In memory: Ingeborg Grosser Mauksch

Abstract

In the days before her death, Ingeborg Mauksch described her life as “wonderful, simply wonderful.” She died on June 20th at 82 years of age, completing a life filled with accomplishments as a mother, nurse, educator, religious community leader and humanitarian. Ingeborg Grosser was born in Vienna, Austria on December 2, 1921, after her older brother George, to parents Fritz and Claire. By the time that Nazi Germany threatened Austria's “sound of music,” she had received a strong education, absorbed the beauty of the Alps and a culture rich in music, opera, and tasty desserts. As 1938 passed, Jewish children in Vienna were forced to sit in the back of the classroom, they lost the right to use textbooks, and finally, they were deprived of the right to attend school. Unlike many who were less fortunate, Inge and her brother were able to find passage to America. For Inge, coming to the United States was a wonderful opportunity that filled her with gratitude but was tempered by survivor guilt. These feelings seemed to be the fuel for her success in the years to come. Through the help of her aunt and uncle, she was able to continue her education at Radcliffe, Columbia University, and at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where she launched a nursing career that lasted over 50 years. While obtaining a masters and doctoral degree at the University of Chicago, her work expanded into nursing administration, education, and health policy. Her contributions include developing the role of family nurse practitioner, the promotion of hospice care, emphasizing teamwork in health care design and highlighting the value of patient and family decision making in health care. Her writings supported the adoption of national health insurance 30 years ago. Ingeborg was awarded the ValerePotter Chair at Vanderbilt University, the first endowed chair in nursing in the United States. She received dozens of awards, including an honorary doctoral degree, and she was one of the few nurses to be inducted into the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (Figure). Only 3 weeks before her death, she was awarded honorary membership in the University of Colorado School of Nursing Alumni Association. Her contributions outside of her profession share a theme of humanitarian giving and spiritual practice. Her devotion to Judaism grew throughout her life. At 70 years of age she was Bat Mitzvah, a rite of passage unavailable to girls in pre-war Vienna. Within the Jewish community she worked locally and nationally, serving as president of her temple and of the local Jewish Federation chapter in South Florida. President Carter appointed her to the White House Holocaust Council. She had long lists of donations to assorted social service, health care and spiritual organizations. And she received awards from the Girls Scouts, Hadassah, and was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame. In 1947 Inge married Hans O. Mauksch, and they were divorced in 1974. Inge treasured 2 further relationships: with Len Kissen and later with Aaron Ritvo. The most important part of Inge's life was her family. She and Hans had 2 children, Valerie and Larry, whom she loved every minute of her life. She took in her children's spouses, Eric and Sally, as her own. And most important in the last 15 years were her grandchildren. Claire (15), Paul (14), Eli (12), Michael (11), and Emma (6) have each experienced their grandmother's love in so many special ways. Inge believed that life was too short for complaints and dwelling in anger. She rarely felt sorry for herself but was never shy to express care and encouragement to others. To know Inge was to know an ever-present smile that spoke of optimism, acceptance, and joy. She will be sorely missed. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2004, at 2:00 pm at Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collings, CO. Rabbi Bruce Diamond officiated. Interment was in Roselawn Cemetery.