Friends of Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard

Friends of Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard Volunteer organization made up of active and retired LPNs and RNs who want to pay tribute to our fellow Nursing colleagues who have passed away.

NEONHG honored Barbara Kostensky, BSN, RN with the Nightingale Tribute. Barb’s nursing journey began in 1953 when she gr...
09/02/2026

NEONHG honored Barbara Kostensky, BSN, RN with the Nightingale Tribute. Barb’s nursing journey began in 1953 when she graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. She cared for patients in obstetrics and general nursing before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marquette University in 1957.

Although Barb later stepped away from traditional nursing employment to devote herself to her family, she never stopped being a nurse at heart. She continued to share her knowledge and caring spirit by volunteering her nursing skills in local schools, delivering Mobile Meals, and serving through Catholic Social Services.

Barb also participated in the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, contributing to research that helped advance our understanding of women’s health. Throughout the many seasons of her life, she carried the compassion, kindness, and commitment to service that first called her to nursing.

Barb remained proud to be a nurse, and her life is a beautiful reminder that the heart of a nurse continues to care long after the career itself has ended.

Gertrude “Trudy” Schmidt, RN received the Nightingale Tribute in honor of a lifetime of nursing, service, and compassion...
09/02/2026

Gertrude “Trudy” Schmidt, RN received the Nightingale Tribute in honor of a lifetime of nursing, service, and compassion.

Trudy graduated from the City Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland in 1946 and began her career at City Hospital before working in the office of Dr. Missal. She later stepped away from professional nursing to raise her family, but her commitment to caring for others continued. For 40 years, she served as a volunteer nurse with the American Red Cross, an achievement recognized by the organization. After her children were grown, Trudy returned to nursing at the LTV Steel infirmary.

Known for her quick wit, indomitable spirit, and zest for life, Trudy remained connected to her nursing classmates and attended reunions for many years. In a remarkable coincidence, her daughter once discovered a photograph of Trudy’s 1946 graduating nursing class while cleaning an antique desk—an unexpected reminder of the nursing journey that had shaped Trudy’s life.

Thank you, Trudy, for your many years of service, compassion, and dedication to others. Rest easy now.

NEONHG paid tribute to Lillian “Pat” Blakesmith, RN, on Monday. Pat began her nursing career after graduating from Lakel...
09/02/2026

NEONHG paid tribute to Lillian “Pat” Blakesmith, RN, on Monday. Pat began her nursing career after graduating from Lakeland Community College in 1973 and went on to dedicate many years to caring for others, including 20 years at Mount Sinai Medical Center. There, she worked on the medical-surgical floors and in the operating room, gaining experience in many areas of patient care. She also spent time at Lake West Hospital.
Pat’s legacy of caring continues through her family. She was especially proud of her granddaughters, Trisha and Tammy, who followed her example by becoming nurses. Trisha works in the Emergency Department, while Tammy cares for veterans in rehabilitation.
Pat’s life reminds us that a nurse’s influence continues long after her years in the profession—through the patients she touched, the families she helped, and the generations she inspired.

Michelle Kincaid BSN, RN began her nursing journey at Cape Cod Community College, graduating in 2001 and b...
08/30/2026

Michelle Kincaid BSN, RN began her nursing journey at Cape Cod Community College, graduating in 2001 and becoming a Registered Nurse. Her commitment to learning continued throughout her career, and in 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University.

During her 25 years as a nurse, Michelle spent most of her career in medical-surgical nursing, primarily in hospital settings, while also spending time in home care and working as a travel nurse. She cared for patients with a wide range of needs and understood that nursing was not only about treating illness, but also about helping patients regain their strength and independence. She was a strong advocate for early ambulation and had a special ability to encourage and motivate patients to get moving and take those important steps toward recovery.

Michelle was also a nurse whom others depended upon. As a resource nurse and preceptor, she shared her knowledge and experience generously. Through precepting, she helped other nurses develop their skills and confidence, extending her influence far beyond the patients she personally cared for. Her dedication to the nursing profession was recognized by the Cleveland Clinic with a Lifetime Achievement Award honoring her 25 years of nursing service.

Michelle accomplished all as a single mother. She worked shifts and often came home tired after spending long hours caring for others, but her children knew that she would always be there for them. Balancing the demands of nursing and motherhood required tremendous strength and perseverance, and Michelle gave herself wholeheartedly to both.

Throughout her career, Michelle cared for patients, encouraged their recovery, supported her colleagues, and helped guide other nurses. She was a caregiver, teacher, mentor, and leader. Michelle truly lived her life as the nurse that Florence Nightingale had envisioned.

NEONHG honored Patricia Miles, BSN, RN, and celebrated a nursing career rooted in compassion, service, and love. Patrici...
08/30/2026

NEONHG honored Patricia Miles, BSN, RN, and celebrated a nursing career rooted in compassion, service, and love. Patricia graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1998 and began her career at Parma Hospital before finding her calling in home health care and caring for older adults. She also served as a case manager in hospice, home health, and other settings, always providing patients and families with dignity and compassion.

Patricia’s caring spirit extended beyond nursing. She operated a 24-hour daycare for her grandchildren and other children, many with significant special needs, ensuring they received the patience, attention, and love they deserved.

