O’Hagan | Published May 19, 2020

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Lighthearted Nurse ‘Lit Up the Room’

(Courtesy of Alisa Bowens)

Linda Bonaventura

Age: 45 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Wildwood Healthcare Center in Indianapolis Date of Death: April 13, 2020

Even on bad days, Linda Bonaventura’s lighthearted sense of humor made people feel better, her sister Alisa Bowens said.

Bonaventura dedicated her career to children with special needs and seniors. She did her best to keep her spirits up while working 16-hour days.

“We like to say she was laughter,” Bowens said. “She lit up the room.”

In a statement, Ethan Peak, executive director of Wildwood, called Bonaventura a dedicated nurse who “would do anything for her residents and co-workers.”

As the list of patients and employees with COVID-19 grew longer at Wildwood, Bonaventura refused to live in fear, Bowens said.

Bowens recalled the day her sister confessed she was spraying herself with Lysol to kill the germs on her clothes. She did the same for a co-worker. A Wildwood spokesperson said the nursing home had sufficient personal protective equipment for employees.

The sisters, in one of their last conversations, told each other they would be at peace if death came during the pandemic. A short time later, Bonaventura tested positive for COVID-19. Just a week after coming down with a sore throat and fever, she died.

“She believed in fate,” Bowens said. “We shared that belief. But it was still a shock.”

— Cara Anthony | Published May 15, 2020

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Nurse’s Death Ripples Through The Heart Of An Extended Community

(Courtesy of Courtney Christian)

Sheila Faye Christian

Age: 66 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Care Pavilion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia Date of Death: April 19, 2020

So many people are mourning the death of Sheila Christian, her daughter set up a website to comfort them all.

Christian was a longtime friend of Tina Knowles-Lawson ― the mother of Beyoncé — who posted about the loss on Instagram.

But Christian was also a superstar at the center where she worked for 26 years and among those who knew her. She was the kind of person who brought lunch to a new co-worker and hosted a baby shower for someone without close family, according to her daughter and a memorial board.

At the outset of the COVID crisis, Christian was not given personal protective equipment, her daughter, Courtney Christian, 30. She said her mother received a mask only in late March. A lawyer for the center acknowledged Christian’s death and said federal guidelines were followed but didn’t respond to specific questions about protective gear.

Christian was diagnosed April 2. She endured more than a week of fever, chills and coughing, but seemed to be on the mend. She had been cleared to return to work when she collapsed at home. An outpouring of grief followed, her daughter said.

“She just helped and cared for so many people,” she said. “People I had never met.”

— JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News | Published May 15, 2020

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At Work, Church And Home, Army Veteran Gave It His All

(Courtesy of Shlonda Clark)

Roy Chester Coleman

Age: 64 Occupation: Emergency medical technician Place of Work: Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana Date of Death: April 6, 2020

Shlonda Clark calls her father her “favorite superhero.”

It was one of Roy Coleman’s many roles. For the past 11 years, the Army veteran and EMT worked as a housekeeper at the VA hospital in his hometown. He was a church deacon, Sunday school teacher and usher. He also volunteered with special-needs adults.

Roy had a big family, with three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“He was funny, he was kind, he was giving,” said Mabel Coleman, his wife of 40 years.

“If he didn’t like you, something was wrong with you,” added Clark.

Coleman fell ill March 23. After three trips to the emergency room, he was admitted March 27, with a fever and labored breathing.

“It was the last time I saw him,” Mabel said.

He tested positive for COVID-19 and died at the hospital where he had worked.

His family said he was concerned about the lack of personal protective equipment. The VA medical center said by email it “has and continues to use PPE in accordance with CDC guidelines.”

— Katja Ridderbusch | Published May 15, 2020

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Beloved Doctor Made House Calls, Treated Patients Like Family

(Courtesy of the Giuliano family)

Michael Giuliano

Age: 64 Occupation: Family practice physician Place of Work: Mountainside Medical Group in Nutley, New Jersey Date of Death: April 18, 2020

For 39 years, Michael Giuliano practiced old-fashioned family medicine.

He made house calls. He visited his patients in the hospital rather than asking another physician to check in on them. He saw generations of the same family.

“Some patients would show up here at the house,’” said Giuliano’s wife, Marylu, a nurse and the office manager of his solo practice. “Patients would call and he’d say, ‘Come on over, I’ll check you out.’ He always went above and beyond.”

A father of five and a grandfather of four, Giuliano was jovial, with a quirky sense of humor and love of Peanuts characters, especially Charlie Brown. He liked to tell patients, “I’ll fix you up.”

“He treated all of his patients like family,” said Nutley Mayor Joseph Scarpelli.

When COVID-19 hit the U.S., Giuliano ordered N95 masks, his family said, but suppliers were out and sent surgical masks instead. Giuliano wore two at a time.

The week of March 16, Giuliano saw four patients with respiratory symptoms who later tested positive for COVID-19. About two weeks later, he tested positive.

Giuliano continued to see patients from home using telemedicine until he was hospitalized. He died 11 days later.

— Michelle Crouch | Published May 15, 2020

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He Tried To Reassure His Family Until The End

(Courtesy of Sheryl Pabatao)

Alfredo Pabatao

Age: 68 Occupation: Orderly Place of Work: Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, New Jersey Date of Death: March 26, 2020

After 44 years of marriage, Alfredo Pabatao still bought his wife, Susana, flowers.

“They were that type of couple that you rarely see nowadays,” their youngest daughter, Sheryl Pabatao, 30, said. “They set such a high standard for us, their kids — that may be the reason why I’m still single.” She said her father was a patient man who could fix just about anything.

The Pabataos came from Quezon City, just outside Manila, in the Philippines. Alfredo worked at a car dealership, and Sheryl said she and her siblings grew up comfortably.

But the couple wanted more for their five children, and immigrated to the United States in October 2011. “The first year that we were here, was really, really tough,” Sheryl remembered. Her oldest two siblings, already adults by the time the Pabataos’ immigration application cleared, had to stay behind.

Alfredo found a job as an orderly at a hospital in New Jersey, where he worked for nearly two decades. In mid-March, he told his family he had transported a patient with signs of COVID-19; he fell ill days later. In a statement, his employer wrote: “We have policies and procedures in place to protect our team members and patients that are all in accordance with CDC guidelines.”

Sheryl said the family’s last conversation with her father was via FaceTime, with him on his hospital bed. Connected to oxygen, he insisted he wasn’t gravely ill. He made jokes and even demonstrated yoga poses to reassure his wife and children. He died soon after.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published May 15, 2020

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A ‘Selfless’ Mother Who ‘Always Had The Right Words’

(Courtesy of Sheryl Pabatao)

Susana Pabatao

Age: 64 Occupation: Assistant nurse Place of Work: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey Date of Death: April 30, 2020

Susana Pabatao became a nurse in her late 40s, after her family immigrated to the United States.

It eased some of her longing for her own mother, whom she had left behind in the Philippines, her daughter, Sheryl Pabatao said. “It helped her to know that she was helping other people — something that she couldn’t do for my grandmother,” Sheryl said. Susana treated her older patients as if they were her own parents, she added.

Susana was warm, selfless and a constant source of comfort. Sheryl said, “My mom always had the right words.”

Susana’s husband, Alfredo Pabatao, began showing symptoms of COVID-19 in mid-March, and Susana became ill soon after. Sheryl, who described the two as “inseparable,” said: “When my dad got sick, it’s like part of her was not there anymore.”

Alfredo was hospitalized, and Susana spent her last days at home resting and speaking with him on FaceTime. Sheryl, who lived with her parents, said she overheard the two console each other one morning. “My mom was telling my dad, ‘We’ve gone through so many things, we’re going to get through this.”

Alfredo died on March 26. Susana died four days later.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published May 15, 2020

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Air Force Doctor Had Served In The White House

(Courtesy of the Medical Center of Annandale)

Steven Perez

Age: 68 Occupation: Internal medicine physician Place of Work: Medical Center of Annandale in Annandale, Virginia Date of Death: May 7, 2020

When George H.W. Bush announced his 1988 run for the presidency, Steven Perez was one of the doctors who gave him a clean bill of health.

An “Air Force brat” who was born in the United Kingdom, Perez served as a flight surgeon and medical director in the Air Force Medical Service Corps before practicing as a physician in the White House from 1986 to 1990, according to a statement from his family.

“It was the honor of his life,” his son, Benjamin Perez, said.

Perez went into private practice in San Antonio in the early ’90s before opening his own clinic in Northern Virginia. He also taught at the University of Virginia.

According to his family, he made a promise to God and “never refused medical aid to the poor who came to his office, even accepting yams as payment on occasion.”

Perez’s family describes him as a proud grandfather to his three grandchildren (with two more on the way); he loved the University of Southern California Trojan football, the Dallas Cowboys and the Nationals.

“He could make anyone laugh, knew just what to say, and showed profound love for his friends and family,” his family wrote in an obituary. “Every person he met felt like they were the reason he was there.”

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published May 15, 2020

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She Jumped At Chance To Lend Her Nursing Skills To Her Beloved New York

(Courtesy of the Sell family)

Rosemary Sell

Age: 80 Occupation: Pediatric nurse practitioner Place of Work: New York City public schools Date of Death: April 17, 2020

Rosemary Sell was a New Yorker through and through. Born in Washington Heights in northern Manhattan, she went to nursing school in Greenwich Village and raised her five boys on the Lower East Side.

In the 1960s, she traveled to Berlin, where she worked as a nurse for the British army and met her future husband, Peter. A lifelong love of travel was born. Gregarious and high-energy by nature, she loved meeting new people. “Wherever she’d go, she’d make a new friend,” said her son, also named Peter.

In later years, Sell spent much of her time in Florida. But she jumped at opportunities to lend her nursing skills to her home city and see her grandchildren and friends.

In February, she was contacted by a firm that places nurses on temporary assignments. Her children were concerned about the encroaching pandemic, especially given her age. “But they need a nurse,” she responded. She traveled to New York to fill in as a nurse at several schools citywide just as the pandemic took hold. The firm, Comprehensive Resources, did not respond to questions on protections for its contractors.

Sell began developing symptoms in mid-March, just before the citywide school closure went into effect. She returned home to Florida, where she died from pneumonia caused by COVID-19.

Before Rosemary died, she had been hatching her next adventure with a friend: to travel to India. She wanted to see the Taj Mahal.

— Noa Yachot, The Guardian | Published May 15, 2020

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A Hands-On Pharmacist Who Made The Big City Feel Smaller

(Courtesy of Zair Yasin)

Ali Yasin

Age: 67 Occupation: Pharmacist Place of Work: New York City Pharmacy in East Village, Manhattan Date of Death: May 4, 2020

Ali Yasin was a small-town druggist in a big city filled with impersonal, chain-store pharmacies. He found a way to operate a robust business and still be on a first-name basis with his customers. Over the years, he became their medical consultant, insurance whisperer and friend.

Jen Masser said she stumbled into Yasin’s pharmacy the first time, covered from hands to elbows in hives. “Something is happening, see someone right away,” Yasin advised. “This could be a serious disease.” He turned out to be right, encouraging her to keep seeing doctors until she finally got the proper autoimmune diagnosis.

Born in Pakistan, Yasin moved to the United States in 1979 and worked in various pharmacies before opening his own in 2001. He ran it with the help of his four sons.

In March, after serving customers in hard-hit Manhattan in his typical hands-on manner, Yasin contracted a cough and tested positive for COVID-19. By month’s end, he was in the hospital on a ventilator. He died May 4.

The storefront window of the Yasin family pharmacy is pasted with condolence cards. Son Zair Yasin said the outpouring has been immense: “I didn’t realize until he was gone how many people he touched.”

— Kathleen Horan | Published May 15, 2020

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Nurse Wouldn’t Abandon Her Patients Or Let Family Worry

(Courtesy of the Isaacs family)

Marsha Bantle

Age: 65 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Signature Healthcare in Newburgh, Indiana Date of Death: May 1, 2020

Marsha Bantle’s family begged her to quit after a resident in the nursing home where she worked was diagnosed with COVID-19.

But Bantle wouldn’t leave. “My patients can’t leave their rooms, they can’t see their families. They really need me right now,’” she told her cousin Carol Isaacs.

