In Memoriam: Denise Iris Craven Thornby, 1954-2012

Denise Thornby, former director of education and professional development for the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, died late last month at a hospice center. She was 58 years old and had suffered from cancer.

Thornby retired in April 2011 after a 35-year career as a clinician, manager, and director of the cardiac surgery and surgical trauma intensive care units at the university medical center. She was the former president of the American Association for Critical Care Nursing.

Thornby was a graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia. She earned a master of science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.