Elaine Bezilla, daytime staff nurse at McCosh Health Center, died at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center on the night of Oct. 13 from complications related to surgery for ovarian cancer. Bezilla was 62.
Bezilla was born and raised in rural Nescopeck, Pa. She went to the Temple University School of Nursing, at one point putting her career on hold to raise her two sons. Bezilla had worked full time at McCosh since 1979. She started her most recent role as a nurse during the daytime shift in 1984.
"Elaine was beloved by students and staff," said Edith Pike, former director of inpatient services at McCosh.
"What really struck me was her love of the students displayed through her devotion to her job," David Mann-Podrasky '05 said. "She worked constantly, never complained, always was attentive and really loved the students at Princeton."
Bezilla had several causes that were very important to her, her peers said.
"She had a very strong ethical side," Pike said.
In response to her husband's diagnosis with lung cancer, Bezilla became very involved in anti-smoking efforts at the University, organizing the annual smokeout for several consecutive years.
Bezilla grew up on a farm and was raised to respect the earth around her and waste nothing, her colleagues said.
"She would never throw anything away," Pike said.
Other colleagues, too, spoke of Bezilla's frugality.
"She would dole out one-inch strips of toothpaste instead of dispensing an entire tube." said Jan Neglia, director of clinical services at McCosh.
Those who knew Bezilla describe her as the consummate professional and a caring individual.
"Elaine just went the extra mile [to help the students] so often, that she would be doing her charting during her extra hours," Pike said. "I would have to say, 'Elaine, stop. You need to take a day off,' but she would decide to keep working."
Colleagues said Bezilla handled her job with perfect composure.
"She was one of the calmest people I have ever met, no matter how many students were pouring through the doors," Neglia said. "She had a presence that put people at ease."
Bezilla loved her family dearly. "She was very fond of speaking about her grandkids," Mann-Podrasky said.
"She was a simple person," Greg Bezilla said of his mother. "She loved to nourish people and care for those in need."
She is survived by her father, a brother, two sons, Greg and Ken, and two grandchildren, Emma and Samuel.
Funeral services will be held at Nassau Presbyterian Church today at 2 p.m. A viewing for friends and family will take place today at 1 p.m.
Read More
Students weigh in on changes to hours at Murray-Dodge Café
Eojin ParkMurray-Dodge’s hours have been cut nearly in half. Previously, Murray-Dodge was open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Amid other closures of campus cafes, its hours have been reduced to 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Murray-Dodge’s hours have been cut nearly in half. Previously, Murray-Dodge was open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Amid other closures of campus cafes, its hours have been reduced to 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects on path to the Supreme Court in campus lecture
Isaac Bernstein and Justus WilhoitAt Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
At Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
Student employment in flux as University navigates budget cuts
Kian PetlinThe future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
The future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.