Bantle tried to reassure relatives she would limit her exposure, but, on April 17, her temperature spiked. Bantle, who lived alone, holed up at home. She finally called her family when it was clear she needed to be hospitalized.

“That’s Marsha for you,” her cousin John Isaacs said. “She didn’t want us to worry.”

Even while hospitalized, Bantle was selfless, said Shay Gould, the ICU nurse who cared for her. She offered to turn off her medication pump to save the nurse a trip. She asked for other patients’ names to pray for them.

After about a week, Bantle had a stroke, likely brought on by the COVID-19 infection. Within days, she died.

Since April, the nursing home has had 52 positive cases and 13 COVID-19 deaths, including Bantle’s. In a statement, Signature Healthcare said: “The loss of any of our residents or staff, for any reason, is devastating.”

— Michelle Crouch | Published May 12, 2020

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Pharmacist, Feeling Sick, Didn’t Want To Let Patients Down

(Courtesy of the Boynes family)

Sean Boynes

Age: 46 Occupation: Pharmacist Place of Work: AbsoluteCare Medical Center & Pharmacy in Greenbelt, Maryland Date of Death: April 2, 2020

When the coronavirus began circulating in the Washington metropolitan region, Sean Boynes went to work.

“Patients need their medicine,” he told his wife, Nicole.

The medical center where he worked bills itself as “a medical home for the sickest of the sick”; many of its patients struggle with chronic illness and poverty. Boynes was the Greenbelt branch’s first pharmacist.

He was an “incredible, loving guy,” said Dr. Gregory Foti, chief of innovative operations at AbsoluteCare.

Boynes was a proud Howard University alumnus and had three degrees — a bachelor’s of science in biology, a master’s in exercise physiology and a doctorate in pharmacy — from the institution.

In early March, Boynes and his wife began feeling sick. Boynes didn’t want to stop working but thought “taking a sick day might be OK,” Nicole said. He also took a break from being a jungle gym to his eight- and 11-year-old girls. Nicole called him “Super Dad.”

Nicole got better, but Sean, who had asthma, saw his breathing deteriorate.

On March 25, Nicole dropped him at the hospital doors. The medical staff confirmed COVID-19. The family never saw him again.

Foti said AbsoluteCare follows CDC recommendations, such as providing staff with face masks, and declined to comment on where Boynes became infected. He said “it was literally impossible to tell” where Boynes had contracted the virus.

To honor him, AbsoluteCare is naming the Greenbelt pharmacy after Boynes.

— Sarah Jane Tribble, Kaiser Health News | Published May 12, 2020

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A Spry EMT, He Made ‘The Ultimate Sacrifice’

(Courtesy of Toni Lorenc)

John Careccia

Age: 74 Occupation: Emergency medical technician and rescue squad chief Place of Work: Woodbridge Township Ambulance and Rescue Squad in Iselin, New Jersey Date of Death: April 17, 2020

“That’s not the way you throw a curveball!” John Careccia famously declared to his grandson at a family picnic, according to his daughter, Toni Lorenc. Careccia then threw the ball so wide that it broke a window in her shed.

“That’s how you throw the batter off,” he said, brushing off the mishap.

“Typical Pop-Pop,” Lorenc said. “He had so much confidence in himself.”

Careccia, who worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for 30 years, harnessed his self-confidence into a second career. Inspired by two EMTs who saved his son’s life, he became a volunteer EMT in 1993. A consummate educator, he taught CPR, mentored young EMTs and gave catechism classes at his church, Lorenc said.

A spry 74, Careccia responded to 911 calls as chief of his rescue squad, a volunteer position. On a March 25 call, he evaluated a coronavirus patient, said Ed Barrett, squad president. Careccia died of COVID-19 several weeks later.

At his firehouse memorial service, Careccia was summoned over a loudspeaker for his “last call.”

“Having heard no response from Chief Careccia, we know that John has made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Steve Packer, a previous squad president. “His leadership, dedication, compassion and friendship will be greatly missed.”

— Melissa Bailey | Published May 12, 2020

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Police Officer Turned Nurse Practitioner Was Pursuing A Doctorate

(Courtesy of Dennis Graiani)

Kevin Graiani

Age: 56 Occupation: Family nurse practitioner Place of Work: Rockland Medical Group in Garnerville, New York Date of Death: March 30, 2020

Kevin Graiani always wanted to work in health care, according to Dennis Graiani, one of his three sons. But his mother told him he needed a pension, so he became a cop.

Kevin, who grew up in the Bronx, served five years on the New York City Housing Authority police force, then 15 on a suburban police force in Spring Valley, New York. He was a “brilliant officer,” said Lt. Jack Bosworth of Spring Valley.

Known for his dry sense of humor, Kevin often rattled off quotes from movies. He played bagpipes for the Rockland County Police Emerald Society, a law enforcement group. When he retired from police work, he began nursing school and became a nurse practitioner in 2018.

Kevin, who worked at a private practice, became sick on March 10 and was later diagnosed with COVID-19, Dennis said.

He loved learning and was set to finish classes this summer for his doctorate of nursing practice, said Lynne Weissman, his professor and program director at Dominican College.

He was an “extremely bright student” with a 3.7 GPA, Weissman said.

She has nominated him for a posthumous degree.

— Melissa Bailey | Published May 12, 2020

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School Nurse ‘Was A Mother To Many’

(Courtesy of the Howard family)

Marilyn Howard

Age: 53 Occupation: School nurse Place of Work: Spring Creek Community School in Brooklyn, New York Date of Death: April 4, 2020

Marilyn Howard was known for her generosity and never missing a party. Born in Guyana, she came to the U.S. as a teenager. She helped raise her five brothers, putting her ambitions on hold. “She was a mother to many,” her brother Haslyn said.

In her mid-30s, she turned to her own career goals. She steadily racked up four nursing degrees and recently had begun studying to become a nurse practitioner.

Howard, who lived in Queens, New York, was a school nurse in Brooklyn, where she regularly treated children with chronic illnesses associated with poverty. The week before the pandemic shuttered schools, a fellow nurse had a fever and cough.

Days later, Howard developed the same symptoms. After initially improving, she took a sudden turn for the worse April 4. As her brother drove her to the hospital, her heart stopped. She was declared dead at the hospital.

In tribute, hundreds turned out on Zoom to mark Nine-Night — a days-long wake tradition in the Caribbean — where loved ones shared photos, sang songs and recounted Howard’s effect on their lives.

The pandemic has since ripped through Howard’s extended family, infecting at least a dozen relatives. (One cousin was hospitalized but was released and is recovering.) The family has evolved into a sprawling triage team, monitoring one another’s temperatures, delivering food, charting emergency contacts and nearby hospitals.

Howard’s brothers hope to start a foundation in her name to help aspiring nurses in the U.S. and West Indies. “The best way to honor her spirit and her memory is to bring more nurses into this world,” said her brother Rawle. “We need more Marilyns around.”

— Noa Yachot, The Guardian | Published May 12, 2020

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Post-Retirement, She Tirelessly Rejoined Workforce

(Courtesy Bethany MacDonald)

Nancy MacDonald

Age: 74 Occupation: Receptionist Place of Work: Orchard View Manor, a nursing home and rehabilitation center in East Providence, Rhode Island Date of Death: April 25, 2020

Nancy MacDonald tried retiring, but couldn’t make it stick.

For 20 years, she was a middle school teaching assistant and cheerleading coach. At home, she loved painting rocks and watching “Blue Bloods” and “American Idol.” She was married with two adult children.

A lifelong Rhode Islander, Nancy was a people person, her daughter, Bethany MacDonald, said. “She always wanted to help others.”

So, in 2017, it was natural that she’d go back to work, this time at a nursing home.

As Orchard View’s COVID case count escalated, MacDonald worried. Still, she kept coming in — washing and reusing her N95 respirator and having her temperature taken daily.

Tim Brown, an Orchard View spokesperson, said the facility has “extensive infection control,” satisfying government guidelines. He would not say how often employees receive new N95s.

On April 13, MacDonald began coughing. By April 16, she was hospitalized. Her COVID test came back positive. She died 10 days later ― almost a week after her last conversation with her daughter.

“I said, ‘Mama, we love you,’” Bethany said. “The last words she said to me were, ‘I love you, too.’”

— Shefali Luthra, Kaiser Health News | Published May 12, 2020

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Despite Danger, Semi-Retired Nurse Kept Caring For ER Patients

(Courtesy of the Miles family)

Sheena Miles

Age: 60 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Scott Regional Hospital in Morton, Mississippi Date of Death: May 1, 2020

At age 60, Sheena Miles was semi-retired. She usually worked every other weekend, but as COVID-19 emerged in Mississippi, she worked four weekends in a row from mid-March to mid-April.

“I’ve got a duty,” she told her son, Tom Miles.

The economy where she lived is dominated by poultry plants, and the county has been a coronavirus hot spot. Sheena was diligent with protective gear, wearing her mask and doubling up on gloves, Tom said. She stayed home when she wasn’t working.

“Losing Sheena has been a tragic loss, as she had been a part of our hospital for 25 years,” said Heather Davis, a hospital administrator.

Sheena took ill on Easter Sunday. By Thursday, Tommy Miles, her husband of 43 years, drove her to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Two long weeks passed. The family was allowed to say goodbye in person, and on their way into her room, an ICU nurse told them that years ago Sheena had cared for his infant daughter. ���‘Your mom saved her life,’” the nurse said.

“That was a little comfort in the storm,” Sheena’s son said.

— Michaela Gibson Morris | Published May 12, 2020

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A Nurse Who Was Living Her Dream Of Working In The U.S.

(Courtesy of Venus Donasco-Delfin)

Anjanette Miller

Age: 38 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Community First Medical Center and Kindred Chicago Lakeshore in Chicago, and Bridgeway Senior Living in Bensenville, Illinois Date of Death: April 14, 2020

As a child, Anjanette Miller dreamed of becoming a nurse in the U.S. She studied in her native Philippines and worked briefly in Saudi Arabia before fulfilling her wish in 2001.

Miller settled in Chicago and worked as a supervising nurse at three facilities. Her sister, Venus Donasco-Delfin, said Miller got along well with co-workers who shared her work ethic.

“At work, I think, she was strict, but beyond work, she’s a great friend,” Donasco-Delfin said. One of five siblings, she was the “pillar of the family” and supported relatives back home.

“I studied psychology for two years,” Donasco-Delfin said, “but she kept calling me [in the Philippines] and said, ‘No, Venus. … You have to pursue nursing. You will make a difference.’” Donasco-Delfin, now in Canada, became a nurse.

Miller started feeling sick in mid-March and was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early April. She self-isolated, chronicling her illness on YouTube and Facebook. She was hospitalized April 5 and died nine days later.

Miller had hoped to retire to the Philippines and pursue her other passion, filmmaking. Last year she traveled back home to shoot scenes for a project. “The movie she was making is about her life story,” Donasco-Delfin said. “But it’s not finished yet.”

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published May 12, 2020

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He Took The Time To Put Patients At Ease

(Courtesy of Holy Name Medical Center)

Jesus Villaluz

Age: 75 Occupation: Patient transport worker Place of Work: Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey Date of Death: April 3, 2020

After Jesus Villaluz died from COVID-19 complications, colleagues lined the hallway at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, to say goodbye. They’d never done that for anyone else.

“Jesus knew many and meant a lot to all of us, so this gesture felt like the right thing to do,” said hospital spokesperson Nicole Urena.

The hospital, and surrounding Bergen County, have been hit hard by the pandemic. By May 8, Holy Name had treated more than 6,000 COVID patients, 181 of whom died.

Villaluz worked at Holy Name for 27 years. In a Facebook post, the hospital memorialized Villaluz’s generosity: He once won a raffle and shared the winnings with colleagues, an anecdote New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy repeated at a news conference. Family members declined requests for an interview.

Co-worker Hossien Dahdouli said Villaluz’s compassion for patients was exemplary. He never rushed anyone, took the time to chat with patients and was always concerned for their privacy and safety, Dahdouli said.

Years ago, after Dahdouli had a sad day caring for deteriorating ICU patients, he asked Villaluz why he always appeared so happy.

“He said, ‘My worst day at work is better than someone’s best day as a patient.’”

