South Central New York Nurses Honor Guard

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

On Saturday, October 3, 2026 we presented the Nightingale Tribute for Sandra Minehas, RN at her funeral service held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, Binghamton, NY.

Sandy was a graduate of SUNY Oneonta after which she returned to work her nursing career in her home community. Sandy brought her exceptional nursing skills and deep compassion to a variety of settings. She worked as a public health nurse and served as director of nursing at two long-term care facilities. But the work closest to her heart was at a residence associated with the Broome Developmental Center. There, she tirelessly advocated for the people in her care and loved them deeply. She understood that nursing was about far more than medicine — it was about caring for people, protecting their dignity, and making sure they were seen and valued.

Thank you, Sandy, for your years of nursing service. We honor you and now relieve you of duty. Rest in peace.

We extend our condolences to Sandy’s husband Thomas, children and grandchildren, family, and friends.

https://jamccormack.com/tribute/details/2592/Sandra-Minehan/obituary.html

10/01/2026

The Nightingale Tribute was presented for Kelly Geiger, RN during her Celebration Service today, October 1, 2026 at Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA

Kelly attended the nursing program at Corning Community College, graduating in 1984. She worked her nearly 40 year career as a Registered Nurse at Robert Packer Hospital until her retirement in 2022.

Kelly, we relieved you of your nursing service. Well done fellow nurse. Rest in peace.

Our condolences go to Kelly’s husband Ron, her son Charles, other family, and friends. We were especially honored to have been requested again for Kelly after we gave the Nightingale Tribute for Kelly’s mother Barbara earlier this year. We are blessed and grateful for the generous donations made in memory of Kelly to the South Central NY Nurses Honor Guard.

https://www.loweryfuneralhome.com/obituary/Kelly-CorlLynchGeiger

09/30/2026

The Nightingale Tribute was given for Carole Beaudette, RN at her graveside service held today, September 29, 2026 at Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City, NY.

Carole attended St Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Elmira, NY. Following graduation Carole worked at NYU Langone Hospital in NYC as cardiac nurse and finished her career in administration.

Carole, we honor your nursing service and relieve you of duty. Rest in peace fellow nurse.

https://colemananddaniels.com/tribute/details/3657

09/20/2026

We were invited to attend the Charles S. Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing annual alumni luncheon on September 19, 2026 at the Relief Pitcher, Binghamton, NY. This was our second invitation and is fitting as many of our members are former graduates. The nursing school diploma program opened in 1912 and continued until graduating its last class of nurses in 1980.

Karen Steigerwald, RN, Alumni President, opened the ceremony followed by Faye Utyro, RN reading the list of the alumni nurses who passed away in 2025-2026. The honor guard then presented the Nightingale Tribute for the fallen graduates and our nursing colleagues.

This year the Alumni Association recognized the Wilson Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1976 on their 50th anniversary. Two of our members are part of this class. Congratulations, Happy Anniversary and thank you to Gail Hall, RN and Ann Northrup, RN on your 50 years as nurses and leaders of excellence!

Thank you to the CS Wilson SON alumni for your invitation and warm reception!

https://pnascny.org/about-history.html

09/17/2026

Today, September 16, 2026 our honor guard members including three new members from Norwich provided the Nightingale Tribute for Jacqueline Kwasnik, RN at during her calling hours at Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, Sherburne, NY

Jackie earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Elmira. She first worked as a supervisor at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, New York, before joining Colgate University’s Student Health Department. Jackie took great pride in caring for the students she affectionately called her “Colgate Kids.” To many of them, she became much more than a nurse—she was a trusted confidante, a caring presence, and often a second mother. The impact she had on the lives of those students remained one of the great joys of her career.

Well done fellow nurse Jackie. Rest in peace.

Our condolences are extended to her husband Peter, her children, family and friends.

https://www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Jacqueline-M-Kwasnik?obId=49498318

09/13/2026

The Nightingale Tribute was presented at the Celebration of Life for Sally Eldred, RN on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at CalTab Church in Vestal, NY.

Sally was a 1958 graduate of the Charles S. Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation she worked at Wilson Hospital and later as a school nurse.

Sally, we recognized your nursing service in this life. Rest in peace fellow nurse.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Sally’s two daughters Lydia and Sarah, family, and friends.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/sally-eldred-obituary?id=62345579

09/05/2026

Today, September 4, 2026 members of our honor guard presented the Nightingale Tribute at the private graveside service for Barbara Barton, RN.

Barbara was a graduate of the Charles S. Wilson School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse at Wilson Hospital where she once received a Pediatric Nurse Award. After leaving nursing, she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield and was a member of the Johnson City Professional Women’s Business Association.

Barbara, thank you for your nursing service. Rest in peace.

We extend our condolences to Barbara’s daughters, family, and friends.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/barbara-barton-obituary?id=62333538