Fernanda Nunes

FERNANDA ( FAYE ) NUNES JAN 24, 1932 - AUG 7, 2006 Faye Nunes passed away peacefully in Memorial North ICU surrounded by competent compassionate staff and loving family and friends. There couldn't have been a more fitting end for a retired dedicated ICU nurse who loved life and lived it fully.

Fernanda was born on Jan. 24, 1932 in New Bedford, Mass. Her father immigrated from the Azores; her mom was born in New Bedford. Faye spoke only Portuguese in her childhood. She attended schools in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School. She then attended Saint Anne's Hospital School of Nursing in Fall River, Mass and graduated in 1953. ( She returned to 50 year reunion at St. Anne's in 2003 ) Faye worked as an RN for a few years then ventured out to California with Teri Vital; her good friend from New Bedford.

In 1960 Faye started working at Stanislaus County Hospital as an RN on the mens' surgical ward. She loved her work and soon became the Head Nurse of her ward. In 1969 the first ICU in Stanislaus County was opened; Faye remained at Stanislaus County as the Head Nurse of the ICU until she retired in Nov. 1992. Fellow staff described her as firm, fair, and friendly. However, she was also known as a stern taskmaster. Professional colleagues remembered Miss Nunes as very dedicated to her profession and just a great nurse. She was business like and professional on duty (only white uniforms for her) and a kick in the pants off duty". Faye loved working with the family practice residents but didn't hesitate to consult the attending staff MDs often expressing her own opinions as well. She demanded and provided excellent care of her patients and was always known as a passionate patient advocate.

Faye kept her nursing license current and returned to Stanislaus Health Services as a volunteer at the Medical Arts building from 1995 to 2002. Faye was a board member and active volunteer in the Stanislaus Community Assistance Program from its' inception in 1985 to present. She took pride in being actively involved in the very successful AIDS walk in 1994. She was a past member of BACW and supported BOFA. She was a member and past secretary of the Modesto Bonsai Club. She was a member of St Joseph's Catholic Church. She supported Townsend Opera Players and the State Theater and several charities.

Faye enjoyed good food, good wine and travelling. She loved to dance and was often the life of the party. Her heart attack and resulting heart failure slowed her down quite a bit over the last few months but she truly lived her life until the end. She will be deeply missed.

Faye is survived by her longtime companion, Pam Grassmidt, mother, Mary Freitas Nunes; brother John P. Nunes and his wife Betty from Hearld, CA ; niece Desiree Nunes; nephew Jonathon Nunes and great nephew Tiiler Nunes from Washington. Faye was preceeded in death by her father Joao Perriera Nunes and sister Esther who died in childhood.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Aug 13 from 3:00 to 7:00 at the McHenry Chapel of Franklin & Downs. A mass will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church; 1813 Oakdale Road with burial to follow at Lakewood Cemetery. There will be a reception at College Ave. Congregational Church; 1341 College Ave. from 12:00 to 4:00. ALL are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to SCAP at 605 15th St, Modesto, 95354; Womens' Haven Center, or a favorite charity of your choosing.

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