It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that one of our Moderators and dear long-time members passed away yesterday. Many of our long-time members will remember Esme. She dearly loved allnurses, almost as much as her dog. It brought her great joy to share her knowledge and experience especially with students and new nurses.
The following is a tribute written by her loving daughter. Please feel free to share your thoughts below.
Nothing ever prepares you for the moment when you have to say goodbye and I never thought I would be making this post so soon...my mom was the most exceptional person that I know. Her courage and strength she gave to her life every day were remarkable. If I could someday become half the woman she was I would be set in life.
Her love for everyone she met in life far exceeded what her heart could hold. Her warmth and laugh will be very missed by many, especially me. My mom was my best friend since the day I was born, I could tell her anything and everything under the sun. I would call her after work or call her on the way from school and we would talk and laugh till my sides hurt, all the way into the early mornings sometimes. Sometimes we would cry, others she would spend guiding me. But I could come to her with anything.
She was so smart, too smart for her own good. I have learned everything that I know now in life and nursing because of her. Though I wish she was here to teach me more, I sure as hell do not know enough.
She dedicated her life to her profession, caring for each and every one as if they were a long time friend. I know for many, she was their friend, and for many the reason that they joined the profession as well.
When she got sick, she would always say how much she missed being a nurse. She would spend hours upon hours on the allnurses website, tutoring others, and answering questions. And when it came to my turn to ask the questions, she never missed a beat.
In 2015 when she spent 10 long months in and out of rehab/the hospital, I would be right there at her bedside studying. She always did 10000% for me and my brother, no matter how sick she felt. In the last few months, my mother had a very hard time recovering from her most recent hospitalization. She spent too many years in chronic pain and finally today she was able to find peace.
Mom, even though I will never understand why God choose you to go today, I will never forget your laugh, the nights spent watching movies, the nights spent staying up late talking till we both were falling asleep on the couch, never forget how you always said "I will always be here when you fall", I will never forget your courage and strength and how remarkable of a woman you are. I will never forget your hugs, your laugh, the way you would play with your hair.
I wish I was able to get one last hug before you went. I will miss you so so much and my heart is breaking for how much you are going to miss here with me. I hope you are up there dancing with grandpa and grandma and Casper.
Today I gained another guardian angel (even though for all of my life you have been my angel). I hope you keep up to your promise that you will haunt me till the day I die. I'm gonna need that from you. I miss you more than you can know and my heart is breaking with your loss.
I love you, mom, forever your bunky Lou.
Gone But Not Forgotten
I personally feel very blessed to have known Kristi as a friend, and shall miss her. Her helpful words of wisdom and kind spirit will live on in the pages of allnurses and in the hearts and minds of nurses past, present, and future.
Please feel free to share your thoughts below.
EDITED TO ADD OBITUARY with permission from the family
Kristine “Kristi” Margaret (Turner) Djuric
Kristine Djuric, 59, of Westford, MA died suddenly Friday, June 26, 2020 at her home on Old Homestead Road.
She was married to Ronnie Djuric, whom she would have celebrated their twenty sixth wedding anniversary with this October.
Born in Garfield Heights, OH she was the daughter of the late John and Shirley (Uhazy) Turner. She graduated from Garfield Heights High School with the class of 1978. After high school she continued on to graduate from Purdue University with a bachelors degree in nursing.
She was employed at the Beverly and Emerson Hospitals as an ER and ICU nurse. During her nursing career she also held a position as a flight nurse.
As a dedicated nurse, Kristine served as a consultant for allnurses.com which helps further nursing resources. Her passion for nursing and spending time with her family was among of Kristine’s favorite things.
Besides her husband she is survived by her son Nikolas Djuric of Westford, MA, her daughter Allyson Djuric, RN of Westford, MA, her sisters Katherine “Kitty” Novak of Brunswick, OH, as well as her sister and her husband Amy and Jim Panagopoulos of East Dundee, IL, and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours Monday June 29, from 4 to 6 P.M. Her Funeral Service will be Tuesday, June 30th at 2 PM at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
