Jean Dorgan died peacefully in hospital, with family and friends on December 2, 2008. Jean was born in New Westminster in 1910 and lived much of her life there. She enrolled in UBC’s nursing program during the Depression and specialized in public health. She graduated in 1934 and became a public health nurse in East Vancouver. In World War II she volunteered as a nursing sister, and enlisted in 1942. Upon return from service, Jean entered into the School of Social Work at the University of Toronto, graduating with a master’s degree in 1949.
In 1956, Jean began work with the Federal Government, working in various departments as a vocational rehabilitation consultant and later, as head of the appeals section of the Canada Pension Plan. She retired in 1975 and after travelling for a year, returned to B.C. She remained an active member of her community.
Jean was a longstanding friend and supporter of the School of Nursing, and a senior mentor to several generations of younger nurses. Her remarkable feisty spirit epitomized the best of public health nursing. We were cheered to hear that she was able to remain so productive and independent to her final days – an accomplishment all public health nurses would aspire to!
Please read her Amazing Alumni Story.