— Anna Almendrala, Kaiser Health News | Published May 12, 2020

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Family Vacations And Reggae Gave Rhythm To His Life

(Courtesy of Nina Batayola)

Don Ryan Batayola

Age: 40 Occupation: Occupational therapist Place of Work: South Mountain Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Vauxhall, New Jersey Date of Death: April 4, 2020

April 4 was the day Don and Nina Batayola had planned to leave for London on a 10-day European vacation. Instead, that was the day Don died of COVID-19.

The Springfield, New Jersey, couple loved to travel ― on their own or with their children, Zoie, 10, and Zeth, 8. Disney World. Road trips to Canada. Every year for a week they would savor the beach on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Don’s love of reggae music prompted a trip to Jamaica to visit Bob Marley’s birthplace.

The Batayolas, both occupational therapists, moved to New Jersey from the Philippines 13 years ago to pursue their careers.

“He loved to help,” Nina said. “He had such the ability to make everybody smile or laugh.”

Don worked with at least one patient and a handful of colleagues who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, and in late March, he developed symptoms. Nina came home from work for lunch on March 31 to find him struggling to breathe. She dialed 911.

He was hospitalized, then she also developed COVID symptoms. Self-isolating at home, Nina talked with Don once a day. She thought he seemed stronger but, on the fourth day, his heart suddenly stopped.

— Michelle Andrews | Published May 8, 2020

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Even On ‘The Saddest Day … She Could Make You Laugh’

(Courtesy of Kim Bruner)

Brittany Bruner-Ringo

Age: 32 Occupation: Nurse Place of Work: Silverado Beverly Place in Los Angeles Date of Death: April 20, 2020

When it was Brittany Bruner-Ringo’s turn to pick the family vacation, it was always New Orleans. A city so full of life.

And that is how family described the 32-year-old who left the Oklahoma plains for the excitement of Southern California.

“She always made the best of things,” her mother, Kim Bruner, said. “It could be the saddest day, and she could make you laugh.”

Bruner-Ringo worked at a dementia care center. On March 19, she admitted a patient flown in from New York. She suspected he might have COVID-19, and she was nervous. For fear of frightening the patients, she hadn’t been allowed to wear a mask or gloves, she told her mom by phone that night. (A spokesperson from her employer said, “We have no issues in our environment using appropriate masking and gloves and have followed CDC guidelines throughout this pandemic. We have always had adequate PPE to protect our residents and associates.”)

The following day, the patient grew worse. Bruner-Ringo checked into a hotel to isolate from her roommate. She later tested positive for COVID-19, but when she developed symptoms did not complain ― even to her mom: “She would say, ‘I’m fine. I’m going to beat this. Don’t worry about me.’”

Bruner, a veteran nurse herself, called the hotel front desk for help getting an ambulance to her daughter. She had just hung up with her daughter, who insisted she was fine, while struggling to breathe.

— Samantha Young, Kaiser Health News | Published May 8, 2020

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He And His Wife Shared A Lust For Travel ― And A COVID Diagnosis

(Courtesy of LaKita Bush)

Joshua Bush

Age: 30 Occupation: Nurse and nursing student Place of Work: Benton House of Aiken in Aiken, South Carolina Date of Death: April 17, 2020

Joshua Bush never let his wife, LaKita, forget that she was five hours late for their first date.

“He never held back telling the truth,” LaKita said, with a doleful laugh.

They met online in 2011, each attracted to the other’s lust for travel. For Joshua’s 30th birthday, they took a cruise to Bermuda. He yearned to go farther afield to Tokyo to revel over anime.

Joshua began his nursing career after high school, eventually ending up at Benton House of Aiken, an assisted living facility. Joshua and LaKita, who works in human resources for a hospital, thought it was allergy-related when they both fell ill in late March. Benton House had no confirmed COVID cases at the time, LaKita said. Even still, the staff was taking precautions.

A doctor prescribed Joshua flu medication, but his symptoms — fever and aches but no cough — worsened, and he was admitted to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia, on April 4.

“That was the last time I saw him alive,” LaKita said.

Over the next few days, both tested positive for the coronavirus. Joshua was sedated in the hospital for two weeks and died on April 17. LaKita recovered at home.

Joshua was earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. May would have marked the couple’s fifth anniversary.

— Sarah Varney, Kaiser Health News | Published May 8, 2020

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Her Sudden Death Blindsided Husband And Autistic Son

(Courtesy of Vincent Carmello)

Karen Carmello

Age: 57 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Maryhaven Center of Hope in Port Jefferson Station, New York Date of Death: April 16, 2020

Karen Carmello had an intimate understanding of working with intellectually disabled patients.

Her 26-year-old son, Steven, has autism. According to her husband, Vincent, the two spoke by phone every day. Steven would recall exactly what he did, and Karen listened intently.

“She could do no wrong in his eyes, ever,” Vincent said. “It’s a very special bond, but it’s one that she earned.”

Sharing the news of her death was shattering: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do — letting him know.”

When Karen took ill, she discovered that a patient in her ward had tested positive for COVID-19. She was hospitalized March 23. Eight days later, she sent Vincent her last text, at 2:17 a.m., before going to the ICU.

On April 16, hospital staff called and asked whether Vincent would be comfortable signing a do-not-resuscitate order. He hadn’t been able to see his wife, so he didn’t completely grasp how grave her condition was.

“I thought, ‘OK, this must be a formality,'” he said. “I authorized it. And I got a call within two hours that she passed. I was stunned.”

— Shoshana Dubnow, Kaiser Health News | Published May 8, 2020

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His Facebook Posts Left Clues Of A Tragic Timeline

(Courtesy of Felicia Dodson-Hill)

Maurice Dotson

Age: 51 Occupation: Certified nursing assistant Place of Work: West Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Austin, Texas Date of Death: April 17, 2020

Maurice Dotson’s sister knew something was wrong when her older brother didn’t post his daily Facebook update.

“We knew he was good as long as he posted every morning,” Felicia Dodson-Hill, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, said.

Dotson, 51 ― a certified nursing assistant for 25 years at the West Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Austin — had begun caring for COVID-19 patients.

He sounded positive on Facebook, posting on March 30: “We are going through scary, difficult times, but better days are coming.”

Days later, family in Arkansas couldn’t reach him.

“We had been trying to get in contact with him since April 1st,” his sister said. “On April 3rd, he posted that he had to go to the hospital ― that he was not feeling good.”

Dodson-Hill said the hospital sent him home. Her mother finally reached him on April 6 or 7.

“He told my mom he didn’t have the energy to barely talk,” Dodson-Hill said.

Dawunna Wilson, a cousin from Hazen, Arkansas, said Maurice called an ambulance on April 8. Results from his coronavirus test done at the hospital came back positive the next day. “From there, it was pretty much downhill,” Wilson said.

— Sharon Jayson | Published May 5, 2020

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Community Salutes Nurse Who Loved Baseball

(Courtesy of Leigh Ann Lewis)

Barbara Finch

Age: 63 Occupation: Licensed practical nurse Place of Work: Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia, Virginia Date of Death: March 29, 2020

When Barbara Finch got excited, she’d scrunch her hands into fists and wave them around like a kid at Christmas. She did it when the Atlanta Braves scored, or while watching her grandkids play baseball, her No. 1 passion outside work.

Finch spent her 37-year nursing career in the emergency department of the hospital in Emporia, Virginia (population of about 5,000), where one of her four children, Leigh Ann Lewis, worked as an EMT.

Lewis knew her mother was well liked: Patients she transported from the hospital would rave that Finch had been sweet and compassionate.

Finch fell ill on March 17 and died in an ICU 12 days later. As a hearse carried her casket to the graveyard, Lewis said, people lined the way at driveway mailboxes, churches and stores, holding signs that read, “We love you,” “Praying for you,” “Hugs.” At her hospital, employees released balloons to the sky.

“It seemed like, in our area, she knew everybody — either she worked with them, or they were a patient of hers at some point,” Lewis said. “It was a very, very large outpour of love and comfort and solidarity.”

— Melissa Bailey | Published May 8, 2020

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‘He Loved To Work,’ With No Plans To Retire

(Courtesy Giancarlo Pattugalan)

Tomas Pattugalan

Age: 70 Occupation: Internal medicine physician Place of Work: Private practice in Jamaica, Queens, New York Date of Death: March 29, 2020

Tomas Pattugalan’s kids had been encouraging him to retire. Even after 45 years of medicine, Pattugalan wasn’t ready to slow down.

“He loved his patients. He loved to work. He loved to help others,” said Giancarlo, his son. “He had an enormous capacity to give of himself.”

A father of three, Pattugalan grew up in the Philippines, immigrating to the U.S. in the 1970s. He was a devout Catholic — attending Mass weekly ― and “karaoke master,” Giancarlo said.

In early March, Pattugalan began testing patients for COVID-19. His medical history, including a family history of strokes and high blood pressure, heightened his own risk. So after tests of two patients returned positive, he got tested himself. On March 24, he learned he had the coronavirus.

“He made a joke and said Prince Charles had tested [positive] too, and he was sharing royalty,” Giancarlo said. “He was making light of it, not trying to get any of us worried.”

Pattugalan had a cough. Then came wheezing. His oxygen levels dropped. He tried hydroxychloroquine, an experimental treatment touted by President Donald Trump that has yielded mixed results. Nothing helped.

On March 29, Pattugalan agreed to seek hospital care. He died that day.

— Shefali Luthra, Kaiser Health News | Published May 8, 2020

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Says Widow Battling Cancer: ‘He Was My Backbone’

(Courtesy of Melissa Castro Santos)

Darrin Santos

Age: 50 Occupation: Transportation supervisor Place of Work: NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center in White Plains, New York Date of Death: April 4, 2020

Melissa Castro Santos had just started a new treatment for multiple myeloma when her husband, Darrin, got sick.

For nearly two weeks, he isolated in their bedroom, but after he began gasping for air, he went to the hospital. He died of COVID-19 days later.

“It’s just unbelievable,” Castro Santos said.

As a transportation supervisor, Santos delivered health care workers and equipment between hospitals in the New York metropolitan area. He loved his job, Castro Santos said, and was known to drive doctors wherever and whenever they were needed, through heavy traffic and snowstorms.

Castro Santos, who has been battling cancer since 2012, said her husband doted on their three teenagers, all avid athletes. He arranged his work schedule to attend as many of their games as possible. When he couldn’t make it, she would call him on FaceTime so he could catch glimpses of the action.

Unable to hold a funeral, they arranged for burial five days after Santos died. Friends lined the streets in cars in a show of support as the family drove to and from the cemetery.

Now Castro Santos is confronting cancer without her husband. “He was my backbone. He was the one who took me to chemotherapy and appointments.”

— Anna Jean Kaiser, The Guardian | Published May 8, 2020

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An Animal Lover Who Loved Aerospace, She Died Alone At Home

(Courtesy of Aubree Farmer)

Lisa Ewald

Age: 53 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Date of Death: April 1, 2020

Lisa Ewald was a nurse to many living things, human and otherwise.

When her neighbor Alexis Fernandez’s border collie had a stomach blockage, Ewald hooked the dog up to an IV four times a day. “She was this dedicated nurse who nursed my dog back to health,” Fernandez said.

Ewald also loved gardening, aerospace and comic book conventions.

Ewald told Fernandez that a patient she had treated later tested positive for COVID-19, and that she was not wearing a mask at the time. Two days later, after seeing the patient, she got sick. After delays in accessing a test, she learned on March 30 that she was infected with the coronavirus.

A hospital spokesperson acknowledged that staff who treat coronavirus patients have a higher risk of exposure, but said there was “no way to confirm” how a staff member contracted the virus.

On March 31, Ewald didn’t answer when Fernandez texted her. The next day, Fernandez and a hospital nurse went to Ewald’s home to check on her and found her unresponsive on the couch.

“I said, ‘Aren’t you going to go take her pulse or anything?’” Fernandez said. “The nurse just said, ‘She’s gone.’”

