The UNMC community mourned the loss of Louise LaFramboise, PhD, longtime educator and leader in the UNMC College of Nursing, who died Jan. 21 at age 69.
Dr. LaFramboise, a registered nurse who retired in 2023, was part of the UNMC community for nearly four decades, beginning in 1986 as an instructor and later serving as director of the accelerated BSN program, director of the baccalaureate program and, beginning in 2020, as the assistant dean for the college’s Omaha division, the position she held at her retirement.
“Dr. LaFramboise has made a significant contribution to the UNMC College of Nursing over the course of her career,” said Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. “Her wisdom and compassion touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of care that will forever inspire future generations of nurses. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit remains in every heart she has healed.”
At the time of her retirement, Dr. LaFramboise said: “One of the things that fills my bucket is watching people succeed. When we are able to help a patient with health challenges and they live better, that’s a reward for me.
“Their joy is a little pick-me-up.”
Prior to her death, the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard conducted a Living Tribute Ceremony for Dr. LaFramboise on Nov. 8.
Dr. LaFramboise’s fellow nurses, family, friends, colleagues and leaders from UNMC took the opportunity to thank her for her dedication and commitment to the nursing field.
Videos and photos from the event can be seen here.
Dr. LaFramboise’s colleagues remembered her as a dedicated, empathetic co-worker and educator who strived to make everyone around her better.
“She was always dedicated to her students, and she cared deeply about not only the students, but the faculty, staff and all her colleagues – even outside of nursing and UNMC,” Juliann Sebastian, PhD, former dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said. “I found her to be highly knowledgeable as a nurse and teacher and an individual of great empathy and caring. She spoke often about her lovely family and how she cherished them and their time together. Louise was much loved by all, and she is really going to be missed.”