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FAYE ABDELLAH Obituary

ABDELLAH FAYE G. ABDELLAH Former Deputy Surgeon General Of Annandale, VA, on February 24, 2017, age 97. Faye was born on March 13, 1919 in New York City, and was preceded in death by her parents, H.B. and Margaret Glenn Abdellah; dear brother Marty Abdellah and his wife, Eleanor. She is survived by nephew Robert Abdellah, his wife Diane, their children Joseph, Ross, and Claire, and niece Faye Johnson. Dr. Abdellah, a nurse/psychologist, joined the Public Health Service in 1949 and rose to hold the highest rank of a woman and nurse in the Federal Nursing Services, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral. A Korean War veteran, Dr. Abdellah was the recipient of five Distinguished Service Medals. She was recognized nationally and internationally for contributions to nursing research. She was also recognized for pioneer research in progressive patient care, a concept which resulted in the establishment of the first coronary intensive care units. A graduate of the Ann May School of Nursing (New Jersey) Dr. Abdellah earned her doctorate degree from Columbia University in New York. She was the recipient of 12 honorary degrees, over 90 major awards, authored or co-authored more than 152 scholarly publications, and authored six books, some translated into six languages, which have altered nursing theory and practice. Prior to her role as the Founding Dean of the Graduate School of Nursing (GSN), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS), Dr. Abdellah served as Chief Nurse Officer and Deputy Surgeon General of the United States from 1981 until her retirement in 1989. She retired as Founding Dean in 2002. Dr. Abdellah also served as a Sigma Theta Tau Distinguished Research Fellow in an Emily Myrtle Smith Professorship, and as an Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health, at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. She had the unique honor of election as a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing where she later served as vice president and president. In 1989, she was recognized with the Prestigious Allied Signal Award for pioneering research on aging. The Institute of Medicine recognized her contributions to the environment and healthier lifestyles in 1992, with the Gustav O. Lienhard Award. In 1994, The American Academy of Nursing honored Dr. Abdellah with The Living Legend Award. She was elected to the Hall of Fame Distinguished Graduates and Scholars, Columbia University, 1999. In 2000, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, and in 2002 received the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and received the Sigma Theta Tau Lifetime Award in 2006. Dr. Abdellah peacefully spent her final years as a resident of Arleigh Burke Pavilion. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA. A service to celebrate Faye's life will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at The Chapel at Vinson Hall Retirement Community, McLean, VA. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Abdellah's memory to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) College of Nursing, Bethesda, MA.

Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 5, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for FAYE ABDELLAH

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I am deeply sorry for the loss of Faye. May God's loving kindness bring peace and comfort during this sad and difficult time. Psalms 29:11

Ann

March 29, 2017

Dr. Abdellah was an impressive role model for all women --- not just female nurses. She was highly respected for her straight-forward and no-nonsense approach when presented with challenges. Dr. Abdellah and "Abdellahs's Dictums" were often cited by C.Everett Koop when he was the Surgeon General of the United States and Dr. Abdellah was the Deputy Surgeon General. I consider it a true honor to have known her. My sincerest condolences to her loved ones.

Noreen Hynes

March 27, 2017

With heart felt condolence, may the sadness you're experiencing now be replaced with joyful memories of a treasured life. 1Peter 5:6,7

March 25, 2017

March 22, 2017

March 22, 2017

March 22, 2017

March 22, 2017

March 22, 2017

Our Professional Practice Model at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California, was designed and created following much of Dr. Abdellah's work as an exemplar nurse theorist who focused on the patient at the center of care. We were so sad to just hear of her passing. We had hoped that some day we might all meet her to thank her for her important work and leadership. Our deepest sympathy to the Abdellah family. Sincerely, Vivian Low on behalf of our Nursing Research Council.

Vivian Low

March 22, 2017

Lynn Van Gieson

March 21, 2017

Lynn Van Gieson

March 21, 2017

Condolences to all those who loved and were inspired by Faye -- an amazing leader. So many benefitted from her wisdom.

Hal and Lynn Van Gieson

March 19, 2017

To the Abdellah family, please accept my sincerest condolences. May your hearts be comforted by God's wonderful promise. -Isaiah25:8

J W

March 19, 2017

May mercy and peace and love be increased to you during this sad and difficult time. Jude 2.

AC

March 17, 2017

As you celebrate a life well-lived, (97Yrs), may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter, as you recall all the happy times you shared together. (Psalm 90:10)

Hudson

March 17, 2017

Our condolences to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. We are thinking of you at this difficult time, and hoping that you find comfort in your memories of happier moments.

March 17, 2017

My sincere condolences to your family may God strengthen you during this difficult time. Romans 33:24

Harris

March 17, 2017

If there's another world, she lives in bliss;
If there is none, she made the best of this
- an old Scottish eulogy

Farewell dear friend and colleague -

Steve Moore

March 15, 2017

I met Faye when I was a new graduate and she shared her vision of nursing that inspired me throughout my career. She was a role model for all of nursing in pioneering new roles for nurses and setting standards for research, education, practice and health policy leadership that affects all of us today. Like Florence Nightingale, she was a beacon of light that continues to shine in the impact she has had on patients, families, nurses and the health care system. Her commitment to public health as well as to those who care for those in harms way has influenced thousands of lives. Her influence will continue to be felt by future generations of nurses.

Carol Romano

March 15, 2017

For you, my deepest sympathies for your loss. Early on in my 32+ years in nursing, I ran into 21 Nursing Problems, created by Faye Glenn Abdellah. She became my ultimate nursing role model. I know our nursing profession is a better place because of this lady.

