North Wales Woman, Nursing Professor, 'Superb Educator', Passes

Image and obituary courtesy Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home

NORTH WALES, PA — Debra L. Wiegand, 60, of North Wales, beloved wife of James Wiegand, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2018. Born June 15, 1958 in Amherst, OH, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and the late Lucille (nee Krieg) Lynn.

Debra was a gifted and special woman. As an expert nurse clinician who specialized in cardiovascular nursing, Debra worked tirelessly to help patients and families. She followed her passion in the areas of families of patients with serious illness, especially those at the end of life. Her love of these aspects of nursing led her to obtain her PhD at The University of Pennsylvania and carry out important research studies on families and other vital topics. She was an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Debra touched so many people in her life, from families, nurses, doctors and other clinicians, to most especially, her patients and her students. She was a superb educator, outstanding mentor and avid researcher. Her zest and energy for sharing her knowledge was peerless. She published many papers individually and in collaboration with students and other clinicians. She was a board member of the American Association of Critical Care Nursing (AACN) and was this year elected president of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA).

Her love of nursing was surpassed only by her love of her family and friends. Her husband, children and all of her family members were her heart and the center of her world. Spending time with her family was uppermost to Debra and her relationships with her friends were paramount. She loved to have fun and she loved to laugh, especially with the people she cared about the most. Debra enjoyed time at the shore, quilting, scrapbooking and traveling. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.

Debra is survived by her children, Michael McHale, of Baltimore MD, Shannon Cattie (Sean), of Perkasie PA, Scott Wiegand (Katie), of Collegeville PA, and her grandson, Ryder. She is also survived by her sister Kathy Kreeger (Bob), of Amherst OH, brother, Dale Lynn (Dana), of Alliance OH, sister, Rebecca Lengyel (Ken), of Lorain OH, 12 nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday morning, November 20, 2018 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Pleasantville United Church of Christ, 3424 Limekiln Pike, Chalfont, PA 18914. The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM. Arrangements by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Inc., Lansdale, PA 19446. www.huffandlakjer.com.

The family has respectfully requested that all flowers be omitted, and that those desiring to do so may make a memorial contribution in her name to The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.