Kate Zeitler

There are many people in the SBUH family whose lives were touched in some way by Kate Zeitler.

She was one of the University Hospital's honorees for 20 years of service at our 20th year celebration (Feburary 2000). Her unexpected loss in November, 2000 is difficult to reconcile, but our memories of her remain very much alive.

"...sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there...to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become..."

As a dedicated nurse and Nurse Manager of the Antepartum and Labor and Delivery units, Kate is remembered as one who nurtured her staff as well as challenged them to be better nurses. Kate supported all forms of education for her staff, so the challenges were very often met. Kate's hope for her nurses was that they would be as excited and fascinated by their work at 1 year, 5 years or 10 years as they were when they first started. "Remember why you are doing what you are doing", she often told her nurses.

Kate was a warm and generous person who cared about her staff, patients, her units and her family. Kate is warmly remembered as friend colleague, and confidant; as someone who was supportive when personal problems seemed insurmountable. She always had a smile and a word of encouragement. Although she had problems of her own, she never failed to ask others about theirs. Her pride in her units and staff was expressed often and is remembered by many of them.

As a nurse she helped many new mothers and families start their journey into parenthood. This kind of nursing care has a lasting effect even if the outcome is sad. When the outcome is sad it becomes especially important to create the best memories possible. One example of the effect of Kate's nursing care is her work in developing our Babies and Children's Memorial Garden. She loved this garden and the meaning it brings to our patients and families.

"...if someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count. Appreciate every moment that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have the right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it."

Thank you Kate. You will always have a special place in our hearts...