Tammie McGhee RN, MSN

March 14, 2017

My friend Faye
We met because she had taken ill and I was the Head Nurse at USUHS, where she was the Dean of the School of Nursing. I did not realize who she was at the time. I did not know that before me was the source of so much of the nursing theory and research that I had learned over the years. It had all been created from her past work. The patient in front of me was one of the nurses if not the nurse that had made nursing a science.
As Fay began to feel better all she wanted to know was about me, as is typical of nurses when someone is caring for them. The exchange we had was memorable and had made me realize who was on the exam table.
Fay was feeling better after some IV fluids and wanted to return to her office. I noticed that her makeup and hair were less than presentable, so I called one of her two assistants over and told them, She can't leave this room until her hair and makeup are fixed. They went to get her handbag and as they did, Fay took my hand and said, Thank you so very much. It was at that moment we became friends. Faye shared many stories with me, the best she shared was her friendship with me.
You can plan all you want but your career, your life will unfold to you Faye G. Abdellah

Hugh Dowd RN

March 14, 2017

She was an inspiration to nurses everywhere.

Betty Dixon

March 13, 2017

Dr. Abdellah was such an inspiration to all of the United Sates Public Health Service (USPHS) nurse officers. I was blessed to meet her early in my career and was humbled by her knowledge and willingness to share and mentor. She will forever be remembered for her dedication and contributions to the nursing profession and the USPHS. May God Bless her and her family.
Mary Rossi-Coajou MS, RN
Captain, U.S. Public Health Service

Mary Rossi-Coajou

March 13, 2017

Dr. Abdellah was such an inspiration to all of the United Sates Public Health Service (USPHS) nurse officers. I was blessed to meet her on several occasions early in my career and was humbled by her knowledge and willingness to share and mentor. She will forever be remembered for her dedication and contributions to the nursing profession and the USPHS. May God Bless her and her family.
Mary Rossi-Coajou MS, RN
Captain, U.S. Public Health Service

Mary Rossi-Coajou

March 13, 2017

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one there is a very comforting hope at Job 12:10 please accept my deepest sympathy.

Dorothy

March 12, 2017

Some years ago, when she hosted Surgeon General of the United States Dr.C.Everett Koop as the speaker for the USU graduation, she arranged to have Dr. Koop stay for a few minutes after the ceremony, in order to introduce my then 12 year old son to Dr. Koop. A photo of Dr. Abdellah, Dr. Koop and Evan was taken; Dr. Abdellah had it signed by Dr. Koop and herself, and gave it to us.

That was a most memorable event in our lives.

Dr. Abdellah was not only a wonderful nurse, she was a fine lady.

Norm

March 10, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to cope with your grief.

March 10, 2017

Dr. Abdellah was very helpful to me when I arrived in Washington to work on AIDS and HIV. Her advice and counsel were always on target. I, as many others, owe her a deep debt of gratitude. In short, she is a wonderful human. She will be missed.

Art Lawrence

March 9, 2017

Her legacy will live on. Prayers of strength and comfort are being sent for the family of this amazing woman.

Jeffrey Schrader

March 8, 2017

Dr. Abdellah was a mentor and inspiration and become a friend and colleague. Not only do I owe her much, but nursing as a profession and public health as a right for all are indebted to her. She will continue lead with her legacy of concern and excellence. Beth Mazzella, CNO, USPHS 1996-2000

Carolyn Beth Mazzella

March 8, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

March 8, 2017

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MATT. 5:4

March 7, 2017

Love and Peace

Gale Northcross

March 7, 2017

My memories of Dr. Faye Abdellah will last forever in my heart. Working along side of her gave me such pleasure of having her as my boss. Her kindness for people was a phenomenal lesson to learn. A devoted angel has earned her wings. Prays for the family.

Sheena Ferrell

March 7, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

J

March 7, 2017

Faye was our trusted, generous and intellectually stimulating next door neighbor on Chanel Rd. for nearly 40 years. We all had such deep respect for her accomplishments and appreciated her friendship. Her memory lives on....

Mandy Mathis Miller

March 6, 2017

So very sorry for your loss. May the Memories you Cherish and Almighty God's Promises comfort you and give you Hope during your time of sorrow. John 6:40; Job 33:25 & Ps 37:29

March 6, 2017

As time passes may the Abdellah family and friends continue to rely on God to give you the strength needed to cope with your loss. Knowing that God cares for us is a great source of comfort. (1Peter5:7)

B. T.

March 6, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

J

March 6, 2017

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. Know that you can go to god in prayer to strengthen and comfort you. Psalms 121. We share your grief.

Missy

March 6, 2017

May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10.

AC

March 5, 2017

I grew up on .Chanel Road and Faye was a treasured part of our " family", celebrating holidays, weddings and births of grandchildren. My parents were very fond of .Faye and she was always interested in what my sister and I studied in school. She offered invaluable advice when I graduated from college. Sending love and prayers to her family.

Tonya Finton

March 5, 2017

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

March 5, 2017

Faye lived across the street from us on Chanel Road in Annandale VA. I always had great respect for her. Faye was instrumental in my attending Villanova University College of Nursing and I am forever grateful! May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. She joins my Mom, Kathy Andres, Mr. and Mrs. Tavenner and Jayne Mathis, neighbors on Chanel Road, in Heaven we pray.

Kara Carroll

March 5, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of or love one. Sending my prayers and condolences. May you continue to lean upon God for comfort to help you endure during this time. Psalms 146:5,6.

Missy

March 5, 2017

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