Remembering florence schorske wald, friend and mentor

The world knows Florence S. Wald as "the mother of the American hospice movement." I knew her in her later life as a mentor and friend. This may not seem unusual, as Florence was a warm and generous human being who continued her professional involvements late into her life. In fact, the unusual aspect of our relationship resulted from two of Florence's many extraordinary qualities: 1) her willingness to share her own life experience in ways that informed others of life's possibilities; and 2) her insight that professionals continue to benefit from-actually need-mentorship throughout the life of their careers. She provided me with professional support at critical times and afforded me the privilege of witnessing life's closing chapters, a tutorial filled with wisdom and borne of uncommon generosity. © 2009, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.

Duke Scholars

Author Catherine Lynch Gilliss School of Nursing