Dr. Gertrude DeWaters

Dr. Gertrude DeWaters, 72, passed away on July 1, 2024. She was born May 24, 1952 in Baltimore, MD to the late George and Gertrude Wersching. 

Born May 24, 1952 in Baltimore, MD to the late George and Gertrude Wersching, she embarked on her nursing career at Cook County Hospital in the 1980s. Her dedication and passion for nursing led her to pursue advanced education, earning not only a Master's degree but also two doctoral degrees in nursing.

Dr. DeWaters dedicated over four decades of her life to teaching, shaping the minds and careers of countless nursing students. Her final class, taught on a Thursday before her retirement, marked the culmination of a lifelong commitment to nurturing future healthcare professionals.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. DeWaters spearheaded two nurse practitioner programs in Northern Illinois, demonstrating her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing nursing education and practice. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of Illinois, ensuring that her contributions will continue to benefit patients and professionals for years to come.

Dr. DeWaters's sudden passing, just weeks after her official retirement, is mourned by the nursing community and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy as a scholar, educator, and advocate for healthcare excellence will be cherished and remembered fondly by her family, friends, colleagues, and students.

She will be deeply missed by her loving daughter, Dr. Mary DeWaters of Milwaukee, WI; her brother, Pete Wersching and by Ziggy Stardust DeWaters – the best dog there has ever been.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Catherine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, www.habitat.org or to The Gerontological Society of America, Attn: A/R, 1101 14th Street, NW, Ste. 1220, Washington, DC 20005, www.geron.org.