We mourn the passing of Jeanne Brotherton, RN, FCN, MSN, who died of complications from cancer on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Jeanne was an educator in heart and mind, who helped build health ministry in northwest Washington, often working behind the scenes to ensure things worked smoothly.
Jeanne was a certified instructor through the Westberg Institute who taught and mentored countless faith community nurses, she created the first online course for Faith Community Nursing, and she served as the coordinator, greatly expanding Health Ministries Network at St. Joseph’s Medical Center with Rev. Dick Cathell and others.
Over the last few years Jeanne was actively involved with the NW Life Passages Coalition, providing important connections between NWLP and HMN.
“Jeanne was a key leader in the redesign of the Parish Nurse program into the Health Ministries Network. I loved her creative energy and attention to detail, a rare combination to find in one person. She was a true educator who was loved by her students. She also re-wrote much of the curriculum, clarifying and abbreviating it so that it could be taught in shorter segments. Her life was filled with service to others, boldness in leadership, and commitment of faith. I will miss her greatly.”
– Dick Cathell, Ph.D.,M.Div., BCC
In Memory of Jeanne Brotherton, RN, FCN, MSN
Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Today, HMN honors Jeanne Brotherton, faith community nurse, who is remembered for the difference she made by stepping into our lives, for the special moments she gave us, and for her passionate commitment to teaching. A remarkable woman and friend, we will miss her so much.
In tribute, the Nightingale poem for departed nurses . . . She Was There:
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed -- She was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life -- She was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, colleague, friend or family -- She was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained -- She was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind -- She was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed -- She was there.
To witness humanity — its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment -- She Was There!
Thank God for the miracle of Jeanne’s life and her release from suffering. Pray for those who grieve her loss.
Thank you to Carol Nicolay, HM for providing the above tribute.
Memorial Service
Jeanne Brotherton’s family invites all to attend a memorial service with a reception to follow:
Saturday July 6th, 11am First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
Jeanne Brotherton’ s daughter, Caitlin Ross posted on Caring Bridge:
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Faith Community Nursing (https://www.healthministriesnetwork.net/donate) or to a charity of your choice.
Please pass this information on to others that may be interested (there will also be a notice in the Bellingham Herald).
Thank you to all that have written to our family with condolences and memories of my mom- she was an amazing woman and it is nice to hear how she impacted so many people and organizations.
Fondly, Caitlin (daughter)
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