Friends of Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard

Friends of Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard Volunteer organization made up of active and retired LPNs and RNs who want to pay tribute to our fellow Nursing colleagues who have passed away.

Colonel Katheryn “Kathy” Lorzing, BSN, RN, devoted her life to serving others through both military and civilian nursing...
06/16/2026

Colonel Katheryn “Kathy” Lorzing, BSN, RN, devoted her life to serving others through both military and civilian nursing. A 1962 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, she joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and went on to a distinguished military nursing career spanning more than two decades.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Kathy earned her BSN from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973 and later a MS in Public Health from Southwest Texas. During her Air Force career, she served in clinical nursing, as a flight nurse, and in nursing administration. Colleagues remembered her as a supportive leader who made people feel valued and created an environment where nurses and staff could thrive.
After retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel, Kathy continued her calling by working for the former Visiting Nurse and Hospice organization for 13 years, providing compassionate home and hospice care to patients and families.
Nursing was also a family tradition. Following in the footsteps of her maternal grandmother, who was a nurse, Kathy carried forward a legacy of caring that continues today through her niece, Tara. Her life reflects a remarkable commitment to service, leadership, and compassionate care.
Thank you Kathy for your life of ser ice.

Suzanne “Sue” Shulock, RN graduated from Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 196...
06/15/2026

Suzanne “Sue” Shulock, RN graduated from Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1968 and dedicated more than four decades to nursing. She began her career in medical-surgical nursing before finding her calling in emergency and trauma care. Known for her keen assessment skills, quick thinking, and calm presence under pressure, Sue cared for critically ill and injured patients in hospitals across Chicago, Columbus, and Cleveland.
In the late 1990s, Sue joined Marymount Hospital, where she continued her work in emergency nursing while advancing her trauma expertise. She was also deeply devoted to her father, serving as his advocate and caregiver during his declining health. To help ensure he received exceptional care, Sue worked at the facilities where he resided and remained by his side until his passing in 2004.
Sue later advanced into leadership as an office manager with University Hospitals, mentoring staff and supporting quality patient care. Through her compassion, clinical expertise, and dedication to others, Sue left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire those whose lives she touched.
Rest easy now, Sue.

Adele Hudnall, RN, earned her nursing degree from Lorain County Community College in the mid-1980s and devoted her entir...
06/15/2026

Adele Hudnall, RN, earned her nursing degree from Lorain County Community College in the mid-1980s and devoted her entire nursing career to caring for the smallest and most vulnerable patients. She began at St. John Westshore Hospital in Labor and Delivery before transferring to Fairview General Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Adele was known not only for her exceptional clinical skills but also for the comfort, guidance, and reassurance she provided to families during both joyful and heartbreaking moments. Deeply committed to family-centered care, she helped implement and train staff on the NicView camera system, allowing parents to remain connected with their babies even when they could not be at the bedside.

Her dedication was recognized with a Caregiver Celebration Award, nominated by a grateful family whose infant she had cared for. Later serving as Assistant Clinical Manager, Adele mentored fellow nurses while continuing her passion for neonatal care.

When she retired in 2019 after more than 30 years in the NICU, Adele left behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and countless lives forever touched by her care.
Thank you Bogner Family Funeral Services for your care of our colleague.

Alice Klagge, RN, answered the call to nursing at a young age, graduating from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in ...
06/14/2026

Alice Klagge, RN, answered the call to nursing at a young age, graduating from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. She began her career in the delivery room, sharing in the joy of welcoming new life and providing compassionate care to countless families.
After dedicating several years to raising her children, Alice returned to nursing in 1970 at the VA Hospital in Brecksville, where she cared for veterans struggling with addiction. Through her kindness, patience, and professional skill, she offered hope and support to those working toward recovery. She remained devoted to her patients until her retirement in 1992.
Alice's commitment to caring for others extended far beyond her professional career. When her husband became seriously ill, she lovingly cared for him at home, demonstrating the same compassion and dedication that defined her nursing practice. Her life reflected the true spirit of nursing—selfless service, unwavering compassion, and a deep commitment to those entrusted to her care.
Rest in peace, Alice.

Elizabeth “Beth” Bliss, RN, CCRN graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1970 and devoted 45 years to cari...
06/14/2026

Elizabeth “Beth” Bliss, RN, CCRN graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1970 and devoted 45 years to caring for others with exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication. Much of her career was spent in the Intensive Care Unit at Lutheran Hospital, where she frequently served as charge nurse and earned certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN).
A highly skilled clinician, Beth provided dialysis treatments during the early years of the specialty, before dialysis technicians existed, mastering both the equipment and the complex care her patients required. Her years caring for critically ill patients and those at the end of life strengthened her faith and deepened her belief in the afterlife.
Later, Beth continued her service in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit before retiring in 2015. She was known not only for her clinical excellence, but also for her warmth, kindness, and creative sense of humor that brought comfort and joy to patients, families, and colleagues alike.
Nursing was truly a family calling. Her late husband, Rick, was a registered nurse, and her daughter, Kate, followed in her parents’ footsteps and became a registered nurse. Her legacy of compassionate care, professional excellence, and devotion to others lives on in the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable career.
Thank you Murphy Family Funeral Home for your care of our colleague.

