Tributes have been paid to a ‘kind and compassionate’ nurse who died this month after contracting Covid-19.
Emma Vianzon died on 20 October aged 57. She had been recovering from a kidney transplant in July when she was hospitalised after developing Covid-19.
Family, friends and colleagues have shared their memories of Ms Vianzon, describing her as a woman who cared for others above all.
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Ms Vianzon, originally from the Philippines, practised as an adult nurse in Northern Ireland, working at Belfast City Hospital, Musgrave Park Hospital and most recently at the Brooklands Healthcare nursing home in Antrim.
A spokesperson from Brooklands Healthcare nursing home said they were ‘very saddened’ to hear of the death of their ‘dear colleague’.
They continued: ‘Emma was a very valued member of our team and will be greatly missed by all our staff and residents that knew her. Her compassion, optimism and kindness never went unnoticed. It was evident from every interaction she had with our residents she truly did care.’
Her daughter, Denilee Vianzon, wrote on a crowdfunding page, set up in tribute, that caring for people was her mother’s ‘purpose on Earth, inside or outside of the hospital, uniformed or not’.
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She said: ‘Her profession as a nurse was not a choice, she was born a nurse and died a proud and dedicated nurse.’
Ms Vianzon continued: ‘For those of you who didn’t know her, Emma, was small, strong, beautiful and the friendliest person you will ever meet.
‘She was sadly taken away from us far too early. She blessed every room she entered with her grace, presence and glowing smile (dimples included).’
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Nursing in Practice has set up a tribute page to primary and community care nurses, and midwives, who have sadly died with Covid-19.
