1929
Norma
2015
Norma Lavik
August 18, 1929 — November 12, 2015
Norma Lee (Lewis) Lavik, 86, of Leawood, Kansas went to join her Savior in Christ on Nov. 12, 2015.
Norma was born August 18, 1929 in Galesburg, Kansas to Leonard and Esther Lewis. Educated as a nurse at St. Mary’s School of Nursing (1950), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Avila College (1958); A Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado (1964), a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Kansas State University (1983).
Norma’s professional experience began as a staff nurse in medical-surgical nursing. In 1964 she joined the faculty at Avila College and in 1967 was appointed Chairperson of the Department of Nursing. Under her leadership, the Avila Nursing program grew to an enrollment of more than 450 students. She also developed the area’s first RN Completion Program. After retiring from Avila, Norma joined the faculty at University of Missouri at Kansas City where she served as director in planning and implementing the baccalaureate nursing program for RN’s seeking advanced education in nursing. In 1980, Norma joined with two other nurses to form NuVision, Inc., an independent corporation providing innovative computer-assisted learning programs in nursing. In 1983, she joined the faculty at Research College of Nursing to develop a Learning Resource Center for student’s hands on learning experience. Norma received the Avila Medal of Honor for her many contributions to nursing education, and the Education Award by the National Home Care Association. She is listed in the Community Leaders of America, The International Directory of Distinguished Leadership and the Who’s Who among Contemporary Nurses. She served on the Advisor Councils of Mid-America Comprehensive Health Planning, the Nursing program at Johnson County Community College, the American Cancer Society and was a board member of St. Joseph Health Care Complex, Catholic Charities, Home Health Care Division, and Mid America Health System Agency. She served as consultant to Graceland College as they applied for the National League of Nursing accreditation.
She is survived by Melvin, her husband of 41 years, nephew Douglas Smith of Kansas City, niece Ellen Ruthart (Greg) of Ft. Worth TX and two grand nieces, Emerson and Hannah Ruthart. Proceeded in death are her parents, and sister Nadine Smith (James), whom she lovingly cared for, for several years.
Norma was a long time member of Community Christian Church on the Plaza, 4601 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Visitation and service will be at 10 am, November 16, 2015, with burial immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Department of Nursing, Avila University www.avila.edu/nursing.
Norma was born August 18, 1929 in Galesburg, Kansas to Leonard and Esther Lewis. Educated as a nurse at St. Mary’s School of Nursing (1950), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Avila College (1958); A Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado (1964), a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Kansas State University (1983).
Norma’s professional experience began as a staff nurse in medical-surgical nursing. In 1964 she joined the faculty at Avila College and in 1967 was appointed Chairperson of the Department of Nursing. Under her leadership, the Avila Nursing program grew to an enrollment of more than 450 students. She also developed the area’s first RN Completion Program. After retiring from Avila, Norma joined the faculty at University of Missouri at Kansas City where she served as director in planning and implementing the baccalaureate nursing program for RN’s seeking advanced education in nursing. In 1980, Norma joined with two other nurses to form NuVision, Inc., an independent corporation providing innovative computer-assisted learning programs in nursing. In 1983, she joined the faculty at Research College of Nursing to develop a Learning Resource Center for student’s hands on learning experience. Norma received the Avila Medal of Honor for her many contributions to nursing education, and the Education Award by the National Home Care Association. She is listed in the Community Leaders of America, The International Directory of Distinguished Leadership and the Who’s Who among Contemporary Nurses. She served on the Advisor Councils of Mid-America Comprehensive Health Planning, the Nursing program at Johnson County Community College, the American Cancer Society and was a board member of St. Joseph Health Care Complex, Catholic Charities, Home Health Care Division, and Mid America Health System Agency. She served as consultant to Graceland College as they applied for the National League of Nursing accreditation.
She is survived by Melvin, her husband of 41 years, nephew Douglas Smith of Kansas City, niece Ellen Ruthart (Greg) of Ft. Worth TX and two grand nieces, Emerson and Hannah Ruthart. Proceeded in death are her parents, and sister Nadine Smith (James), whom she lovingly cared for, for several years.
Norma was a long time member of Community Christian Church on the Plaza, 4601 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Visitation and service will be at 10 am, November 16, 2015, with burial immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Department of Nursing, Avila University www.avila.edu/nursing.
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