— Melissa Bailey | Published May 5, 2020

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An Ardent EMT Who Seemed To Have Nine Lives

(Courtesy of Ben Geiger)

Scott Geiger

Age: 47 Occupation: Emergency medical technician Place of Work: Atlantic Health System in Mountainside and Warren, New Jersey Date of Death: April 13, 2020

Scott Geiger wasn’t always enthusiastic about school, but at age 16 he brought home a tome the size of two phone books. It was a manual for emergency medical technicians, and he devoured it, said his younger brother, Ben Geiger.

Scott was certified as an EMT at 17. He never married or had kids, but did not seem to miss those things.

“He was so focused on being an EMT and helping people in their most vulnerable and desperate moments,” Ben said. “That’s really what made him feel good.”

Scott loved playing pool each week with friends. He was a loyal New York Jets football fan, content to joke about their follies and watch them lose. He was quiet. And he seemed to have nine lives, his brother said, surviving hospitalizations for epilepsy as a kid and blood cancer around age 40.

When the coronavirus began to tear a path through northern New Jersey, he faced his EMT work with resolve. He downplayed his symptoms when he first fell ill in late March, but wound up spending 17 days on a ventilator before he died. The family has had to mourn separately, with the brothers’ father, who lived with Scott, in quarantine, and their mother confined to her room in a nursing home that has COVID-19 cases.

— Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News | Published May 5, 2020

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Caring Nurse ‘Always Put Herself Last’

(Courtesy of Lisa Lococo)

Theresa Lococo

Age: 68 Occupation: Pediatric nurse Place of Work: Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York Date of Death: March 27, 2020

Theresa Lococo spent most of her life at the hospital, working as a pediatric nurse for almost 48 years.

“There wasn’t a day that goes by she wouldn’t come home and tell me about her patients,” said her daughter, Lisa Lococo. “She had to be forced to take her vacation days.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio publicly saluted her lifelong service to New Yorkers, saying, “She gave her life helping others.”

Theresa had dogs — “sometimes too many,” Lisa said — and lived with her son, Anthony, in the home she owned for decades. She loved cooking and watching cooking shows, reading and following soap operas.

Theresa wasn’t tested for COVID-19. But Kings County Hospital, in Brooklyn, was hit hard by the coronavirus.

Days before dying, she described nausea. Friends recalled a cough. Her supervisor encouraged her to stay home, her daughter said.

Lisa called her mother on March 27, just as Anthony was dialing 911 for help.

“She always put others first,” Lisa said. “She always put herself last.”

— Shefali Luthra, Kaiser Health News | Published May 5, 2020

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He Was Full Of Life And Planning For The Future

(Courtesy of the Luna family)

Felicisimo “Tom” Luna

Age: 62 Occupation: Emergency room nurse Place of Work: Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey Date of Death: April 9, 2020

Tom Luna was a joker, a lively and outgoing man who thrived on the fast-paced and varied action of the emergency room. He also adored his three daughters, something clear to all who knew him.

“Tom was a fantastic emergency nurse. He was well liked and loved by his peers,” Gerard Muench, administrative director of the Trinitas emergency department, said in a statement. “His greatest love was for his wife and daughters, who he was very proud of.”

His oldest daughter, Gabrielle, 25, followed his path to become an ER nurse. When Tom fell ill with the coronavirus, he was admitted to the hospital where she works. At the end of her 12-hour night shifts, she made sure he had breakfast and helped him change his clothes. She propped a family photo next to his bed.

Tom’s wife, Kit, also a nurse, said that when some of his symptoms appeared to let up, they talked about him recovering at home. He was a planner, she said, and was already talking about their next family vacation, maybe to Spain.

— Christina Jewett | Published May 5, 2020

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Air Force Veteran Went ‘Above And Beyond For Patients’

Michael Marceaux and his wife, Dunia, when he graduated from nursing school in 2018 (Courtesy of Drake Marceaux)

Michael Marceaux

Age: 49 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Christus Highland Medical Center and Brentwood Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana Date of Death: April 16, 2020

After Michael Marceaux retired from the Air Force, he went back to school. In 2018 he launched a new career as an emergency room nurse.

“Everyone who worked with him said he was so happy,” said Drake Marceaux, one of his four sons. “He was willing to go above and beyond for patients.”

As the coronavirus spread throughout Louisiana, Michael developed a cough and fever. Soon afterward, he tested positive for COVID-19.

“He didn’t seem too worried,” Drake said. “He just wanted to make sure not to give it to other people.”

A spokesperson with Christus Health said Michael would be missed for “how he always had a positive attitude, even after a hard shift. His laughter brought joy to others.” The spokesperson declined to answer questions about workplace safety conditions.

Drake said he wanted his father to be remembered for how much he was loved.

His funeral was livestreamed on Facebook. “At one point, there were 2,000 viewers watching his service,” Drake said. “As much as he didn’t want attention, it gravitated toward him.”

— Victoria Knight, Kaiser Health News | Published May 5, 2020

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She Loved To Give Gifts And Never Forgot Her Hometown

(Courtesy of Courtesy of Donald Jay Marcos)

Celia Lardizabal Marcos

Age: 61 Occupation: Telemetry charge nurse Place of Work: CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles Date of Death: April 17, 2020

Whenever she traveled to her hometown of Tagudin in the Philippines, Celia Lardizabal Marcos showered family with gifts and delighted in planning weekend outings for everyone, said her eldest son, Donald.

And when she returned home to California, she brought presents for her sons. “She always thought of how her family could be happy,” he said.

Trained as a nurse in her home country, Marcos immigrated to the United States in 2001 and settled in Los Angeles. Three years later, she became a telemetry charge nurse, a specialist who tracks patients’ vital signs using high-tech equipment.

On April 3, she was one of three nurses who responded after a suspected COVID patient went into cardiac arrest. Wearing a surgical mask, she intubated the patient. Three days later, she had a headache, body aches and difficulty breathing.

Her symptoms worsened, and she was admitted April 15 to the hospital where she had worked for 16 years. That was the last time Donald spoke to his mother. Two days later, she went into cardiac arrest and died that night.

Her sons plan to honor her wishes to be cremated and buried in Tagudin, alongside her parents.

— Christina M. Oriel, Asian Journal | Published May 5, 2020

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‘Hero Among Heroes,’ Doctor Cared For Generations Of Patients

Francis Molinari (right) with his siblings (from left) Janice, Albert and Lisa (Courtesy of Lisa Molinari)

Francis Molinari

Age: 70 Occupation: Physician Place of Work: Private practice in Belleville, New Jersey; privileges at Clara Maass Medical Center Date of Death: April 9, 2020

In late March, Dr. Francis “Frankie” Molinari told his sister Lisa he was “down for the count,” with chills, fever and trouble breathing.

“Frankie, you know what you have,” she recalled telling him.

“Yes.”

Two days later, he collapsed at home and was rushed to Clara Maass Medical Center. Colleagues stayed by his side as he succumbed to COVID-19.

“We take solace in the fact that he was cared for by colleagues and friends who deeply loved and respected him,” his sister Janice wrote in a blog. “He died a hero among heroes.”

Molinari, a New Jersey native who was married with an adult daughter, was the oldest of four siblings. His sisters describe him as a positive guy who loved music, fishing and teasing people with tall tales: He went to medical school in Bologna, Italy, and he liked to say he had played pinochle with the pope.

Molinari practiced medicine for over four decades, caring for generations of patients in the same family. His family suspects he contracted the coronavirus at his private practice.

“A friend had once described us as four different legs of the same table,” Janice wrote. “Now I’m stuck on the fact that we are only a three-legged table. Less beautiful, less sturdy. Broken.”

— Laura Ungar, Kaiser Health News | Published May 5, 2020

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5-Foot-Tall ‘Fireball’ Was A Prankster To Her Sons

(Courtesy Josh Banago)

Celia Yap-Banago

Age: 69 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri Date of Death: April 21, 2020

Celia Yap-Banago was a 5-foot-tall “fireball,” said one co-worker. She had moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1970 and worked for nearly 40 years for the HCA Midwest Health system. Her family said she was planning for retirement.

Her son Josh said she showed her love through practical jokes: “You knew she loved you if she was yelling at you or if she was pranking you.”

“She was very outspoken,” said Charlene Carter, a fellow nurse. “But I later learned that’s a really good quality to have, as a nurse, so you can advocate for your patients and advocate for yourself.”

In March, Yap-Banago treated a patient who later tested positive for COVID-19. Carter said Yap-Banago was not given personal protective equipment because she was not working in an area designed for COVID patients. She spent her final days in isolation to protect others.

A spokesperson for HCA Midwest Health said that medical staff received adequate personal protective equipment in line with CDC guidelines.

Josh said she spoke with reverence of her patients and their families. “She was always focused on the family as a whole, and that the family was taken care of, not just the patient in the bed,” he said.

— Alex Smith, KCUR | Published May 5, 2020

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In Ministry And Rescue Missions, ‘He Put His All Into It’

(Courtesy of the Birmingham Family)

Billy Birmingham Sr.

Age: 69 Occupation: Emergency medical technician Place of Work: Kansas City Missouri Fire Department Date of Death: April 13, 2020

Bill Birmingham Jr. fondly remembers the year his father took on a new career. The whole family studied, even acting out scenes to ensure Billy Birmingham Sr., a minister, was ready for his emergency medical technician exam.

“He put his all into it,” the son recalled.

Billy Birmingham passed the test. And from the late 1990s on, he served as an EMT and a minister.

His family rallied again for his doctorate in pastoral theology. During nearly four decades as a minister, he founded two churches.

“He had a heart for other people,” his son said. “Whatever he could do for other people, he would do it.”

As an EMT with the Kansas City Fire Missouri Department, he was exposed to the novel coronavirus. The cough came in March.

“‘I’m just tired.’ That’s what he kept saying,” his son said. His dad went to the hospital twice. The first time he told the staff about his symptoms and underlying health conditions, then they sent him home.

The second time he arrived in an ambulance. Just over two weeks later, his final hours arrived.

Hospital staff set up a video chat so his family could see him one last time.

— Cara Anthony, Kaiser Health News | Published May 1, 2020

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Jovial Man Trained Scores Of Doctors In Obstetrics, Gynecology And Kindness

(Courtesy of Ashley Ulker)

Luis Caldera-Nieves

Age: 63 Occupation: OB-GYN doctor Place of Work: University of Miami and Jackson health systems in Miami Date of Death: April 8, 2020

“Somos felices.” That was Dr. Luis Caldera-Nieves’ signature signoff after a cesarean section or patient visit or at the end of a difficult shift. “We’re happy,” he meant, and often, when he was around, it was true.

Caldera-Nieves, a popular OB-GYN, trained scores of doctors and helped bring thousands of babies into the world in his 25 years at the University of Miami and Jackson health systems.

Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, he worked as an Air Force doctor before joining UM, said longtime co-worker Dr. Jaime Santiago. Caldera-Nieves was so devoted to his patients that he often gave them his private phone number — and his wife’s, Santiago said.

Because he was so jovial, he earned the nickname “the Puerto Rican Santa Claus,” Santiago said.

“He was truly loved and admired by everyone who worked with him, and will be remembered for his humor and never-ending positive energy,” said Dr. Jean-Marie Stephan, who trained under Caldera-Nieves.

In a statement, UM and Jackson confirmed Caldera-Nieves died from complications of COVID-19 and said they “grieve the loss of our esteemed and beloved colleague.” He is survived by his wife and six adult children.

— Melissa Bailey | Published May 1, 2020

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A Cluster Of Illness Robs Community Of Another Fearless EMT

(Courtesy of Vito Cicchetti)

Kevin Leiva

Age: 24 Occupation: Emergency medical technician Place of Work: Saint Clare’s Health in Passaic, New Jersey Date of Death: April 7, 2020

When Kevin Leiva died of COVID-19 in early April, it was a second crushing loss to his close-knit team of EMT workers. Their colleague, Israel Tolentino Jr., had died one week before.

“People were scared that everyone was going to die from it,” said Vito Cicchetti, a director at Saint Clare’s Health, where the men worked. “After Izzy died, we all started getting scared for Kevin.”

Leiva, according to an obituary, “was always worried about his crew.” He was “very proud” of his work and was recalled to have said “becoming an EMT was an act of God.”

He met his wife, Marina, online while they were in high school. She moved a thousand miles to build a life with him. He loved spending time at their home, playing guitar and tending to his tegu lizards, AJ and Blue.