But Patricia’s greatest role was that of mother. Her personal mantra, “Mother of three, mom to many,” perfectly captured the way she lived her life. She was a nurse, caregiver, mother, and friend to many, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and love.

Patricia’s life was a testament to the enduring power of compassionate care.

Patricia “Pat” Fredebaugh, RN, graduated from nursing school in 1956 and devoted her life to caring for others. While ra...
08/28/2026

Patricia “Pat” Fredebaugh, RN, graduated from nursing school in 1956 and devoted her life to caring for others. While raising her children, she continued her nursing career as an on-call nurse for pediatricians’ offices throughout Lake County, bringing compassion, knowledge, and a calm presence to children and their families.

One of the most treasured parts of Pat’s nursing journey was the lifelong friendships she formed in nursing school. More than six decades later, she and her classmates continued their annual reunions, celebrating the bonds they shared.

Though Pat’s nursing career took many forms, the spirit of nursing remained a part of her throughout her life. She truly lived as the nurse Florence Nightingale envisioned—serving others with compassion, dedication, and a caring heart.
Thank you Pat, for your service in the nursing profession.

Melinda Bates, RN graduated from Parma Hospital School of Nursing and became a registered nurse, beginning a 30-year car...
08/28/2026

Melinda Bates, RN graduated from Parma Hospital School of Nursing and became a registered nurse, beginning a 30-year career defined by compassion, dedication, and service. She spent 11 years caring for patients on the medical-surgical units at Metropolitan General Hospital before joining Willowick Care Center, where she provided skilled nursing care and supported residents through rehabilitation and recovery.
Melinda’s gift for caregiving extended beyond her profession. She lovingly cared for both her mother and mother-in-law during times of illness. Her example inspired her family, with her brother Brian, sister Penny, and niece Erin each following in her footsteps and becoming nurses.
A caregiver throughout her life, Melinda continued that spirit of giving after her passing by becoming an organ donor. Through her final gift of life, and through the many lives she touched as a nurse, Melinda’s legacy of compassion and service lives on.

Joan Thoman, PhD, MSN, RN, CDE, had a remarkable nursing career dedicated to diabetes care, education, research, and the...
08/28/2026

Joan Thoman, PhD, MSN, RN, CDE, had a remarkable nursing career dedicated to diabetes care, education, research, and the advancement of nursing.
Joan began her career after graduating from St. Vincent School of Nursing in Toledo in 1978. Her early experiences in medical-surgical, public health, and visiting nursing led her to discover her passion for diabetes care. As a Certified Diabetes Educator, Joan played an instrumental role in establishing the Joslyn Diabetes Center affiliated with Charity Hospital, helping expand access to diabetes education and support.
A lifelong learner, Joan earned her BSN and MSN from the University of Akron and her PhD in Nursing Research from Kent State University. She shared her knowledge through teaching, research, publications, and leadership at Cleveland State University.
Committed to helping others achieve their educational dreams, Joan established the Dr. Joan Thoman Endowed Scholarship Fund. Her legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments to the countless patients, students, and colleagues she inspired—and now to her great-niece Myah, who is beginning her own nursing journey.
After a distinguished career, Joan retired in June, thoughtfully ensuring her work and research were transitioned to those who would carry them forward. Her legacy of compassion, perseverance, education, and service will continue to inspire future generations of nurses.

Thank you for your service to the nursing profession.

Suzanne Yee, BSN, RN, dedicated her life to nursing with compassion, leadership, and a genuine commitment to others. She...
08/19/2026

Suzanne Yee, BSN, RN, dedicated her life to nursing with compassion, leadership, and a genuine commitment to others. She earned her BSN from the University of Akron in 1979 and began her career in the ICU at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital, where she earned her CCRN certification.

After taking 15 years away from nursing to raise her children, Sue returned to the ICU and later became Director of Medical-Surgical Nursing. As a leader, she was patient, compassionate, and an exceptional mentor who inspired those around her to become better nurses. She led by example and was always willing to step in and provide bedside care when needed.

Sue’s dedication was recognized with the Cameo of Caring Award. Her greatest legacy, however, lives on in the many nurses she encouraged, mentored, and inspired. She made people better by believing in them, and her impact on nursing will long be remembered.

Sharon Hambly, ADN, RN, always knew nursing was her calling. After earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from Lora...
08/16/2026

Sharon Hambly, ADN, RN, always knew nursing was her calling. After earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from Lorain County Community College in 1979, she began a 32-year career at Lorain Community Hospital in physical rehabilitation.
Sharon encouraged her patients as they worked to regain their independence, celebrating every step forward with patience, optimism, and compassion. Her own journey with polycystic kidney disease brought a unique perspective to her nursing. She became a peritoneal dialysis nurse with Fresenius Dialysis, caring for patients while also drawing on her own experience with kidney disease. Following a kidney transplant in 2012, Sharon continued her nursing career until her retirement in 2024.
Throughout her career, Sharon offered more than skilled nursing care. She gave patients encouragement, hope, and the belief that they could move forward. Her legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and a profound dedication to helping others heal.

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