Dr. Elizabeth Jane, EdD Forbes

Forbes Dr. Elizabeth Jane, EdD Age 90, of Hainesport, New Jersey, passed away on February 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Elmer W. and Agnes T. (née Finn) Forbes, Elizabeth was a longtime resident of Delaware County before moving to Hainesport in 2003. A pioneer in nursing education, Dr. Forbes was Professor Emeritus at the Jefferson College of Nursing, where she retired in 1996. She was the first female faculty member hired to lead the nursing master's program and launched Jefferson's first Nursing Scholar Program. As a practitioner, educator, researcher, and advocate, she devoted herself and dedicated her professional life to improving the quality of care for vulnerable populations, particularly disadvantaged women and the elderly. A prolific author, Dr. Forbes wrote extensively on gerontological nursing, including co-authoring The Older Adult: A Process for Wellness, the first textbook to address long-term care. The book was designated Book of the Year by the American Journal of Nursing Company. Her expertise also led her to serve on a special Congressional Task Force in preparation for the White House Council on Aging, where she contributed to an investigation on the quality of care in long-term care facilities. As a consultant for Beverly Enterprises, she developed and implemented a two-week curriculum that educated over 250 Directors of Nursing across eight states, elevating the quality of care in Beverly nursing homes. She also played a pivotal role in shaping nursing education, developing and obtaining Pennsylvania State Board approval to establish the Department of Nursing Program at Holy Family College (now Holy Family University) in Philadelphia. She was honored as the Founding Dean of the program (1970–1972) at the Decade of Excellence Celebration in 2024. Dr. Forbes' contributions to nursing were recognized nationally. She received the Gerontological Nurse of the Year Award from the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Education Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania Nurses Association, and was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Her commitment to advancing healthcare extended beyond academia. She co-founded the Women's Center for Health Promotion, a nurse-managed center providing holistic and culturally sensitive primary care services to underserved women in South Philadelphia. She also served on the board of the Coles House Fund, established at the Philadelphia Foundation, which supports housing for women in need. Even in retirement, Dr. Forbes remained active in her community, working with Jefferson College of Nursing and College of Health Professionals to plan the Hainesport Township Annual Community Day for the past four years. Dr. Forbes earned her BSN from Temple University, MSN from Villanova University, and MEd and EdD from Temple University's College of Education. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elizabeth was a devoted and loyal aunt, cousin, and friend. She was an exceptionally thoughtful and generous person, always ready to lend an ear to those facing difficulties or seeking education and employment advice. She cared deeply for others, offering not only her wisdom but also her time and compassion. Her strong faith guided her life, and she found great joy in the knowledge that she was the second in a line of four generations of nurses in her family-a legacy of care and service that she cherished deeply. She was the beloved sister of the late Haines Llewellyn Forbes and dear sister-in-law of Rebecca Forbes. She was a cherished aunt to Michele Forbes, Deborah and Thomas Gardiner, Cheri and Vincent Fandozzi, and Cindi and Jon Craig. She was also a devoted great-aunt to seven great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great-nephew. Relatives and friends are invited to Elizabeth's Viewing on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at THE MOUNT LAUREL HOME FOR FUNERALS, 212 Ark Road, Mount Laurel, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 A.M. at St. John Neumann Church, 560 Walton Avenue, Mount Laurel, NJ. Interment will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Pink Sisters) https://adorationsisters.org/