Constance Spates, 1937-1972

Constance Jean Spates, 1937 - 2007

At a time when there were few women holding leadership positions in local hospital administration, Constance Spates can be considered a pioneer. Upon graduating from the Memorial Hospital (Cumberland) School of Nursing in 1958, Constance Spates began her career as a staff nurse at the Miner's Hospital in Frostburg. Over forty years later, in 1999, she retired from Memorial Hospital, now part of the Western Maryland Health System, with the title of Assistant Vice-President of Ambulatory Care/Outpatient Services.

Among her numerous achievements she, along with the late Dr. Fred Miltenberger, worked to establish the regional trauma center in Cumberland. In the words of a colleague, Constance Spates, ".....was well equipped to navigate the political, administrative and medical hurdles in this and many other major projects she tackled. She really had a unique ability to understand the patient care side, as well as the administrative side of an issue."

In February 2009, and in recognition of her life-long efforts in the field of nursing and health care, the Constance Spates Scholarship Fund was established at Frostburg State University. It is the university's first scholarship fund directed toward students seeking to advance their careers through Frostburg State University's new Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program

The following obituary, which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News, June 21, 2007, provides additional information.

LAVALE - Constance Jean Spates, 69, of Henderson, Nev., died Monday, June 18, 2007 in Saratoga, Calif., after a lengthy illness. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Howard and Louise (Hott) Herring. She was preceded in death by her brother, George Herring.

Connie was a 1955 graduate of Beall High School and a 1958 graduate of Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed at Miner's Hospital in Frostburg as an Emergency Dept. Staff Nurse and a Nursing Supervisor. Then, Connie continued her nursing career at Memorial Hospital from March 1, 1966 until her retirement on October 1, 1999. The positions she held were ER Nurse, Evening Supervisor, Director Ambulatory Care, and Assistant Vice President Ambulatory Care/Outpatient Services. Her responsibilities included, ED, Home Health Services, Dialysis, Extended Care Unit, Outpatient Services/Endoscopy, Trauma/EMS, Oncology, Employee Health, Cardiology, and Same Day Surgery.

She was a member of ANA (American Nurses Association), MNA (Maryland Nurses Association), MONE (Maryland Organization Nurse Executives), Trauma Net of Maryland and Member of Region EMS Council.

Connie had many career accomplishments throughout her life, including being instrumental in the development of Home Health Services, Trauma Services, Dialysis, Outpatient Chemo Therapy, and the Domestic Violence Programs at Memorial Hospital.

Connie was an outstanding leader and an example of Nursing at its finest. She was always available to help others and was an unselfish mentor to many. She demonstrated leadership with integrity and honesty. Connie provided support to all of the staff within her supervision and was always known to be there in a crisis.

Connie was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Connie adored her grandchildren and they reciprocated in every way. She set a shining example of kindness, caring and generosity for her family and friends. Connie was a caretaker until the very end.

Connie enjoyed all activities that stimulated the mind including reading, crosswords, and Scrabble. She spent her retirement traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her friends and family will sorely miss her, but her memory will linger in all their hearts.

Surviving are her son, Mark Spates and wife Lynn, Vienna, Va.; daughter, Diane Clement and husband Bert, Saratoga; grandchildren; Benjamin, Ethan, and Talia Clement, Saratoga; and fiancé James Yantz, Henderson, Nev.

Friends will be received at the Sowers Funeral Home, P.A., 60 W. Main St., Frostburg on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Gene Gaol officiating.

Interment will be in Frostburg Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Roy Hott, Dale Hott, Jimmy Hott, Rudy Walter, Steve Bloom, and Dave Ramsey.

Honorary Pallbearers are, Rhonda Barton, Juanita Bland, Mary Ann Bloom, Jane Jenkins, Pam Kline, Kim Mills, Carol Naughton, and Troy VanMeter.

The family requests that contributions be made in Connie's honor to, EMS Training Foundation of Western Maryland, Inc., PO Box 34, Grantsville, MD 21536.