Barbara Jean Vancura

Barbara Jean VanCura departed peacefully from her earthly home to her heavenly home on January 30, 2017. Barbara was born December 4, 1937 to the late Edward and Lillian VanCura. Her parents inspired her in many ways, especially with love, faith, artistic talent, and quick wit. They provided a solid foundation upon which she would grow. Barb’s defining qualities were her faith in God, and her love, respect, and kindness for people. Barbara found joy early in her life in caring for people which led to a lifelong commitment to the nursing profession. Barbara was a skilled nurse and accomplished nursing educator – her career encompassed a span of 40 years. She earned a Diploma in Nursing from Wesley Memorial Hospital, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern University, and a Master’s in Education from Loyola University in Adult Instructional Management. She earned all her credentials with honors. Barbara also held certification in Nursing Continuing Education and Staff Development through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The majority of her career was at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she held a variety of clinical, management and educational positions. She also held a faculty position at the School of Nursing. She began her career as a clinical nurse in the areas of medical nursing, spinal cord injury and infectious diseases and was recognized for her clinical expertise. However, much of her career was devoted to helping with nursing development. She designed and implemented education and training programs for professional and non-professional staff and coordinated clinical experiences for graduate and undergraduate students from various academic institutions. As a mentor she influenced the career paths of professional colleagues by encouraging and assisting them. She made significant contributions to the education and development of nurses by originating an innovative multi-media self-study concept in nursing (Professional Briefcases), implemented the first Nurse Intern/Extern program and authoring articles for professional journals such as the Journal for Nurses in Staff Development and MEDSURG Nursing. Additionally, Barbara was a member of several professional organizations.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Barbara was a member of Sigma Theta Tau (national association for nursing), and honored for her remarkable achievements with many awards including Outstanding Young Woman of America, Excellence in Nursing Practice award from NMH, and the Thelma Shorr Award for innovation in Staff Development. She was listed in Who’s Who in American Nursing, Who’s Who in American Education, World’s Who’s Who of Women, International Who’s Who of Business and Professional Women and International Directory of Distinguished Leaders.

Barbara pursued her hobbies and artistic endeavors such as knitting, crocheting, quilting, cartooning, and playing the organ, and many treasured friendships. She was a member of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization), Church Women United, and she served as President of the United Methodist Women for several years and held other positions on the Board. She was active with the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange as health permitted by participating in the Chancel Choir, prayer shawl ministry, email-prayer chain leader, and Church Leadership Council. Her calligraphy talents were used in many ways by inscribing the children’s presentation Bibles, Baptismal Certificates and other special documents. In spite of limitations from extended illnesses, she continued her calligraphy and prayer shawl ministries until just recently.

Barbara was extremely creative and artistically talented. She studied dance for more than 12 years with a teacher who had been with the New York City Opera Ballet. She performed ballet on pointe, tap and contemporary dance. She also studied drama and was coached by a director from Goodman Theatre. She wrote several musical satires which were performed by local groups. Her artistic talent flourished again through the creation of dozens of miniature rooms and diorama. The vignettes were intricately detailed to scale. She was a member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, which was dedicated to the art of miniatures. She taught miniature crafting at a local miniature store in the suburbs, and built miniature replicas of buildings that were used for marketing purposes. Barbara also served as a consultant for the Bradford Exchange.

In spite of limitations from post-polio syndrome and metastatic cancer, she carried on. Such commitment to servant-hood was the hallmark of Barbara’s life. Her faith was her top priority and served as her guiding principle. She inspired many with her joy and smile by sharing the multitude of ways God had carried her through her times of challenge as well as triumph. She will be dearly missed, but we will carry her spirit in our hearts always.

A celebration of Barbara’s life was held at the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Interment took place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 West Cossitt Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525.