As COVID-19 ramped up, the station’s three ambulances each handled up to 15 dispatches a shift, roughly double the usual number. In a busy 12-hour shift, EMTs often responded to calls continuously, stopping only to decontaminate themselves and the truck.

Leiva “always had a joke” that helped to defuse stressful situations and bring his co-workers together, Cicchetti said.

— Michelle Andrews | Published May 1, 2020

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Firefighting And ‘Helping People’ Were In His Blood

(Courtesy of the Terre Haute Fire Department)

John Schoffstall

Age: 41 Occupation: Paramedic and firefighter Place of Work: Terre Haute Fire Department in Terre Haute, Indiana Date of Death: April 12, 2020

John Schoffstall grew up around firehouses, and it was at his own firehouse in Terre Haute, Indiana, that he was exposed to the coronavirus.

A paramedic and firefighter with the Terre Haute Fire Department for almost 12 years, Schoffstall died April 12 at age 41. Deputy Chief Glen Hall said investigations by the county health department and his own department “determined John contracted the virus from another firefighter in the firehouse.” Four other firefighters “had symptoms but none progressed.”

“We respond every day to potential COVID patients,” Hall said.

Jennifer Schoffstall, his wife of 18 years, said her husband went to the hospital March 28.

“His breathing was so bad in the ER, they just decided to keep him,” she said. “He regressed from there.”

Hall said Schoffstall’s “biggest hobby was his family,” with a son, 17, and a daughter, 13.

Schoffstall’s father had been a volunteer firefighter, Jennifer said, and her husband signed up for the New Goshen Volunteer Fire Department when he turned 18.

“He loved the fire service and everything about it,” she said. “He loved helping people.”

— Sharon Jayson | Published May 1, 2020

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Boston Nurse, A Former Bus Driver, Was A Champion For Education

(Courtesy of Teadris Pope)

Rose Taldon

Age: 63 Occupation: Nurse Place of Work: New England Baptist Hospital in Boston Date of Death: April 12, 2020

Rose Taldon was just 5 feet tall. But when she bellowed out the window, her kids ran right home.

“She didn’t take any crap,” said her daughter, Teadris Pope.

Taldon raised three children with her husband on the street where she grew up in Dorchester, Boston. She was respected as a strong black woman, earning a nursing degree while working in public transit for 23 years. Described as stern, she still was quick to tickle her eight grandkids.

Taldon was generous: Even as she lay in a hospital in April, exhausted from the coronavirus, she arranged to pay bills for an out-of-work friend, her daughter said.

It’s unclear whether Taldon caught the virus at her hospital, designated for non-COVID patients. Hospital officials said three patients and 22 staff have tested positive.

Once her mother was hospitalized, Pope couldn’t visit. On Easter morning, a doctor called at 2 a.m., offering to put Taldon on a video call.

“I just talked until I had no words,” Pope said. “I was just telling her, ‘We’re so proud of you. You worked so hard raising us. … You’ve gone through a hell of a fight.'”

An hour later, her mother was gone.

— Melissa Bailey | Published May 1, 2020

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Unflappable First Responder With An Ever-Ready Smile

(Courtesy of Vito Cicchetti)

Israel Tolentino Jr.

Age: 33 Occupation: Emergency medical technician and firefighter Place of Work: Saint Clare’s Health and the Passaic Fire Department, both in Passaic, New Jersey Date of Death: March 31, 2020

When Israel Tolentino Jr. arrived for his EMT shift one morning in March, he seemed fine. Then he got a headache. Then a fever came on, and he was sent home, said Vito Cicchetti, a director at Saint Clare’s Health.

Izzy, as he was called, was an EMT who fulfilled his dream to become a firefighter. In 2018, the former Marine took a job with the Passaic Fire Department but kept up shifts at Saint Clare’s.

He was husband to Maria Vazquez, whom he’d met at church, according to nj.com. They had two young children.

The work pace could be brutal during the pandemic. In a 12-hour shift, Tolentino and his partner were dispatched to one emergency after another, each typically lasting under an hour but requiring nearly that long to decontaminate their gear and truck.

Izzy died in hospital care. The coronavirus tore through his EMT team. Most eventually recovered. But his friend and co-worker Kevin Leiva also died.

Izzy’s unflappable, cheerful presence is missed, Cicchetti said: “No matter how mad you were, he’d come up with a smile and you’d be chuckling to yourself.”

Cicchetti hasn’t replaced either man: “I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”

— Michelle Andrews | Published May 1, 2020

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Their Decade-Long Dream Marriage Ends In Nightmare

(Courtesy of the Detroit Fire Department)

Capt. Franklin Williams

Age: 57 Occupation: Firefighter and medical first responder Place of Work: Detroit Fire Department in Detroit Date of Death: April 8, 2020

Capt. Franklin Williams stood at the altar on his wedding day and pretended to hunt for the ring. He patted his chest, then his pants legs and looked up at his soon-to-be wife with a million-dollar smile.

He was always clowning and “so silly,” said Shanita Williams, his wife, recalling how he wanted to make her laugh. Williams, 57, died from complications of the novel coronavirus on April 8 — one month before the couple’s 10-year wedding anniversary.

Williams had been on an emergency call with a verified COVID patient before falling ill, according to Detroit Fire Department Chief Robert Distelrath. He died in the line of duty.

Crews are equipped with personal protective equipment including a gown, N95 mask and gloves. But it’s easy for a mask to slip ― “when you’re giving [chest] compressions, your mask isn’t staying in place all the time,” said Thomas Gehart, president of the Detroit Fire Fighters Association.

When Williams fell sick on March 24, he moved to the guest bedroom and never returned to work.

“I’m thankful and thank God for having him in my life,” Shanita said, adding that she keeps hoping this is a nightmare and she’ll soon wake up.

— Sarah Jane Tribble, Kaiser Health News | Published May 1, 2020

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A 9/11 First Responder, He Answered The Call During The Pandemic

(Courtesy of the Valley Stream Fire Department)

Mike Field

Age: 59 Occupation: Volunteer emergency medical technician Place of Work: Village of Valley Stream on New York’s Long Island Date of Death: April 8, 2020

Mike Field had a strong sense of civic duty. An emergency medical technician, he was a first responder with the New York Fire Department (FDNY) on 9/11. He was also a member of his community’s all-volunteer fire department since 1987.

After he retired from FDNY in 2002, he took a job making and posting street signs with his local public works department. He continued to volunteer with Valley Stream’s fire department and mentoring the junior fire department. When he wasn’t responding to emergencies or training future emergency technicians, he led a Boy Scout troop and volunteered for animal causes.

“Here’s somebody who cares about the community and cares about its people,” said Valley Stream’s mayor, Ed Fare, who had known Mike since the seventh grade.

Stacey Field, Mike’s wife, said he found his calling early, after his own father experienced a heart attack. “When the fire department EMTs came and helped his dad, he decided that’s what he wanted to do,” she said.

Their three sons ― Steven, 26; Richie, 22; and Jason, 19 — have followed in their father’s footsteps. Steven and Richie are EMTs in New York; Jason plans on training to become one as well. All three volunteer at the same fire station their father did.

In late March, Mike and fellow volunteer responders were called to an emergency involving a patient showing symptoms of COVID-19. Field died on April 8.

— Sharon Jayson | Published April 29, 2020

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Nurse Fought For His Life In Same ICU Where He Cared For Patients

(Courtesy of Romielyn Guillermo)

Ali Dennis Guillermo

Age: 44 Occupation: Nurse Place of Work: Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue, New York Date of Death: April 7, 2020

In 2004, Ali Dennis Guillermo, his wife, Romielyn, and their daughter came to New York from the Philippines to find a better life.

Everything fell into place. The former nursing instructor landed a job at Long Island Community Hospital, often working in intensive care or the emergency room. He enjoyed the intensity of ER work, his wife said. As years passed, the couple had two sons and settled into a close-knit Filipino community.

As COVID-19 emerged, Guillermo was posted to the step-down floor, working with patients transitioning out of intensive care.

A lot of the nurses on his floor had gotten sick with the virus, his wife said, and “everybody was scared.”

And then, Guillermo felt achy, with a fever that soared to 102. He went to the hospital and X-rays were taken, but he was sent home. Within days, his blood oxygen level plummeted.

“My nails are turning blue,” he told his wife. “You should take me to the ER.”

He was admitted that night in late March, and they never spoke again.

In the ICU unit where he’d often worked, Guillermo was intubated and treated. Nearly two weeks later, he died.

— Michelle Andrews | Published April 29, 2020

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An Eager Student, He Aimed To Become A Physician Assistant

(Courtesy of Catrisha House-Phelps)

James House

Age: 40 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Omni Continuing Care nursing home in Detroit Date of Death: March 31, 2020

James House had a voracious appetite for learning about and a fascination with the human body.

His sister, Catrisha House-Phelps, traces it back to childhood visits to a dialysis center where their father received treatments. “That was what tugged at his heart,” she said. “He just always wanted to know ‘why.’”

House-Phelps said her brother adored his five children, treasured his anatomy and physiology books and got a kick out of the residents he cared for at Omni Continuing Care. “He thought they were family; he just said they were funny people,” she said. He had hoped to go back to school to become a physician assistant.

House came down with what he thought was the flu in mid-March. His sister said he tried to get tested for COVID-19 but was turned away because he was not showing textbook symptoms and had no underlying health issues. On March 31, after resting at home for over a week, House returned to work. Hours later, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

He texted his sister with updates on his condition. “I’m about to be intubated now,” he wrote. It was the last message he sent her.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 29, 2020

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She Loved A Parade And Catering To Patients

Pamela Hughes and her daughter, Brie (Courtesy of Angie McAllister)

Pamela Hughes

Age: 50 Occupation: Nursing home medication aide Place of Work: Signature HealthCARE at Summit Manor in Columbia, Kentucky Date of Death: April 13, 2020

Pamela Hughes lived her entire life in rural Columbia, Kentucky, but longed for wide, sandy beaches. For vacation, Hughes and her daughter, Brie, 26, eagerly drove 14 hours to Daytona Beach, Florida, or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

After high school, Hughes worked at Summit Manor, a nursing home in Columbia, for 32 years. She knew which residents preferred chocolate milk or applesauce with their medication; she remembered their favorite outfits and colors. Hughes’ shy demeanor vanished each December when she and co-worker Angie McAllister built a float for the town’s Christmas parade competition.

“We built 10 floats over 10 years,” McAllister said. “We got second place every year.”

Even after several residents tested positive for the coronavirus, Hughes dismissed her worsening cough as allergies or bronchitis. The nursing home was short on help and she wanted to serve her patients, Brie said.

Days later, the public health department suggested her mother get tested. She tested positive, and her health worsened — food tasted bitter, her fever soared, her hearing dulled. On April 10, Hughes was taken by ambulance to a hospital, then by helicopter to Jewish Hospital in Louisville. Barred from visiting, Brie said goodbye over FaceTime.

— Sarah Varney, Kaiser Health News | Published April 29, 2020

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The Family Matriarch And ‘We’re Failing Miserably Without Her’

(Courtesy of Ginu John)

Aleyamma John

Age: 65 Occupation: Registered nurse Place of Work: Queens Hospital Center in New York City Date of Death: April 5, 2020

Aleyamma John’s family wanted her to retire. Her husband, Johnny, an MTA transit worker, had stopped working a few years earlier. He and their son Ginu urged her to follow suit. “We told her, ‘I’m sure Dad wants to see the world with you — you need to give him that opportunity,’” Ginu said.

She demurred. “I think she found fulfillment in being able to serve,” Ginu said. “She was able to hold people’s hands, you know, even when they were deteriorating and be there for them.” She began her career as a nurse in India 45 years ago; she and her husband immigrated to the United Arab Emirates, where their two sons were born, and moved to New York in 2002.

Ginu said his mother, a devout Christian, found joy in tending to her vegetable garden and doting on her two grandchildren. She cooked dishes from her native India and filled the Long Island home she shared with Johnny, Ginu and Ginu’s family with flowers.

In March, as Queens Hospital Center began to swell with COVID-19 patients, John sent her family a photo of herself and colleagues wearing surgical hats and masks but not enough personal protective equipment. Days later, she developed a fever and tested positive for the virus. Johnny, Ginu and Ginu’s wife, Elsa, a nurse practitioner, also became ill.

