Elizabeth Jane Forbes, Ed.D., FAAN

Elizabeth Jane Forbes, Ed.D., FAAN, founder and former dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, passed away on February 16, 2025.

A pioneer in nursing education, Dr. Forbes sought the approval of then University President, Sister Aloysius Sabacinska, CSFN, Ph.D., H’79, to develop and obtain Pennsylvania State Board approval to establish a nursing program (and corresponding department) at Holy Family in 1970.

Elizabeth became the program’s first dean and, with the leadership of Doris Guerin and Alice Phillips, the University bestowed its first BSN degrees to five nursing alumnae in 1973. By 1974, the Nursing Department became the largest on campus and today, nearly one in four HFU graduates hail from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences with BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees.

As a nationally recognized practitioner, educator, researcher, author, and advocate, she dedicated her professional life to improving the quality of care for vulnerable populations, particularly disadvantaged women and the elderly. Her expertise led her to serve on a special Congressional Task Force in preparation for the White House Council on Aging.

Dr. Forbes received the Gerontological Nurse of the Year Award from the American Nurses Association, the Education Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania Nurses Association, and was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

The University proudly honored Elizabeth with a standing ovation at the School of Nursing & Health Sciences’ 50th Anniversary Celebration, Decades of Excellence, in March 2024.

The University extends our deepest condolences her extended family and friends. Her legacy will live on through our nursing alumni and their patients and families.