Shaun Capurro, who worked for UNMC for more than 20 years, passed away on Oct. 23 at the age of 66.
Philip Bierman, MD, professor emeritus in internal medicine-oncology/hematology, said Capurro was an important part of the department throughout her tenure there.
"She was coordinator during a time of tremendous changes in internal medicine specialty programs, where the amount of paperwork and documentation she had to handle increased several-fold," Dr. Bierman said.
Bierman said Capurro was integral to the department’s hematology/oncology fellowship program.
"She made sure that our fellows had everything they needed, and she also coordinated prospective fellow interviews and selection of fellows."
"She also had a wicked sense of humor," Dr. Bierman said. "Apparently, I was often the target."
Capurro worked directly with Elizabeth Reed, MD, professor of oncology/hematology, as her administrative assistant for more than 15 years.
"She had a great dry sense of humor, and people who did not know her well did not appreciate how tongue-in-cheek funny she was," Dr. Reed said. "She was extremely organized and dedicated to the job, the fellowship and the institution."
Colleagues mentioned Capurro's willingness to work through injury, such as a kneecap fracture a few years ago.
"One of the last times we talked, she was anxiously waiting for discharge from the hospital so that she could finish up all the work she had left to do," Dr. Reed said.
Charles Enke, MD, chair of radiation oncology, remembered Capurro's "extreme professionalism."
"When I think of Shaun’s quiet work demeanor and significant professional capabilities, the expression 'Still water runs deep' comes to mind." Dr. Enke said. "Not only did she support the department of radiation oncology but also was actively engaged with the hematology/oncology fellowship program. Originally I had concerns with her ability to meet the needs of both programs, and yet I soon realized that it was well within her capabilities. She will be greatly missed by all of the individuals whose lives she touched."
Gregory Bociek, MD, called Capurro one of kindest and most remarkable people he has worked with.
"She was tireless in her quest to help our fellows in all aspects of their training," Dr. Bociek said. "She was sensitive to new fellows adjusting to a new city and work environment. She was a consummate professional and always made sure problems were brought to our attention. She was always thinking ahead for the future of the hematology/oncology program. She never wanted to be the person in the spotlight but was always right there with us."
Dr. Reed remembered Capurro as a leader among her coworkers.
"If there was a question or hurt feelings, they always turned to Shaun for a good practical way forward. If the world was filled with more Shaun Cappurros, we would be in very fine shape."
Andrew Wahl, MD, director of the radiation oncology resident program, praised Capurro’s deep knowledge of the residency program.
"She really cared for our residents," Dr. Wahl said. "She was diligent, committed and great to work with. She will definitely be missed."
Colleagues and friends are invited to share memories of Capurro in the comments section below.
Shaun was a tremendous asset to the Hem/Onc division and to our Internal Med department as a whole. We will miss her enormously at work. We are thinking of her family and the great sorrow they are experiencing.
Shaun and I worked together for over 14 years and became good friends in the process and we stayed in touch. Lovely person and so much fun! We loved our afternoon coffee chats. My heart goes out to her husband Henry, children Natalie and Roberto and grandson Reese – she loved them dearly. Shaun was a treasure.
RIP dear Shaun…….
Such a wonderful person. She will be missed by many.
We will really miss Shaun! When I first started at UNMC, she gave me wonderful advice.
Shaun is a person who made a difference. Her attitude, view, or remarks made an impact on a situation.
Her husband asked her once why she chose to work in academia instead of the private sector she said "my purpose in life is to get rid of cancer."
Thank you for all of these kind words about Shaun. She was a very special person to everyone who knew her. Not everyone gets to say they have a wonderful mother-in-law but I had one of the best with Shaun. She was a very loving wife, mother, and grandma that will be missed by so many.
Knowing Shaun for the last 20 years will always be one of the highlights of my career here at UNMC. I could always count on her and her loyalty to her program directors and her fellows/residents were an example for all other program coordinators. We will miss her terribly in GME.
Vicki Hamm
I am so grateful that I had a chance to work with Shaun in the last 2 years I am here. She made sure all of us fellows have what they need specially when we are adjusting to a fellow life in a new city away from family and has made my fellowship experience hundred fold better. I will always remember her smile, passion for her work and her generosity. She definitely touched my life and I will miss her greatly 🙂
The impact Shaun had on the heme/onc fellowship program cannot be overstated. She was so committed to her job as program coordinator and positively impacted the career of many graduating fellows. She was organized, dedicated, and just a delight to work with. She will be greatly missed.
Alissa Marr
This breaks my heart to learn. Shaun was always so kind and helpful and she will be greatly missed! My prayers go out to her family and to all who knew and loved her.
Shaun was an amazing person, and very fun to work with. She always had a sense of humor, even when she was suffering. She touched so many of our lives, I will greatly miss her.