Linda Stahl, MSN, RN dedicated her life to nursing, leadership, education and healthcare innovation. She earned her nurs...
06/13/2026

Linda Stahl, MSN, RN dedicated her life to nursing, leadership, education and healthcare innovation. She earned her nursing diploma from Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Louisville, Kentucky, and later received both her BSN and MSN degrees from Kent State University.
Linda began her career in cardiac nursing at Parma Hospital and Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where she became known for her critical care expertise and leadership skills. She helped to pioneer CPR education for healthcare providers.. Linda later advanced into supervisory and management roles at facilities in Ohio, and played an important role in designing Mt Sinai’s and Kentucky’s Medical Center of Albany’s cardiac care unit. Her career then expanded into healthcare consulting, where she helped design cardiac and intensive care units throughout Kentucky and West Virginia.
In addition to her clinical and leadership accomplishments, Linda worked in hospice, where her compassion remained central to her work. After retiring in 2016, Linda became a snowbird between Ohio and Florida, and began volunteering with hospice, penning elegant condolence notes to families. A dedicated advocate for nursing excellence, Linda was a longtime member of the international nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau International, and a volunteer with the American Red Cross. She also authored and coauthored articles for several respected nursing journals, including Nursing, Nursing Management and the American Journal of Nursing.
Linda had a distinguished career. Her legacy lives on through the multiple family members and patients she cared for, the nurses she mentored and trained, the healthcare facilities she helped design, and the many lives touched by her compassion and dedication.

Marilyn K***z, RN devoted her life to caring for others with compassion, dedication, and kindness. A 1959 graduate of th...
06/12/2026

Marilyn K***z, RN devoted her life to caring for others with compassion, dedication, and kindness. A 1959 graduate of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, she began her career in the newborn nursery at Mercy Hospital and later worked in pediatrics before spending 23 years at Doctor's Hospital.
When severe drug allergies prevented her from continuing bedside nursing, Marilyn adapted and continued serving patients in Admissions and Operating Room Scheduling, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to healthcare. She also worked in physicians' offices and concluded her nursing career providing home health care.
Throughout her years of service, Marilyn brought comfort, skill, and compassion to countless patients and families. Her dedication to nursing inspired her daughter to become a LPN, creating a lasting legacy of caring. Marilyn's life and career exemplified the selfless spirit, resilience, and devotion that define the nursing profession.

Betty Lou Kee, RN graduated from the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing in 1959 and began a nursing career that spanned ...
06/11/2026

Betty Lou Kee, RN graduated from the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing in 1959 and began a nursing career that spanned more than 40 years. Throughout her career, she cared for others with exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication.
Betty Lou spent most of her years at Alliance City Hospital, serving in Intensive Care, Pediatrics, Cardiac Care, Surgery, and her favorite area, the Recovery Room, where she found great fulfillment helping patients through vulnerable moments of healing. She later continued her service at Great Trail Care Center, bringing the same kindness and professionalism that defined her nursing practice.
Recognized for her outstanding patient care, Betty Lou earned the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients and families.
Rest easy, Betty Lou.

Jean Farkas, BSN, RN devoted her nursing career to serving others with compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitmen...
06/10/2026

Jean Farkas, BSN, RN devoted her nursing career to serving others with compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to quality care. After attending the Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, she began her career as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital before moving into home healthcare, where she provided comfort and support to patients in their own homes. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning and excellence in nursing, Jean earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hiram College. She later served with the Ohio Department of Health, surveying nursing homes and helping to ensure that vulnerable residents received the care, dignity, and respect they deserved. Throughout her career, Jean touched countless lives through her kindness, dedication, and unwavering advocacy for others, leaving a legacy of compassion that will be long remembered.
Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard and Nurse Honor Guard of Eastern Ohio thank you for your dedication and service.

Christine Mathews' journey to becoming an RN was a long road filled with determination and purpose. As her youngest chi...
06/08/2026

Christine Mathews' journey to becoming an RN was a long road filled with determination and purpose. As her youngest child reached high school, Chris decided to finish a dream she had begun 29 years earlier. She had started nursing school at Georgetown in 1953 but was unable to complete her studies after marriage, as women at that time were not permitted to remain in college once married.

In 1982, she returned to school determined to earn her nursing degree. During her studies, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent successful surgery, though her recovery delayed her education. Despite being left with a drop foot, Chris persevered, graduating in 1986 as a registered nurse. She began her nursing career on the night shift at Lutheran Hospital.

Years later, she faced two additional brain tumors, yet continued her nursing career whenever her health allowed. Working primarily on a surgical floor caring for orthopedic and neurological patients, she brought a unique perspective and deep compassion to those recovering from neurosurgery.

Chris's determination, resilience, and gratitude in the face of extraordinary challenges inspired everyone who knew her. Her journey stands as a testament to perseverance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.
Rest easy Chris, we will take over from here.
Thank you Latek & Rybicki Funeral Homes for your care.

Address

Cleveland, OH

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Friends of Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Friends of Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard:

Shortcuts

Share