It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of an extraordinary member of our community, Dr. Kathy Daniel. Her legacy in the field of geriatric care and education is one marked by passion, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of older adults. Kathy was a cornerstone in the gerontological community, not just for her role in advancing care but as a visionary who believed in the power of education, research, and leadership. As a true educator at heart, she inspired many by not only sharing her knowledge but by actively engaging her colleagues and students in leadership initiatives.
Her involvement in the Gerontological Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) certification exam working group from its inception, and her strategic role in the planning stages of our annual meetings highlight her dedication to GAPNA. Kathy believed that engaging with organizations that value the care of older adults was the pinnacle of professional development and leadership.
- Chair of the Annual Conference Planning Committee from 2017 to 2018,
- Recipient of the Foundation Research Grant in 2011,
- Winner of the GAPNA Excellence in Research Award in 2020,
- Founding member and current Treasurer of the GNCC Board.
Her leadership extended beyond organizational involvement; she was a beacon of change in the broader fields of gerontology and geriatric care. As remembered by her colleague, Patti Parker, "She once told me—as an expert clinician, we can make a difference in the lives of the older adults that we care for. But as educators and policymakers, we can make a difference in the lives of so many more older adults—improving things on a much greater scale. I know that is what she got up for everyday—to make a difference through students, policy, and research in the field of gerontology. She truly made the world a better place because she lived. We were privileged to have been in her world."
Her work and spirit will continue to inspire current and future generations of healthcare professionals. We are indeed privileged to have been part of her world, to have learned from her, and to carry forward her mission to elevate the care of older adults