Dear Graduate Nursing Students, Faculty, and Staff:
We regret to inform you that a beloved member of the Penn Nursing Community, Andrea Leah Wiest-Weidman passed away July 30. Andrea, 38, lived in Lancaster, PA. She is survived by her husband, Tim; her parents; and three siblings.
Before starting graduate school, Andrea worked as a breast care nurse coordinator, a transplant nurse coordinator, and a financial analyst. She earned undergraduate degrees in nursing and business from Penn State, and she served in the Air Force for six years.
Andrea was pursuing her MSN degree in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program with an Adult Oncology minor. She met all of her degree requirements and will be awarded her Penn Nursing MSN degree this month.
“She always had a smile on her face and made everyone feel welcome in her presence,” said Dr. Susan Renz, Director of the Primary Care Program. “She was an excellent student who excelled both in the classroom and in clinical, providing evidence-based, compassionate care to her patients. The art of nursing is the art of healing bodies, minds, and lives, and extending grace, hope, and an engaging smile on the journey. In that, Andrea was nurse artist extraordinaire.”
Her family shared a personal remembrance:
“Andrea lived a huge and courageous life – refusing to stand still. She was a student, a businesswoman, a nurse, and nurse practitioner,” it read. “She would often knit for her patients, and once, so that nobody else on the floor would feel left out, Andrea organized a drive to bring over 20 additional handmade quilts from literally across the world.
“Andrea was also a creator: She loved to sew, she loved puzzles, and she loved to bake. She had a creative eye and a special gift for seeing potential others might have missed.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Clinic, a Phoenixville nonprofit where Andrea volunteered.
Please know that University resources remain open and available to serve and support you – wherever you are – in this time of need.
If you want to talk to someone at the University of Pennsylvania:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (215-898-7021, 24/7): Any student can speak to a trained clinician by phone, day or night. Students also can schedule virtual appointments.
- The University Chaplain’s Office (215-898-8456), https://chaplain.upenn.edu/about-us/staff/ provides pastoral support, informal advising, and counseling to students in need of care and comfort, “to be a shoulder, to be an ear, to be a friend, to be a fellow sojourner, to be an advocate, and a faithful presence.” The Chaplain’s Office works with faith communities and campus ministers who also provide spiritual support. Students of all faiths are warmly welcomed.
- School of Nursing: 215-898-6687, advisor@nursing.upenn.edu
- Faculty or staff whom you know and trust can offer support.
If you don’t feel well:
- Student Health Service (215-746-3535) offers comprehensive primary care, including services to help you eat well, sleep well, and reduce stress. Students must call first to speak to SHS staff, who can determine whether to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
If you aren’t sure where to go or you’re concerned about a friend:
- Student Intervention Services (vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu) supports students in crises, helps students access resources, and responds to concerns about students’ well-being.
- The Division of Public Safety’s HELP line (215-898-HELP/215-898-4357) is a 24/7 service that connects Penn students, staff, faculty, and families with appropriate resources.