For three decades, Susan “Sue” St. Peter served Hackensack Meridian Health as a nurse at Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center. In the 70s, she started working in the hospital as a candy striper, assisting nurses with various tasks in the care of their patients. Inspired by those she worked so closely with, and moved to answer her calling in the benefit of patients, Sue became a nurse’s aide, followed by a registered nurse, then a nurse manager overseeing five departments, and finally, a corporate trainer with Hackensack Meridian Health. 

“Hackensack Meridian Health provided mom with a flourishing career in which she was able to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse,” says her son, Chris St. Peter. “It was extremely fulfilling for her and her patients always meant so much to her.”

After a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer and time spent on Hackensack Meridian Hospice, Sue passed away in October. Receiving her care at Riverview was important to Sue, who considered the hospital her home away from home. Not only did she trust the care of her fellow team members, but knew she was in the best hands possible. Aside from her career at the hospital, Sue also had a special connection to it. Riverview is where she and her five sisters were born, as well as her own three children - Chris, Jessica and Kirsten. 

Sue always cared for others before herself and was always willing to provide her wisdom and guidance. While being cared for, Sue made it a point to ask her own nurses about their dreams and goals. Were they happy? How was their work-life balance? Are they interested in continuing education?  

To keep her lasting memory and legacy alive, Sue and her family happily worked with Riverview nurse manager Maragaret Valenti and Riverview Medical Center Foundation to determine how to best honor her memory, and the amazing career she had while at Riverview. In lieu of flowers, Sue asked for donations to be sent to Riverview Medical Center Foundation in her name. In addition, before she passed, Sue and her family set up a nursing scholarship in her name to benefit the continuing education and certification of nurses in oncology. 

“Having been a part of this decision truly touched my mother deeply,” says Chris. “She kept the hospital and her patients near and dear to her heart. She could have retired in 2009, but she stayed on because she truly cared for her colleagues and patients.”

We thank Sue for her years of service to our patients at Riverview Medical Center, and for her and her family’s kind and thoughtful generosity. We know that this nursing scholarship will honor Sue and impact its recipient for years to come! 

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