Gone, but not forgotten: Loretta Ford, a trailblazing visionary of nursing, has died.
The centenarian was 104, leaving behind an influential legacy that has affected countless nurses.
Born on Dec. 29, 1920, Ford began nursing at 16 in New Jersey. She would later enlist in the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving as a nurse during World War II.
Higher education came calling next, ultimately earning a doctorate in education from the University of Colorado in 1961. Four years later, she made history.
“Dr. Ford’s vision, determination and transformational leadership have enriched nursing opportunities and significantly improved patient health worldwide,” American Association of Nurse Practitioners president Stephen A. Ferrara, who holds a doctorate of nursing practice, said in a news release. “Her legacy lives on through the more than 385,000 NPs licensed in the United States and their international colleagues, who provide comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered care.
“Dr. Ford’s contributions to health care will be remembered and cherished always. She was truly one of the legends of nursing.”
In 1965, Ford co-founded the nurse practitioner role alongside pediatrician Henry Silver, leading to a first-of-its-kind pediatric NP training program at the University of Colorado. According to the AANP, it was the start of a new era for health care.
“Dr. Ford was everything that one would expect from a trailblazer, thought leader and compassionate NP,” AANP CEO Jon D. Fanning said. “She made everyone she interacted with feel special, and her words of wisdom were legendary. As we mourn the loss, we also celebrate the time we had with this nursing icon. She will be missed but never forgotten.”
She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Monrad, who confirmed her death to The New York Times.
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