When John’s breathing became labored, her family made the difficult decision to call 911. It would be the last time they saw her. “We’re 17 days in, and I feel like we’re failing miserably without her,” Ginu said.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 29, 2020

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‘A Kind Man’ Looking Forward To Retirement

(Courtesy of Jesse Soto)

Thomas Soto

Age: 59 Occupation: Radiology clerk Place of Work: Woodhull Medical Center, a public hospital in Brooklyn, New York Date of Death: April 7, 2020

After more than 30 years at one of New York City’s busy public hospitals, Thomas Soto loved his job but was looking forward to retiring, said his son, Jesse Soto, who lived with him.

At Soto’s busy station near the emergency room, he greeted patients and took down their information.

“Everybody saw him before their X-rays,” Soto, 29, said. “He smiled all day, made jokes. He was a kind man.”

As COVID patients began to overwhelm Woodhull and other emergency rooms across the city, Soto said that at first his father didn’t have any protective gear.

He eventually got a mask. But he still grew very sick, developing a high fever, body aches and a wracking cough. After a week, Soto said, “he couldn’t take it anymore.”

He went to Woodhull, where he was admitted. When they tried to put him on a ventilator two days later, he died. The hospital did not respond to requests for comment.

— Michelle Andrews | Published April 29, 2020

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‘Blooming’ In Her First Job On Path To Becoming A Nurse

(Courtesy of the Viveros family via GoFundMe)

Valeria Viveros

Age: 20 Occupation: Nursing assistant Place of Work: Extended Care Hospital of Riverside, California Date of Death: April 5, 2020

At 20 years old, Valeria Viveros was “barely blooming,” developing the skills and ambition to pursue a nursing career, said Gustavo Urrea, her uncle. Working at Extended Care Hospital of Riverside was her first job.

Viveros, born in California to Mexican immigrants, grew attached to her patients at the nursing home, bringing them homemade ceviche, Urrea said. About a month ago, as he watched her cook, play and joke with her grandmother, he noticed how much her social skills had grown.

When she would say “Hi, Tío,” in her playful, sweet, high-pitched voice, “it was like the best therapy you could have,” Urrea recalled. Viveros, who lived with her parents and two siblings, was enrolled in classes at a community college.

Viveros felt sick on March 30, went to a nearby hospital and was sent home with Tylenol, Urrea said. By April 4, she couldn’t get out of bed on her own. She left in an ambulance and never came back.

“We’re all destroyed,” he said. “I can’t even believe it.”

On April 5, county health officials reported a coronavirus outbreak had sickened 30 patients and some staff at her nursing home. Trent Evans, general counsel for Extended Care, said staffers are heartbroken by her death.

Viveros was “head over heels in love with the residents that she served,” he said. “She was always there for them.”

— Melissa Bailey | Published April 29, 2020

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Surgical Technician Made Friends Everywhere She Went

(Courtesy of Jorge Casarez)

Monica Echeverri Casarez

Age: 49 Occupation: Surgical technician Place of Work: Detroit Medical Center Harper University Hospital in Detroit Date of Death: April 11, 2020

Monica Echeverri Casarez was in constant motion, said her husband, Jorge Casarez. The daughter of Colombian immigrants, she worked as a Spanish-English interpreter in clinical settings. She was the kind of person whose arrival at a mom and pop restaurant would elicit hugs from the owners. She also co-founded Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week, a nonprofit that supports local businesses.

Twice a month, she scrubbed in as a surgical technician at Harper University Hospital. “She liked discovering the beauty of how the body works and how science is clear and orderly,” Casarez said. She was organized and intuitive, qualities that are assets in the operating room. On March 21, she posted a photo of herself in protective gear with the caption: “I’d be lying if I said I wan’t at least a bit nervous to be there now.” Since many elective surgeries had been canceled, Echeverri Casarez was tasked with taking the temperatures of people who walked into the hospital and making sure their hands were sterilized.

Soon after, Echeverri Casarez and Casarez began feeling ill. Quarantined together, Echeverri Casarez tried to make the best of the situation. She baked her husband a cake — chocolate with white frosting. She died a few days later.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 24, 2020

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A Whip-Smart Neurologist Endlessly Fascinated With The Brain

(Courtesy of Jennifer Sclar)

Gary Sclar

Age: 66 Occupation: Neurologist Place of Work: Mount Sinai Queens in New York City Date of Death: April 12, 2020

Gary Sclar was a whip-smart neurologist who loved comic books, “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars,” said his daughter, Jennifer Sclar. He was deeply compassionate with a blunt bedside manner.

“My dad was fascinated with the brain and with science,” Jennifer Sclar said. “His work was his passion, and it’s what made him the happiest, besides my brother and me.” Set to retire in June, he was looking forward to writing about politics and neurology.

Gary Sclar saw patients who were showing COVID-19 symptoms and knew his age and underlying health conditions ― he had diabetes — put him at risk for developing complications from the illness. His daughter pleaded with him to stop going to the hospital.

In early April, he mentioned having lost his sense of smell, and on April 8 he collapsed in his home. He was hospitalized a few days later and agreed to be intubated. “I don’t think he realized, like, that this was the end,” Jennifer Sclar said. “He brought his keys. He brought his wallet.”

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 24, 2020

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An Exacting But Loving Aunt, She Was A Mentor Until The End

(Courtesy of Jhoanna Mariel Buendia)

Araceli Buendia Ilagan

Age: 63 Occupation: Intensive care unit nurse Place of Work: Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Date of Death: March 27, 2020

For Jhoanna Mariel Buendia, her aunt was a constant ― if distant — presence. Araceli Buendia Ilagan emigrated from their hometown Baguio, in the Philippines, to the U.S. before Buendia was born, but she remained close to her family and communicated with them nearly every day.

“She was one of the smartest people I ever knew,” Buendia, 27, said. Buendia Ilagan, who at one point looked into adopting her niece so she could join her and her husband the United States, encouraged Buendia to become a nurse, and talked her through grueling coursework in anatomy and physiology. Buendia is now a nurse in London.

Buendia Ilagan was also demanding. “Whenever she visited the Philippines, she wanted everything to be organized and squeaky-clean,” Buendia said.

The last time the two spoke, in late March, Buendia Ilagan didn’t mention anything about feeling ill. Instead, the two commiserated over their experiences of treating patients with COVID-19; as always, her aunt offered her advice on staying safe while giving the best possible care. She died four days later.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 22, 2020

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A Beloved Geriatric Psychiatrist And Church Musician Remembered For His Cooking Skills

(Courtesy of Nida Gonzales)

Leo Dela Cruz

Age: 57 Occupation: Geriatric psychiatrist Place of Work: Christ Hospital and CarePoint Health in Jersey City, New Jersey Date of Death: April 8, 2020

Dr. Leo Dela Cruz was nervous about going to work in the weeks before he died, his friends said. Like many in the region, Christ Hospital had an influx of COVID-19 patients and faced a shortage of ventilators and masks.

Dela Cruz was a geriatric psychiatrist and didn’t work in coronavirus wards. But he continued to see patients in person. In early April, Dela Cruz, who lived alone, complained only of migraines, his friends said. Within a week, his condition worsened, and he was put on a ventilator at a nearby hospital. He died soon after.

Friends said he may have been exposed at the hospital. (In a statement, hospital representatives said he didn’t treat COVID-19 patients.)

Dela Cruz, the oldest of 10 siblings, came from a family of health care professionals. His friends and family — from Cebu, Philippines, to Teaneck, New Jersey — remembered his jovial personality on Facebook. He won “best doctor of the year” awards, played tennis and cooked traditional Cebu dishes.

Nida Gonzales, a colleague, said he always supported people, whether funding a student’s education or running a church mental health program. “I feel like I lost a brother,” she said.

— Ankita Rao, The Guardian | Published April 22, 2020

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Alabama Nurse Remembered As Selfless But Sassy

(Courtesy of Amanda Williams)

Rose Harrison

Age: 60 Occupation: Nurse Place of Work: Marion Regional Nursing Home in Hamilton, Alabama Date of Death: April 6, 2020

Rose Harrison, 60, lived to serve others ― her husband, three daughters, grandchildren and the residents of the nursing home where she worked. Though the Alabama nurse was selfless, she also had a sassy edge to her personality and a penchant for road rage, her daughter, Amanda Williams said.

“Her personality was so funny, you automatically loved her,” Williams said. “She was so outspoken. If she didn’t agree with you, she’d tell you in a respectful way.”

Harrison was not wearing a mask when she cared for a patient who later tested positive for COVID-19 at Marion Regional Nursing Home in Hamilton, Alabama, her daughter said. She later developed a cough, fatigue and a low-grade fever, but kept reporting to duty all week. Officials from the nursing home did not return calls for comment.

On April 3, Williams drove her mother to a hospital. The following evening, Harrison discussed the option of going on a ventilator with loved ones on a video call, agreeing it was the best course. Williams believed that her mother fully expected to recover. She died April 6.

— Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News | Published April 22, 2020

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Connecticut Social Worker Had Angelic Singing Voice And A Zest For Life

(Courtesy of the Hunt family)

Curtis Hunt

Age: 57 Occupation: Social worker Places of Work: Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center and New Reach, both in New Haven, Connecticut Date of Death: March 23, 2020

At a shelter for adults recovering from addiction, residents looked forward to the days when Marion “Curtis” Hunt would take the stage, emceeing talent shows and belting out Broadway and gospel tunes.

It wasn’t part of his job description as a social worker. It was just one of the ways he went “above and beyond,” said his supervisor at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, Daena Murphy. “He had a beautiful voice,” she said. “He was just a wonderful person — funny, engaging, always a huge smile on his face.”

Hunt, the youngest of four brothers, earned his master’s in social work from Fordham University at 52, and was baptized at his brother’s Pentecostal church at 54. He was a devoted uncle who doted on his dog and cat, Mya and Milo.

It’s unclear how Hunt got infected, but one patient he worked with had tested positive for COVID-19, as did two co-workers, according to Dr. Ece Tek, another supervisor at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. Hunt died on March 23, one week after developing flu-like symptoms, said his brother John Mann Jr.

— Melissa Bailey | Published April 22, 2020

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To The End, King-Smith Was Driven By A Desire To Help Others

(Courtesy of Hassana Salaam-Rivers)

Kim King-Smith

Age: 53 Occupation: Electrocardiogram technician Place of Work: University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey Date of Death: March 31, 2020

Kim King-Smith was a natural caregiver. An only child, she grew up close to her extended family, including her cousins Hassana Salaam-Rivers and Sharonda Salaam. After Salaam developed multiple sclerosis, King-Smith visited her every day.

“She’d bring her sweets that she wasn’t supposed to have and share them with her,” Salaam-Rivers said. King-Smith’s desire to care for others was the reason she became an electrocardiogram technician, her cousin added. “If a friend of a friend or family member went to the hospital, she would always go and visit them as soon as her shift was over,” she said.

In March, King-Smith cared for a patient she said had symptoms of COVID-19; she soon fell ill herself and tested positive for the virus. It seemed like a mild case at first, and she stayed in touch with family via FaceTime while trying to isolate from her husband, Lenny.

On March 29, Salaam-Rivers checked in on her cousin and noticed she was struggling to breathe. She urged her to call an ambulance. After King-Smith was hospitalized, she exchanged text messages with her mother and cousin. As the day progressed, her messages carried increasingly grave news, Salaam-Rivers said. Then she stopped responding.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 22, 2020

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On The Eve Of Retirement, VA Nurse Succumbs To COVID-19

(Courtesy of Mark Accad)

Debbie Accad

Age: 72 Occupation: Clinical nursing coordinator Place of Work: Detroit VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan Date of Death: March 30, 2020

Nurse Divina “Debbie” Accad had cared for veterans for over 25 years and was set to retire in April. But after contracting the novel coronavirus, she spent her final 11 days on a ventilator — and didn’t survive past March.

She joined a growing list of health care professionals working on the front lines of the pandemic who have died from COVID-19.

Accad, 72, a clinical nursing coordinator at the Detroit VA Medical Center, dedicated her life to nursing, according to her son Mark Accad.

“She died doing what she loved most,” he said. “That was caring for people.”

