Remembering Janna Dieckmann

The School of Nursing mourns the loss of our dear friend and esteemed former faculty member, Janna Dieckmann, who passed away earlier this year. Janna’s presence and contributions to our community were characterized by extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to her teaching.

As a member of our team, Janna’s remarkable dedication and passion for nursing education left an indelible mark on our institution. Her exceptional teaching skills and empathetic approach inspired countless students, preparing them to become compassionate and highly qualified nurses. Beyond the classroom, Janna’s work in the clinic brought immeasurable benefits to both our students and the patients they cared for.

Janna’s legacy will continue to shape the future of nursing education and patient care for years to come. We will forever cherish the memories of her remarkable contributions and the positive impact she had on the lives of so many.

Obituary

Originally published by Strawser Funeral Home

Janna L. Dieckmann, age 73, died peacefully May 24, 2023, in Cincinnati, OH. Janna was born in Midland, MI on June 5, 1949, to Elida (née Maceo) and J. Robert (Bob) Dieckmann. She previously resided in Chapel Hill, NC.

After graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School, Janna completed a BA in Sociology at the College of Wooster in 1971. However, Janna soon found what would be her life’s passion and returned to school to earn a BS in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University. She continued working as a visiting nurse and studying at the University of Pennsylvania and completed both her MS and PhD in Nursing. In 1998, Janna began teaching at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, retiring as an Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing in 2019.

Janna dedicated herself professionally to the service of others through advocacy and research for better community health. She felt past events could provide valuable insight and guidance for the issues of today. She was most interested in women’s care, health equity, care for the chronically ill, vaccines, and access to health care.

Prior to retirement, she was active in supporting fair housing opportunities and in the creation of a retirement co-housing community. She enjoyed quilting, pottery, cross stitch, playing piano, listening to Appalachian music, and reading. An amateur naturalist, she enjoyed walking in the woods and looking at rocks, as well as discovering the past through archeology.

Janna Dieckmann is survived by her sisters, Mary Dieckmann Lipsky of Cincinnati, OH, and Catherine (Jerry Drake) Dieckmann-Drake of Katy, TX, four  nieces, and a nephew. Janna is preceded in death by her sister, Margaret D. Kirkpatrick, and her parents.

A memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Association 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. Online condolences are welcome at www.strawserfuneralhome.com