Cynthia Lynn Garrison graduated in 1977 with an associate’s degree in nursing from Antelope Valley Community College. She devoted over 42 years of her life to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, where she began her career in the Intensive Care Unit. Over the years, she became the night shift manager and later served as house supervisor, roles in which she was deeply respected and trusted.

Cynthia was known for her calm leadership, fairness, and unwavering kindness. She always worked the night shift, ensuring that her team felt supported and heard. When managing schedules, she went out of her way to accommodate her colleagues’ needs, and she was often the one called upon to help resolve conflicts with empathy and grace.

She went on medical leave in April 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions and her health history, retiring just a few months shy of her 65th birthday. Though she received service awards recognizing her many years of dedication, her true reward was the love and respect of her coworkers—every one of whom spoke of her with warmth and gratitude.

Cynthia’s legacy is one of compassion, fairness, and quiet strength. She was beloved by all who had the privilege to work alongside her.

We will celebrate the life and legacy of Rebecca Razo, RN. Rebecca was a devoted nurse. Rebecca dedicated 13 years to the Kaiser South Bay Emergency Department, where she was known for her welcoming presence and ability to connect with everyone. As a preceptor and mentor, she guided countless nurses. A strong patient advocate, Rebecca ensured compassionate care and earned recognition with the Kanga Flu Award for her outstanding flu vaccination efforts. Respected and admired by peers, she had an impact beyond the ED, leaving a lasting legacy of professionalism and kindness.

Please plan to arrive at 7:00 am. Park in the Emergency Department Parking lot off Vermont, then walk to the hospital's main entrance. Give yourself time for parking and navigating the campus.  We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. 

Today, we gather with heavy hearts and profound gratitude to celebrate the life and legacy of Linda Gonzalez, RN She was a devoted nurse. A loving mother to her two daughters and one son. A cherished colleague and loyal friend. Her presence left an imprint on every heart she touched. The ache of her absence is immeasurable—yet the light of her impact will continue to shine through all who knew her.

Linda was known as a hard worker, dedicated to her Nursing Profession. She started her nursing studies in the Philippines, then traveled to Arkansas, Texas, and California to continue them. She received her California Registered Nurse License in the 1980s.

Linda received many awards for nursing. However, she did not draw attention to herself. Her children recently found the awards in a simple pile.

Her coworkers would describe her as compassionate. She was a natural teacher and held others to the highest level of nursing practice. As seen in her picture, she was joyful and an essential part of the nursing team.

While in California, she worked at various locations, often working 12 to 16 hours a shift. She worked at Lincoln Heights, Kaiser, Mission Community, and her last post was a leader in a Psych unit in Van Nuys. She retired from full-time nursing in 2015. As nurses know, while they may retire, we never stop thinking and acting like nurses.

Tribute will be take place between Buildings 1 and 2 in the Healing Garden,

Jacqueline, a beloved nurse and mother, was tragically lost to a fatal shooting related to domestic violence. She was deeply respected by her peers and known for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering care for her patients.

On September 17th, our community suffered an unimaginable loss with the tragic passing of April Leigh Saez. April was a bright light in so many lives—cherished as a daughter and granddaughter, loved as a sister and partner, treasured as a friend, and admired as a mentor. She had a rare gift for making people smile and laugh no matter the circumstances. Kind, smart, hardworking, and full of life, April touched everyone around her.

Edmundine "Eddy" Williams Williamson, RN started her career in 1974 as an LVN, graduating in Orange County, and within a year achieved her RN from Gold Coast College. She worked at Hoag Hospital in the Psych Department as the charge nurse. After that, she went to Saint Joseph in Santa Ana and was the charge nurse. Eddy became interested in the field of biofeedback and opened an office to aid patients in learning the technique. After her retirement, she focused her life on her 8 grandkids and seven great-grandchildren. She was loved by all and will be missed. 

Nurse Honor Guard for Betty Ann Bohner, RN.  She was a long-time manager for the Kaiser Permanente Garden Grove Medical Office Building. Her staff says, "She was the best!" 

Nurse Honor Guard for Nurses who served and passed in Vietnam. The “Wall that Heals” aka a representation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be in visiting Orange, California. This is opening day and there may be many people attending. We will gather at area of the alphabet “N” or at the official entrance. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm.

She liked to be called Lita and graduated in 1975. She had an active practice for 41 years.

This ceremony is taking place in Colton, California, and the San Bernardino Nurse Honor Guard is seeking assistance with the event.

