Lura Gretelle Kauffman

Mrs. Lura Gretelle "Grete" Kauffman (née Nail), age 82, passed away peacefully from advanced age at home, surrounded by her family, on May 24, 2025, in Daphne, Alabama. A woman of remarkable talent and unwavering dedication, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, artistry, and service.

Born on May 21, 1943, in San Pedro, California, Grete's life was marked by a deep love for music and a profound commitment to helping others. Living much of her childhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, she pursued her passion for music at Loyola University, earning her Bachelor of Music Education there in 1966. She continued her studies at Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt University) in Nashville, Tennessee, where she received her Master of Music Education in 1968.

Grete began her professional journey as Program Manager at WPLN Nashville Public Radio in 1968. Her career path then led her into the world of retail at Mercantile Stores Company (Castner-Knott Department Stores), where she spent over 17 years rising from Sales Associate to Department Manager to Buyer for the Cosmetics Department. After retiring from retail, Grete made the courageous decision to return to school and pursue a new calling in nursing. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Aquinas College in Nashville with her Registered Nurse certification in 1990.

As a nurse, Grete found her true vocation. She worked as a critical care and oncology nurse at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville for seven years before relocating to lower Alabama with her husband, Carl, in 1997. There, she continued to serve cancer patients with compassion and skill at Providence Hospital, Southern Cancer Center, and the Mitchell Cancer Institute, taking many new nurses under her wing. Her dedication to patient care endured until her retirement at the age of 80.

In addition to her oncology medical career, Grete was an accomplished classically trained soprano. She served as a professional soloist for The Temple (Congregation Ohabai Sholom) for 25 years and sang for over three decades at St. George's Episcopal Church, both in Nashville. She also lent her voice to Nashville's First Lutheran Church for more than five years. Her musical talents took her across Europe and onto the stage of Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Among many accolades, she was honored with regional awards from the National Teachers of Singing and performed as the second soprano soloist for Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Nashville Symphony.

A devoted wife and mother, Grete is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Dr. Carl H. Kauffman; and their daughter Rebecca Rittenhouse (Don). She was preceded in death by their son Matthew Monroe Kauffman and by her parents, Lura Ruthie Hastings Nail and Joseph Monroe Nail.

Grete's interests were as varied as they were meaningful: she found joy in gardening, reading, singing Sacred Harp music, and researching family history-not only for herself but also by assisting others with their genealogical pursuits. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served in leadership roles for Nashville's New Neighbors, the Middle Tennessee State Band and Orchestra Association, the Lake Forest Women's Club, and the Lake Forest Garden Club. A faithful Episcopalian throughout her life, she lived out her values through service both within and beyond the church community.

Lura Gretelle "Grete" Kauffman will be remembered for the beauty she brought into the world-through music that stirred hearts and through care that comforted those most in need. May her memory bring peace to all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank Alabama Hospice for their kind dedication and service. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Cancer Institute. An Irish Wake will be held on August 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Rittenhouse home, 107 Bel Air Circle, Daphne, AL.