Ernestine J Marsh

Ernestine J. Pease Marsh, sunrise June 24, 1935, sunset September 20, 2009, in the comfort of her home with her children by her side. A native of St. Louis, MO, graduate of Homer G. Phillips Hospital School of Nursing, RN; St. Louis University, BSN; Southern Illinois University, MsED. Honorary Alumna of University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Preceeded in death by Clifford and Ernestine Pease (father and mother), brother Warren S. Johnson, nephew Warren Johnson Jr. Survived by daughter Ann, son Clifford (Lori), grandchildren Damon, Craig Jr., (Junietta), Adam, and Alexis, greatgrandchildren Savannah, Craig III, and Caleigh, niece Arnecia Theresa Johnson, great nephew and niece Sylester Major and Jessica Roberts Prince (Bryson), special sons Ronald Fittro (Gene) and family, Joseph Williams (Linda) and family, and a host of cousins, friends and colleagues. She was employed at the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), St. Louis MO in Staff Nurse and Supervisor positions. She rose to Assistant Chief Nurse positions in VAMC in Jackson MS, and San Diego CA. She was Chief Nurse in VAMC Coatesville PA, VAMC Richmond VA, and at the VAMC Pittsburgh PA where she also served as Associate Medical Center Director. Other collateral duties included preceptor for Graduate Students, and preceptor for the VA Central Office in Washington D.C. She held adjunct faculty positions at Thomas Jefferson University, Villanova University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and University of Pittsburgh Schools of Nursing. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for Nursing, Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Harriet Tubman Guild, AARP Pennsylvania State Minority Representative and many other community and professional organizations where she received over 30 individual honors for leadership, administration, and the promotion of nursing research. She retired after 39 years with the Veterans Administration as a trailblazer in her field. Her steadfast commitment to education and leadership still reap benefits today through the work of the nursing professionals she developed and mentored. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. In retirement, she was the Community of Holy Rosary and St. John Food Pantry Coordinator, and was an Organist for the 8:30 am Sunday Mass. She was a member of the St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary 3rd and 4th degree. Mass of Christian Burial 11 A.M. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Community of Holy Rosary and St. John, 648 S. Ohio Ave. Family will receive friends from 3-8 P.M. Friday at SCHOEDINGER EAST CHAPEL, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., where a prayer service will begin at 6 P.M. Father Mark Ghiloni, Celebrant. Interment Franklin Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed in her name to the Community of Holy Rosary and St. John Food Pantry, 640 S. Ohio Avenue, Columbus OH, 43205.