Parcourez la nécrologie de Dr Vanessa Burkoski nee Santarossa 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
RN, B.ScN, MSc(N), DHA, O.ONT.
October 26, 1961-August 27, 2023
Vanessa Burkoski passed away on August 27, 2023 surrounded by loved ones who she has asked to continue to honour her legacy by living life to the fullest. Heartbroken and deeply saddened, Vanessa is sorely missed by her adoring husband Norm, cherished children Leo (Sarah), Vanessa (Little V), and step-children Stephanie Hoehn (Kramer) and Matthew (Sarah).
Vanessa is survived by her beloved mother Roma (father Vittorio Santarossa, 2016), sister Roma Jr. Williamson (Neil), brother Reno Santarossa (Laura), and five grandchildren. Adored daughter -in-law of Freda Burkoski, dearest sister-in law of Kathy Laur and Marcia Burkoski. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Vanessa will be greatly missed by best friends Mary Brannagan, Dr. Doris Grinspun and Jennifer Yoon.
Vanessa retired from a 38-year career in Nursing in 2021. She was passionate about her profession and used her strong and courageous voice to make a positive difference in the lives of people, organizations and the health care system. She began her career in 1984 as a registered nurse and was a life-long learner, receiving her Nurse Practitioner degree, a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Health Administration, all while working full-time and raising a family. She was passionate about research and authored numerous papers and publications. Vanessa was a renowned keynote speaker provincially, nationally and internationally – presenting on numerous healthcare issues at countless venues. Described as a “visionary leader in healthcare”, Vanessa’s pursuits also included Adjunct Lecturer-Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Associate Professor-Faculty of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, Adjunct Associate Professor-Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Provincial Chief Nursing Officer Interview Panel, and numerous other panel engagements with the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL). As well, Vanessa served as Theoretical/Clinical Instructor – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programme-University of Windsor, Director, Emergency and Critical Care Windsor Regional Hospital Windsor, Ontario, Healthcare Organization Consultant/Surveyor Accreditation Canada Toronto, Ontario.
Vanessa was the longest serving Provincial Chief Nursing Officer-Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (2007-2011). She also served as Chief Nursing Executive / Quality & Patient Safety Officer / Professional Scholarly Practice- London Health Sciences Centre (2011-2016), and finished her career as Chief Nursing Executive & Chief, People Strategy, Humber River Hospital (2016-2021), Toronto.
During her illustrious career, Vanessa also found time to become a board member then President of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), an organization she loved and continued to be involved in until her passing.
For her efforts over the years, Vanessa received many awards including Rotary Club Vocational Service Award; The Margret Comack National Award of Excellence in Nursing Leadership 2012; ACE (Achievement, Commitment, Excellence) Certificate of Recognition-Ministry of Health, 9,000 Nurses Steering Committee 2009-2010; Nursing Leadership Award- Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) 2019; RNAO’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2023; and was distinctly honoured to be invested into the Order of Ontario in 2023.
Vanessa loved to travel, and with Norm by her side, enjoyed trips abroad visiting many countries and a great many experiences.
The family would like to thank physicians, nurses and staff at Humber River Hospital (Health), Sunnybrook Hospital Toronto, Michael Garron Hospital Toronto, Windsor Regional Hospital, Cancer Care Windsor, Transition to Betterness, VON, and Hospice of Windsor and Es County (especially Erie Shores Campus) for the exceptional care of our Vanessa. Our appreciation to the many friends and colleagues for their well wishes especially Mary Brannagan, Jennifer Yoon, and Doris Grinspun whose frequent calls and visits were always uplifting for Vanessa.
In lieu of flowers, Vanessa requested that her many Nursing colleagues actively recruit and support membership in the RNAO, of which she was President from 2014-2016. Donations to the Windsor Cancer Care Centre and the Hospice of Windsor and Es County would also be greatly appreciated by the family. Additionally, the Dr. Vanessa Burkoski Memorial Scholarship, available to 3rd and 4th year nursing students, has been established by the family and RNAO in collaboration with Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO). Donations may be made at the
Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario
Visitation on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. and Friday, September 1, 2023 beginning at 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at Families First, 3260 Dougall Avenue, South Windsor (519-969-5841) to St. Angela Church for funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Entombment Heavenly Rest Cemetery.
2023
Décès pour la Ville:Windsor, Province: Ontario
avis deces Dr Vanessa Burkoski nee Santarossa 2023
nécrologie Dr Vanessa Burkoski nee Santarossa 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Dr Vanessa Burkoski nee Santarossa 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.