Lucy was known for her kindness and compassionate nature. She always had a calming presence and was a source of light for those around her. Since the beginning of her nursing career on May 24, 2023, she has consistently been ready to help whenever she was needed. Lucy was a dedicated pediatric nurse at Tustin Ranch MOB since February 12th 2024. She will forever be loved and missed.

Cynthia worked at Kaiser South Bay for 35 years, retiring just last year. She inspired her family, including her daughter and son-in-law, who both became nurses. 

The Nurse Honor Guard Tribute will be part of a bigger ceremony to honor our health care team members who have passed away. There are a number of Nurses who will be honored with the Tribute.

The Memorial will be conducted at the Kaiser Permanente Downey Hospital grounds.

Please plan to arrive at 10:00 am. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available for use. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you!

Gloria passed on July 10th, 2025. She retired from Nursing at the age of 70. She graduated from Ohio Valley General Hospital in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, in 1954. She also worked private duty, all to help support our family of six children. Her surviving sister, living in Mission Viejo, also graduated from the same school. She then worked as an RN there until they all moved to California in 1979, where she continued her nursing career at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and later at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills. Her nursing career was 50 years. She passed away at the age of 92.

Please plan to arrive at 10:30 am. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 am. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available for use. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you! Dawn

Rosalie "Rose" Hudson, LVN, graduated from Coalinga College and worked in the emergency room at Riverside General. She practiced in the Emergency Department for over 30 years.

Nancy graduated from high school in 1987 and received her LVN license a couple of months later. She worked as an EMT with Rescue One Ambulance Service, where she met her husband. When she started a family, she worked in a doctor’s office as an LVN. She worked there for a few years. When her husband passed away, she knew she would need more money, and that’s when she went back to school and earned her RN. She graduated from Cerritos College in 2007. She worked with patient care, and then went into case management at Presbyterian Community Hospital here in Whittier. Then she moved to Long Beach and worked at Little Company of Mary Hospital as a case manager. Nancy loved nursing and loved helping people. Nancy has two wonderful sons and one little granddaughter.

Please plan to arrive at 10:30 am. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 am. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available for use. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. 

Rosa attended Cal State Northridge for a degree in Hospital Administration and attended Santa Monica College for her RN degree, which she obtained in December 1995. Rosa loved being a nurse. She worked in home hospice care, labor and delivery, and Cardiac rehab at Valley Presbyterian Hospital. She was a school nurse for a private school and a nurse at two Adult Day Healthcare centers. Please plan to arrive at 9:30 am. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you! Dawn 

Marlene worked at County Oaks Care Center and will be honored at the facility where she provided excellent rehabilitation nursing care to residents, helping them regain their independence and return home.Please plan to arrive at 1 pm.  We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 pm. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you! Dawn

Mary Mike, RN, is a long-time nurse in hospice care. This is our opportunity to honor her for her nursing service. Mary Mike's nursing career included working as a Circus Nurse. She took care of the Circus people and loved it.

Please plan to arrive at 10 am. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. 

 Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available for use. In the message section, let me know if you need a loaner available. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you! Dawn

Nurse Honor Guard for Rhodora Roa, RNRhodora Roa was a 4 West Unit Nurse at Panorama City Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Meet at the hospital chapel. Please plan to arrive at 2 pm. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 2:30 pm. Meet at the hospital Chapel.  Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available for use. In the message section, let me know if you need a loaner available.

Angelita attended West Visayas University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree (1983-1987). She pursued a career in nursing and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Iloilo in 1990. She immigrated to the USA and served as an RN in Los Angeles County for 30 years

Please plan to arrive at 5:00 pm. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm. 

 Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available for use. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you! Dawn

Antoinette worked for Kaiser Permanente South Bay and was recently promoted to the charge nurse position on the night shift for Unit 2000. Antoinette was well respected and brought joy to her work and coworkers.  

This Nightingale Tribute is for her co-workers on the night shift and day shift who are grieving her sudden unexpected passing. We will conduct this ceremony in the unit at 5:30 a.m. and then repeat it at 7:15 a.m. 

Please plan to arrive at 5:10 am. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 and repeat at 7:15 am.

 Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. Dawn Vonderheide will be your leader for this ceremony. If your plans change or you need assistance, please text 714-309-2171. Thank you! Dawn

Nurse Honor Guard for Elaine Weiskircher, RN. Elaine has been a nurse for 44 years. She graduated from Chaffey College with her ADN in 1981 and went on to earn her Master's Degree in Nursing. She worked in the Med/Surg Department out of Nursing School and not too long after, found her passion in OB. She worked at Kaiser Permanente for over 30 years as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and OB Clinic as a Perinatal Case Manager. She also worked as an on-call Labor and Delivery Nurse at the Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead. She retired from Kaiser, but soon returned per diem as a Case Manager in the OB Clinic. She was a nurse leader, educator, and mentor to so many over the decades of her career. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you do not have a cape or a cap, loaners will be available. In the message section, let me know if you need a loaner available, or text me. Please plan to arrive by 2:30 p.m. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 pm. Dawn Vonderheide will be your leader for this ceremony. If your plans change or you need assistance, text 714 309 2171. Thank you! Dawn

Nurse Honor Guard for Linda Anderson, RN. 

She worked for Yale Medical Center for 35 years as a bedside nurse specializing in Pediatrics. She was recognized as an Exemplary Nurse by the Yale Medical Center, where today, you can find her picture on the honor wall.  Linda was devoted to nursing and her family. About 2 years ago, she came to California to retire. However, she missed being a nurse and found a Care Coordinator position at UCLA. There, she enjoyed being able to provide nursing care and made an impact on her patients and colleagues. 

Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. Loaners will be available if you do not have a cape or a cap. In the message section, let me know if you need a loaner available, or text me.

Plan to arrive by 5 p.m. We will begin the ceremony at 5:30 pm. When you get to the Jonathan Club, proceed directly to Lot 8 North. Beachgoers may impact parking, so plan on extra time to park. We may want to park away from the area and ride share to the location. Let me know if you are willing to meet up nearby and get a ride to the location. Assignments, caps, and capes will be provided at the Jonathon Club.

I need five volunteers for this event, and I cannot accommodate more than five. Please do not delay your RSVP.

The family is offering the nurses who participate to stay for dinner at the Jonathon Club, if you wish to join them. Message me to let me know if you want to stay for dinner. I plan on staying and joining this lovely family.

If you can attend, please click Accept on this invitation. Dawn Vonderheide will be your leader for this ceremony. If your plans change or you need assistance, text 714 309 2171. Thank you! Dawn

Hailey Okula was an ED nurse at UCI Health was a prominent nursing influencer (@rnnewgrads), died last week after giving birth to her son. She was 33.

Okula went into cardiac arrest after giving birth via C-section on March 29. Her husband, Matthew, told local news outlets in Los Angeles that the cardiac arrest was due to an extremely rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism. Their son survived.

A Charge Nurse of 25 Years, Arlene Lagarde passed away 4/15/2025 after electing to end her battle with stage 4 cancer.

Nurse Honor Guard for Harriet Pavidis, RN. Harriet worked as an RN for 37 years. mostly in the field of labor and delivery, working her way up to a supervisor position in neonatal care at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in California.We need at least four volunteers to honor Harriet. Wear white for the ceremony, cape, and cap. If you do not have a cape and/or a cap, there will be loaners available. Let the host know if you need to have a loaner available. Plan to arrive at 10:30 am and meet in front of the church to get the assignments, caps, and capes. text 714 3092171. Thank you!Dawn

After finding an ad for a full grant for nursing school that would pay her room and board as well as for tuition for hte the State of Illinois in 1964- Theola Rush jumped at the opportunity to make a way for herself. She was the only blak nursing student i her entire program. With respect to hacing one black professor. Her first time ever stepping foot in a hospital was for nursing school. And she fell in love. She worked hard well always keeping a positive work environment around her and her staff. After graduating nursing school she moved back home to Cairo, Illinois where she took her first nursing job at Saint Mary’s Hospital for about 6 months. Until one day she read in her nursing journal about LA County Hospital being the largest in the country at the time. Offering programs to specialize in cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, and became the Head Nurse at 28 years old at LA County -USC Hospital in the Women and Children’s Department until the hospital opened up a brand new ER and gave her the title of Head Nurse in that Department. Her coworkers all speak highly of her.

We need at least 4 volunteers to honor Theola Rush, RN.

Rosal Lee NP was a UCLA trained NP and a dedicated NP for Kaiser at the Downey facility. We need at least five volunteers to honor Rosal. Wear white for the ceremony, cape, and cap. I you do not have a cape or and a cap, there will be loaners available. Let the host know if you need to have a loaner available. Plan to arrive at 10:30 am and meet in front of the church to get the assignments, caps, and capes.If you can attend, please click accept on this invitation.Dawn Vonderheide will be your leader for this ceremony. If your plans change or you need assistance, text 714 3092171. Thank you!Dawn