Read more here.

— Melissa Bailey | Published April 15, 2020

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California Nurse Thrived In ER and ICU, But Couldn’t Survive COVID-19

Jeff Baumbach and his wife, Karen (Courtesy of the Baumbach family)

Jeff Baumbach

Age: 57 Occupation: Nurse Place of Work: St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, California Date of Death: March 31, 2020

Jeff Baumbach, 57, was a seasoned nurse of 28 years when the novel coronavirus began to circulate in California. He’d worked in the ER, the ICU and on a cardiac floor. Hepatitis and tuberculosis had been around over the years but never posed a major concern. He’d cared for patients who had tuberculosis.

Jeff and his wife, Karen Baumbach, also a nurse, initially didn’t consider it significantly riskier than challenges they’d faced for years.

“He’d worked in the ICU. He was exposed to so many things, and we never got anything,” she said. “This was just ramping up.”

One day during work, Jeff sent a sarcastic text to his wife: “I love wearing a mask every day.”

Within weeks, he would wage a difficult and steady fight against the virus that ended with a sudden collapse.

Read more here.

— Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News | Published April 15, 2020

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Nurse’s Faith Led Her To Care For Prisoners At A New Jersey Jail

(Courtesy of Denise Rendor)

Daisy Doronila

Age: 60 Occupation: Nurse Place of Work: Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, New Jersey Date of Death: April 5, 2020

Daisy Doronila had a different perspective than most who worked at the Hudson County Correctional Facility, a New Jersey lockup 11 miles from Manhattan. It was a place where the veteran nurse could put her Catholic faith into action, showing kindness to marginalized people.

“There would be people there for the most heinous crimes,” said her daughter, Denise Rendor, 28, “but they would just melt towards my mother because she really was there to give them care with no judgment.”

Doronila, 60, died April 5, two weeks after testing positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The jail has been hit hard by the virus, with 27 inmates and 68 staff members having tested positive. Among those, another nurse, a correctional officer and a clerk also died, according to Ron Edwards, Hudson County’s director of corrections.

Doronila fell ill before the scope of the jail infections were known. She was picking up extra shifts in the weeks before, her daughter said, and planning on a trip to Israel soon with friends from church.

That plan began to fall apart March 14, when someone at the jail noticed her coughing and asked her to go home and visit a doctor.

Read more here.

— Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News | Published April 15, 2020

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An Army Veteran, Hospital Custodian ‘Loved Helping People’

(Courtesy of Michelle Wilcox)

Alvin Simmons

Age: 54 Occupation: Environmental service assistant Place of Work: Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York Death: March 17, 2020

Alvin Simmons started working as a custodian at Rochester General Hospital, in New York state, weeks before he fell ill. “He loved helping people and he figured the best place to do that would be in a hospital,” his sister, Michelle Wilcox said.

An Army veteran who had served in the first Gulf War, Simmons loved karaoke and doted on his three grandchildren, Wilcox said. “He was a dedicated, hardworking individual who had just changed his life around” since a prison stint, she said.

According to Wilcox, Simmons began developing symptoms shortly after cleaning the room of a woman he believed was infected with the novel coronavirus. “Other hospital employees did not want to clean the room because they said they weren’t properly trained” to clean the room of someone potentially infected, she said. “They got my brother from a different floor, because he had just started there,” she said. (In an email, a hospital spokesperson said they had “no evidence to suggest that Mr. Simmons was at a heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19 by virtue of his training or employment duties at RGH.”)

On March 11, he visited the emergency room at Rochester General, where he was tested for COVID-19, Wilcox said. Over the next few days, as he rested at his girlfriend’s home, his breathing became more labored and he began to cough up blood. He was rushed to the hospital on March 13, where he was later declared brain-dead. Subsequently, he received a COVID-19 diagnosis. Simmons died on March 17.

— Danielle Renwick, The Guardian | Published April 15, 2020

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Nurse At Nevada VA Dies After Caring For Infected Colleague

(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)

Vianna Thompson

Age: 52 Occupation: Nurse Places of Work: VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System and Northern Nevada Medical Center in Reno, Nevada Date of Death: April 7, 2020

Nurse Vianna Thompson, 52, spent two night shifts caring for a fellow Veterans Affairs health care worker who was dying from COVID-19.

Two weeks later, she too was lying in a hospital intensive care unit, with a co-worker holding her hand as she died.

Thompson and the man she treated were among three VA health care workers in Reno, Nevada, to die in two weeks from complications of the novel coronavirus.

“It’s pretty devastating. It’s surreal. Reno’s not that big of a city,” said Robyn Underhill, a night nurse who worked with Thompson in the ER at Reno’s VA hospital the past two years.

Thompson, who dreamed of teaching nursing one day, died April 7, joining a growing list of health care professionals killed in the pandemic.

Read more here.

— Melissa Bailey | Published April 15, 2020

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Dr. J. Ronald Verrier Was Busy Saving Lives Before The Pandemic

(Courtesy of Christina Pardo)

J. Ronald Verrier

Age: 59 Occupation: Surgeon Place of Work: St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York Date of Death: April 8, 2020

Dr. J. Ronald Verrier, a surgeon at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, spent the final weeks of his audacious, unfinished life tending to a torrent of patients inflicted with COVID-19. He died April 8 at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, New York, at age 59, after falling ill from the novel coronavirus.

Verrier led the charge even as the financially strapped St. Barnabas Hospital struggled to find masks and gowns to protect its workers — many nurses continue to make cloth masks — and makeshift morgues in the parking lot held patients who had died.

“He did a good work,” said Jeannine Sherwood, a nurse manager at St. Barnabas Hospital who worked closely with Verrier.

“He can rest.”

Read more here.

— Sarah Varney, Kaiser Health News | Published April 15, 2020

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America’s First ER Doctor To Die In The Heat Of COVID-19 Battle

(Courtesy of Debra Vasalech Lyons)

Frank Gabrin

Age: 60 Occupation: Doctor Places of Work: St. John’s Episcopal in Queens, New York, and East Orange General in New Jersey Date of Death: March 26, 2020

At about 5 a.m. on March 19, a New York City ER physician named Frank Gabrin texted a friend about his concerns over the lack of medical supplies at hospitals.

“It’s busy ― everyone wants a COVID test that I do not have to give them,” he wrote in the message to Eddy Soffer. “So they are angry and disappointed.”

Worse, though, was the limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) — the masks and gloves that help keep health care workers from getting sick and spreading the virus to others. Gabrin said he had no choice but to don the same mask for several shifts, against Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

“Don’t have any PPE that has not been used,” he wrote. “No N95 masks ― my own goggles — my own face shield,” he added, referring to the N95 respirators considered among the best lines of defense.

Less than two weeks later, Gabrin became the first ER doctor in the U.S. known to have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Read more here.

— Alastair Gee, The Guardian | Published April 10, 2020

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This story is part of “Lost on the Frontline,” an ongoing project from The Guardian and Kaiser Health News that aims to document the lives of health care workers in the U.S. who die from COVID-19, and to investigate why so many are victims of the disease. If you have a colleague or loved one we should include, please share their story.

Lost On The Frontline published first on https://nootropicspowdersupplier.tumblr.com/

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Great house, good outdoors as well as very friendly hosts. Washington Contributor Kellie Meyer reports there's difference on ways to tackle it. ACM COVERS publishes premium research results in the fields of information as well as system protection and personal privacy. News from the National Gallery in Krakow directly to your email. Nowy Targ 7 - 10 Day Weather report Summary: Heavy rain (total 33mm), heaviest throughout Fri night. A very great, comfy and also brilliant lodging, near the city. ile w skali całego frontu udział trzech słowackich dywizji nie wpływał na losy wojny, tyle na samym Podhalu i Sądecczyźnie było to wyraźne wsparcie oddziałów niemieckiej Armii gen. 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[full-imagination]

Margaret Brockman Ivey

Margaret Brockman Ivey, wife of Milton L. (Booty) Ivey, died on June 9th, 2017. Born March 24, 1929 in Union, SC, she was the daughter of the late Belton Bryant (B.B.) and Mittie Fowler Brockman of Spartanburg. The youngest of six children, her siblings, all predeceased, were Belton H. Brockman, Carlyle L. Brockman, Myrtle B. Outz, Fancy Brockman, and Hilda B. Suitt. A native of Spartanburg, she graduated from Spartanburg High School class of 1946 and Winthrop College in 1950; she was a strong component of their reunions for most of her life. She knew him from high school, and on November 11, 1950, happily married Milton Ivey, who was her loving and devoted husband for 66 years. They loved to dance! She “retired” upon becoming a mother, and her family was always a treasured priority. She was a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she was both married, and faithfully served on numerous boards, committees, and her Circle, always ready to share her gifts and talents. Additionally, she enjoyed serving in the Spartanburg community with Cema Chreitzberg Garden Club and Georgia Cleveland Home. Her various bridge groups & Book Barters fellowship brought her great delight and lifetime friendships. Margaret is survived by her beloved children: Leslie Brown (Chip), Milton L. Ivey, Jr (Cheryl), and Margie Mahaffey (George). She was blessed with seven grandchildren: David (Elizabeth) Brown, Russell (Jessica) Brown, Margaret (Michael) Jennings, Martha Kate (Drew) Williams, Milton L. Ivey, III, and Eva Grace Ivey; six great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Annelise, Isabelle, Evelyn, Margaret (Brown) & Brock (Jennings) brought her great joy. Additionally, she loved her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her granddaughter, Lacey McCraw, predeceased her in 2006. A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 12, 2017 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church St, Spartanburg, SC, conducted by the Rev. David E. Nichols and her grandson, Rev. David H. Brown. Visitation will immediately follow in the church parlor. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 245 S. Church St, Spartanburg 29302 or Mobile Meals Service, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. The Ivey family would like to thank the nurses of White Oak Skilled Care Facility and Hospice Care of South Carolina for their compassion and comfort. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary Crematory & Cemeteries via Spartanburg Funeral

[the-record-obituaries]

Nov. 13, 2019: Obituaries

Carroll Curtis,  83

Mrs. Carroll Gerber Curtis, age 83 of Millers Creek passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019 at her home.

           Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, November 14, 2019 at  St. Johns Baptist de LaSalle Catholic Church with Father John Hannic officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:45 until 10:45 AM prior to the service at the church

           Mrs. Curtis was born December 23, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan to Milton Fredrick and Irene Helen Webster Gerber.  She served in the United States Air Force and was a member of St.  John's Catholic Church.

           In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband; Adrian Alvin Curtis and a sister; Lonah Greene.

           She is survived by two daughters; Maria Curtis of North Wilkesboro, Suzanne Hanlin and husband William of Millers Creek, three sons; Patrick Curtis and wife Dawn, Gregory Curtis and wife Stephanie Curtis all of Rutland, VT and Michael Curtis of Pittsburgh, PA, eight grandchildren; Sean, Alex, Quinn, Caden Curtis, Chelsea Centurioni, Erin Jones, Kyle and Jessie Hanlin, three great grandchildren; Sawyer, Samuel and Cassandra

           In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Window World Cares, St. Jude Children's Hospital, 118 Shaver Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, Wounded Warriors Project, 1990  Fordham Drive, Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC 28304 or Mtn. Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt.  Airy, NC 27030.

 Rosa Rhoades, 87

Mrs. Rosa Lea Blevins Rhoades, age 87 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.

           Funeral services were November 12,   at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church with Rev. Travis Brown and Rev. Brian Auton officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  

           Mrs. Rhoades was born February 16, 1932 in Wilkes County to Elmore Blevins and wife Epsie Wood Blevins. She retired from the furniture manufacturing business where she worked as a seamstress. Mrs. Rhoades was a member of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church.

           In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; John L. Rhoades, a son; Johnny Lee Rhoades, three sisters; Beulah Mae Perry, Bertha Lou Triplette and Jean Burchette and three brothers; AC (Tump) Blevins, Aldean Blevins and James Fred Blevins.  

           She is survived by two sons; Steven G. Rhoades and wife Vicki of Wilkesboro and Alan Eugene Rhoades and wife Betty of North Wilkesboro, five grandchildren; Carrie Mesinger of Illinois, Luke Rhoades of New York, Jason Rhoades of California, Derek Rhoades of North Wilkesboro and Nicholas Rhoades of California, eight great grandchildren, two step grandchildren; John Ansel Brown and Joseph Matthew Brown, two brothers; Ralph Blevins of Traphill and Marcus Blevins of Hays and a special caregiver; Ellen Irwin.

