LAURIE ANN PUFPAFF

PUFPAFF - Laurie Ann Age 54, a prominent nursing educator and Simpsonville resident for the past 20 years, died October 15, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer that inspired scores of people with her bravery and unselfish devotion to others. In addition to her professional career in nursing and nursing education, she was an avid community volunteer who founded a support group known as PINK to encourage and help other women diagnosed with breast cancer. A native of Buffalo, NY, Pufpaff received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University at Buffalo in 1984. She was a neonatal nurse at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, and after relocating to South Carolina with her husband and family, held several positions in patient care and nursing education. Most recently, she was associate professor of nursing, simulation coordinator and faculty fellow at Greenville Technical College. Previously, she was assistant professor and lab coordinator at the college and also worked as a patient educator, nurse manager and staff RN. She held a master's degree in nursing education from the University of Phoenix, received in 2006. Her nursing education career also included serving as a representative on the Greenville Technical College Faculty Senate, as well as service on college committees for professional development, curriculum and accreditation. A member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, Pufpaff gave numerous academic and clinical presentations. Her scholarly article, "Cooperative Learning Using Simulation to Achieve Mastery of Nanogastric Insertion," was published in the Journal of Nursing Education in March 2015. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Pufpaff immersed herself in the lives of her three children while they were growing up in Simpsonville, SC. She volunteered at all levels with SAIL (Swim Association Invitational League), PTA and Booster Club. Woodmont High School recently established a Laurie Pufpaff Volunteer of the Year award in her honor. In addition, she was instrumental in creating a lacrosse team for both boys and girls at Woodmont. Beyond all these activities and contributions, she was the rock that held together her family and an ever-expanding network of friends. Her husband's Facebook post announcing her death drew nearly 400 comments from friends and family across the country. The posts emphasized Pufpaff's indomitable spirit, ever-present smile while combatting cancer, and her steadfast focus on serving others rather than dwelling on her own serious illness. She is survived by her husband, David C.; a daughter, Kathryn; two sons, Matthew and Ryan; a grandson, Easton, all of South Carolina; her parents, Nancy E. and Kenneth P. Schifferle of East Amherst, NY; two brothers, Steven (Laurie) of East Amherst and Michael (Peggy) of Lockport, NY; brother-in-law Gary (Sandy); nieces, Kelly (Eric), Jill, Kaylie and Samantha; nephews, Sean, Nicholas, Zachary and Anthony. Plans are being made for a memorial service in Buffalo, New York in November.