Donea L. Shane, PhD
Donea Lynne Shane, Ph.D., passed away in her Salt Lake City home on May 14th, 2018, at age 79.
Donea was born to Gordon and Berea Carl of Paton, IA. She grew up in Paton and played organ in the Methodist Church. After graduation from Paton High School, she went to Des Moines and earned an R.N. degree from the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing. While there she met the love of her life and husband of nearly 50 years, William D. Shane Jr. They eventually settled in Albuquerque, NM, where they made their home together for the next five decades. Their children Craig and Lynnea were born into the peaceful and loving home they created in Albuquerque.
After several years of clinical nursing, Donea returned to school, ultimately earning a doctorate. During this time she devoted herself to nursing education at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing and published "Returning to School: A Guide for Nurses." She was associate dean for the UNM College of Nursing Baccalaureate program for 12 years, then served as dean for her final year prior to her retirement in 1998.
During retirement Donea and Bill were able to enjoy their dream of traveling America in their RV for several years. After Bill was diagnosed with the rare degenerative neurological disease progressive supranuclear palsy, Donea devoted herself to his care and comfort until his death in 2010.
In her later years she enjoyed traveling with her daughter, playing bridge with her friends and colleagues from the College of Nursing, and volunteering with the community service group Altrusa International. She delighted in visits from her grandchildren from Salt Lake City, UT, and eventually moved there in 2015 to be closer to them.
Donea is survived by her children, Craig Shane, M.D., of Salt Lake City and Lynnea Shane of Washington, DC; and her grandchildren Cate and Ben.
A private memorial will be held in Albuquerque, NM on June 9th. Please RSVP to doneasmemorial@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Donea and Bill Shane Returning to School Nursing Scholarship" at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing, 2502 Marble Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87131.