           In lieu of flowers, memorials  may be made to Rose of Sharon Baptist Church 433 Huie Road Hays, NC 28635 or Mtn. Valley Hospice 401 Technology Lane Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.

 Jimmie Walsh, 69

Mr. Jimmie Ray Walsh, age 69 of Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, November 8, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem.

           Burial was in Scenic Memorial Gardens.

           Mr. Walsh was born September 13, 1950 in Wilkes County to Zeb Clifton "Clifford" Walsh and Minnie Glass Walsh. He was Self-Employed as a Mechanic.

           He was preceded in death by his parents and a son; Timmie Dean Walsh.

           Mr. Walsh is survived by a sister; Linda Ayre and husband Bill of Evans, Georgia,

daughter- in- law; Heather B. Walsh of Wilkesboro, three grandchildren; Lindsay, Holly and Riley Walsh.

William Owens, 83

William Roger Owens, age 83, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday at his home. Mr. Owens was born October 10, 1936 in Wilkes County to William Howard and Eula Crysel Owens. He was a member of Union United Methodist Church. Mr. Owens enjoyed gardening, truck driving and football. He loved to watch the Atlanta Braves baseball games. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda Bumgarner Owens; brothers, C.P. Owens and wife Betty, Calvin Hubert Owens; sister, Reba Mozelle "Cricket" Beshears; niece, Leigh Ann Owens; nephew, Robert Allen Beshears; and great niece, Jamie Crutchfield.

Surviving are his girlfriend, Marlene Ashley of Moravian Falls; sister, Geraldine Owens Miller and spouse Lloyd of Millers Creek; brother, William Howard "Junior" Owens and spouse Carol of Moravian Falls; step-son, Billy J. Howell and spouse Landa of Millers Creek; several nieces and nephews; several great nieces and great nephews.

           Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Union United Methodist Church with Rev. Derick Hodges and Rev. Sonny Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Union United Methodist Church from 2:00 until 3:00 on Wednesday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted. Memorials may be made to Union United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 2257 Boone Trail, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to the family.

           Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Orman Walls, 74

Orman Paul Walls, age 74, of Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, November 8, 2019 at his home. He was born December 18, 1944 in Lincoln  County, West Virginia to James Franklin and Ollie Gaynell Wheeler Walls. Orman worked at General Motors in Detroit, Michigan and as a maintenance man at Fox Hollow Apartments in High Point, NC. Mr. Walls was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David, Jerry and Allen Walls; sister-in-law, Phyllis Walls.

           He is survived by his brothers, Jimmie "Roger" Walls of Wilkesboro, Ricky Walls and spouse Gwendolyn of Hamlin, West Virginia, Doug Walls and fiancee Roxanne of High Point; niece, Lisa Holler and spouse Allen; daughter, Paula Flowers; sons, Teddy Walls and Patrick Walls.

           Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Allen Holler officiating. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Betty Church, 89

Mrs. Betty Huffman Church, age 89 of Ferguson passed away Friday, November 8, 2019 at her home.

           Funeral services  were November 10,  at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Reach Center with Pastor Kevin Brown officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.  

           Mrs. Church was born December 26, 1929 in Wilkes County to Everette Monroe and Selma Eller Huffman.  She retired from Wilkes County School System as a Secretary at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School and was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.        

           In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by five sisters; Ruth Brown, Charlotte Greene, Maxine Church, Kate Huffman and Loretta Estes and four brothers; Wayne Huffman, Ray Huffman, N.C.Huffman and Loyd Huffman

           She is survived by her husband; Edwin Church of the home, a daughter; Teresa Church Bynum and husband Clancy of Ferguson, a son; Dwight E. Church and wife Loretta of North Wilkesboro, a granddaughter; Sarah Elizabeth Church, a sister; Patricia Minton of Wilkesboro, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews

           Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 239 Champion Mt. Pleasant Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or the Donor's Choice.

Wade Miller,  84

Wade Albert Miller, age 84, of Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at SECU Hospice Home in Yadkinville. Mr. Miller was born August 27, 1935 in Ashe County to Joe Henry and Cordie Bowlin Miller. Wade was a member of Calvary Freewill Baptist Church in Glendale Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sebert, Gilbert, Delmer, Robert, Ward and Henry Miller.

           Surviving are his wife, Dare Barnes Miller; Son, Jeffery Miller and spouse Janet of Purlear; daughters, Janet Triplett and spouse Jerry and Joann Miller all of Purlear; grandchildren, Jessica Bryant and spouse Scott of North Wilkesboro, Heather Powell and spouse Nick of Purlear, Brittany Barger and spouse Frank of Troutman, Renee Walker of Wilkesboro, Aaron Walker of Purlear, Amy Miller and fiancé Justin Jones of Charlotte; great grandchildren, Noah Powell, Preston Powell both of Purlear, Kaylee Bryant, Riley Bryant both of North Wilkesboro, Sophia Denny of Purlear; sisters, Shirley Jones of Glendale Springs, Faye Dixon of China Grove, NC, Evazell Kilby of West Jefferson; several nieces and nephews.

           Funeral service was November 9,  at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Russell Sheets and Rev. Sonny Thomas officiating. Burial  followed in the church cemetery.   Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkin, 243 North Lee Avenue, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

           Pallbearers were Scott Bryant, Nick Powell, Aaron Walker, Jerry Triplett, Frank Barger, Justin Jones, and Noah Powell.

 Elizabeth Golden 99

Mrs. Elizabeth Martin Golden, age 99 of North Wilkesboro passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Westchester Manor in High  Point.

           Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Keith Knox, Rev. James Ferguson, Rev. Ronald Howell and Dr. Terry Hunt officiating.  Burial will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 12:30 PM prior to the service at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

           Mrs. Golden was born September 14, 1920 in Wilkes County to Henry and Lula  Alexander Martin. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Main Street and attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.  She was a member of the Eastern Star, she loved needlepoint, gardening, her grandchildren, family and friends. She loved cooking, and was best known for her apple pie and always had an open door.

           In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband; Charles Jerry Golden, a daughter; Carolyn Golden, two grandsons; Reginald and Chase, two sisters; Stella Hunter and Pludia Martin and one brother; Earl Campbell.

           She is survived by four daughters; Linda Habershaw and husband Robert of Roaring Rover, Marilynne Bailey of North Wilkesboro, Kathy Turner of North Wilkesboro and Penny Golden of Elkin, two sons; Walter Golden of North Wilkesboro and Charles Lee Golden and wife Sandra of Lawton, OK , ten grandchildren; Diedra, Timothy, Larry, Aaron, Charles, Ineke, Damon, Micah. Christopher and Jessica, thirteen great grandchildren; Amanda, Doug, Trey, Jordyn, Sydney, Embry, Sierra, Sienna, Rowyn, Elijah, Cameron, Dutch and Harper and one sister; Virginia Miller and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Susan McManus,  75

Susan E. (Knam) McManus, age 75, of Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. She was born May 20, 1944 in Flushing, New  York to Justus H. and Mary E. Fernsler Knam. Mrs. McManus was a graduate of North Haven High School in 1962; a graduate of Virginia Intermont AA in 1963; a graduate from High  Point College in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching. She was a member of St. John Baptist de LaSalle Catholic Church and the choir. Her hobbies were her grandchildren.

           Susan is survived by her husband of 46 years, Henry S. McManus; her son, Brian McManus and spouse Traci of Wilkesboro; step-sons, David McManus and spouse Sibrey of Novi, Michigan, Michael G. McManus of Reno, Nevada; grandchildren, Sydney, Payton and Addison McManus all of Wilkesboro; Sibrey Alexis and Troy D. McManus both of Novi, Michigan.

           Funeral mass will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019 at St. John Baptist de LaSalle Catholic Church with Father John Hanic officiating. An ice cream social will be held immediately the service. Flowers will be accepted. Memorials may be made to Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center for Cancer patients at 300 West Morgan  Street, Suite 1200, Durham, NC 27701. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

Ruth McCachren, 87

Mrs. Ruth Brooks McCachren, age 87 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center.

           Funeral services were November 11, at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Snipes officiating. Burial will be in Scenic Memorial Gardens.  

           Mrs. McCachren was born February 23, 1932 in Richmond County to Thomas Joshua  Brooks and Lola Wallace Brooks. She was retired from the Wilkes County School System. Mrs. McCachren was a member of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church.

           In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; William Barnette McCachren, Sr. and a daughter; Myra O'Neil McCachren Carrigan.

           She is survived by two sons; William Barnette McCachren, Jr. and Matthew Scott McCachren both of North Wilkesboro, two grandchildren; Roseann Dixon and Jennifer Carrigan and three sisters; Rebecca Brooks Blackwelder of Mooresville, Norma Funderburk of Monroe and Myra Gray of Concord.

           Flowers will accepted.

James Stanley, 71

Mr. James Paul Stanley, age 71 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019.

           Graveside services  were November 9, at Salisbury National Cemetery.

           Mr. Stanley was born January 11, 1948 in Wilkes County. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Stanley worked in the Mobile Home business and was a member of Yadkin Valley Baptist Church.

           He was preceded in death by two brothers; Harold Stanley and Dean Stanley.

           Mr. Stanley is survived by his former wife; Nancy Karen James Stanley of North Wilkesboro and two sons; Mark Stanley of Roaring River and Kelly Stanley and wife Iva of North Wilkesboro.

Dina Benge, 84

Mrs. Dina "Mae'  Bumgarner Benge, age 84 of Ferguson, passed away Sunday, November 03, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center.

           Funeral services were November 6,  at Lewis Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Dwayne Andrews and Rev. Sherrill Welborn officiating.   Burial was in the church cemetery.  

           Mrs. Benge was born November 8, 1934 in Wilkes County to Harry Delbert and Veoria Elledge Bumgarner. She was a homemaker and a faithful member of Lewis Fork Baptist Church for almost 50 years. Mae was well known as The Walnut Lady. She always thought of others before herself and took care of others before herself.

           In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Harley Jackson Benge and a son: Randy Jackson Benge.

           She is survived by a daughter; Darlene Benge Roberson and husband Donald of Hays, two sons; Ricky Benge and wife Davina of Ferguson and Robin Benge and wife Dian of Charlotte, a daughter in law; Debra Benge of Ferguson, ten grandchildren; Jacob Norris and wife Julia of Knoxville, Tenn., Brenna Roberson Wood and husband Thomas of Roaring River, Matthew Roberson and wife Julie of Hays, Samantha Benge of Georgia,  R.J Benge of Ferguson, Penny Souther and husband Tracy of Ferguson, Brett Benge and wife Brittany of North Wilkesboro, Morgan Davis and husband Christopher of Raleigh, Daniel Benge of Charlotte and Paiton Benge of Charlotte, ten great grandchildren; Jonah Norris, Ethan Benge, Serenity Benge, Ashtan Benge, Mollee Benge, Paisley Benge, Amber Souther, Laura Souther, Aiden Davis and Wyatt Davis, three sisters; Betty Jones of Ferguson, Bert Dockery of Ferguson and Nancy Craven of Ferguson and a brother; Ronald Jones of Charlotte.

           Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.

 Henry Rodriguez, 27

Henry Alexander Gonzales Rodriguez, age 27, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019. He was born March 11, 1992 in Lima Cortes, Honduras to Isandra Francisca Pineda Soriano.

           Surviving are his girlfriend, Silvia Juares; sons, Steven Gonzales; Rossel Matute, Kricia Matute, Lester Pineda; his mother, Isandra Pineda of Honduras; sisters, Raquel Pineda, Reina Pineda of Honduras; brothers, Gustavo Pineda of Honduras, Rossel Matute, brother's-in-law, Juan Carlos Juares, Marco Pineda, Antonio Pineda; sister-in-law, Zeilyn Pineda; father-in-law, Marcos Pineda; mother-in-law, Blacina Sierra; and aunt, Marina Pineda.

           The family will received friends at Iglesia Pentecostal Rosa De Saron November 9, with Pastor Benito Marroquin officiating. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.