Wilhelmina Louise Wass Brady of Lebanon Junction was born in Lebanon Junction Jan. 26, 1931, to Charles S. and Mayme Brady.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters: Martha Nell Bryan, Anna Margaret Brian and Bettye Gayle Brian.
She graduated from Nazareth College in 1959 as a registered nurse. She attended graduate school at Catholic University in Washington D.C. . She retired after 30 years from Our Lady of Peace Hospital, where she served as the director of the Psychiatric Nursing program. She taught hundreds of students from affiliating nursing schools throughout the Midwest and Southeast. After the school closed, she returned to clinical practice as the Director of Nursing Service, and later, as the Assistant Administrator of the hospital. In retirement, she volunteered at Nazareth Home for 20 years, serving on the Presence Committee and other activities and was the recipient of an Hours of Service Award, as well as recognition from Jefferson County as a Millennium Maker. She also shared her expertise with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Congregation, participating in a yearlong research project which resulted in the renovation and construction of Carrico Hall, the retirement and assisted living building on the Nazareth Campus. She was one of the first volunteer members of the facility nursing staff.
She was a longtime member of the American and Kentucky Nurses Associations, Catholic Nurses Association and the Kentucky League for Nursing. She was the epitome of excellence in professional practice. A superb educator and mentor, she sent many fledgling nurses into their careers possessing the knowledge, professionalism and desire necessary to serve the voiceless and vulnerable with expertise and compassion.
She is survived by 16 remarkable nieces and nephews, several of which shared in caring for her during her illness, survive her. They also were delighted participants in the annual intimate Christmas gathering and sing along for 70 or so in her basement each year!
Wass is also survived by her two extended family sisters, Connie Lusher and Mary Romelfanger who cared for her and will miss her presence and her Irish wit – especially on the golf course.
She was a longtime associate member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth family, and charitable contributions in her name may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Baptist Hospital East Oncology, and of Hosparus for supporting her decision to “go home with Hosparus”, and making it happen.
The funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2017, at St. Benedict Catholic Church with the Rev. Kevin Bryan officiating. Burial is in the Lebanon Junction City Cemetery.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 and 9-11 a.m. Thursday at Kappel Funeral Home in Lebanon Junction. A prayer service is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
The Kappel Funeral Home in Lebanon Junction is in charge of the arrangements.
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