Lest We Forget
Sister Claire Tynan, CSJP (1931-2009)
John F Kennedy once said, “In the final analysis, our most basic common link, is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children's futures, and we are all mortal.”
Sister Claire ministered at St. Anne’s School, Fair Lawn prior to assignment to Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing to begin her studies. Her education continued, first at the St. LouisUniversity and then at Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned a Masters and Doctorate in Education. Sr. Claire the avid learner also attended Fordham University, NYU and Iona College.
She ministered at Holy Name Hospital for 49 years, holding a variety of positions including Nursing Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Director of the RN and LPN Schools of Nursing, and Senior Vice President, School of Nursing. She also served as an adjunct professor at St. Peter’s College, Jersey City
Sr. Claire’s service to the community also included the Province Council for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, member of the board of trustees St. Peters Medical Center in new Brunswick, and South Bergen Hospital.
In 1997 She received the Bene Merenti Award from St. Peter’s College and in 2000 was the recipient of the Servitium Ecclesiae Award from St. Anne’s Parish.
Around Holy Name Hospital, she is remembered for her long walks around the campus, her absolute refusal to use an elevator, always opting for the stairs. Her determination, stubbornness, but unwavering commitment to the highest and most comprehensive nursing education possible. A commitment that earned the Holy Name school of nursing the #1 national ranking thanks to the aggregate Nursing Board Score of the class of 2007.
Her students often referred to her as stern and uncompromising. But she would soften instantly upon mentioning an upcoming trip home to Ireland and family or learning of someone in the Holy Name Family in need of a soft, caring and compassionate shoulder to lean on. And in those times she was always there in her quiet and unassuming way.
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” John F. Kennedy
But her legacy will live on forever through the thousands of nurses she has inspired and influenced, and the hundreds of thousands of patients they continue to serve. If you sit back and take all this in, here one simple, quiet understated, very private women will leave a legacy of caring and compassion that is unparalleled. And all with out a single headline, pompous fan fare or broad media promotion.
s Michael Maron, CEO and President
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