In Memoriam

Marlene Nadler-Moodie, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC

I write with a heavy heart at the passing of an exceptional psychiatric nurse, colleague, and staunch friend. She was long time member of ISPN.

Marlene died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 8, 2021. In 2012, Marlene was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer and given a very short life expectancy. Like all things, she never let others’ limitations stop her. She exceeded all expectations with her typical vigor. She never stopped living an engaging life with her family or with her life’s work.

I was fortunate to meet Marlene soon after my move to California in 1985.  She was always generous, outspoken, passionate, and eager to help.  And this legacy was shared by all who met her.  We shared a special passion for consult-liaison nursing, and care of people with behavioral health needs outside typical in-patient psychiatric settings. 

Nick Croce, a past APNA President, eloquently writes about Marlene; “She was very smart, but she was also very wise. Smart people know things, but wise people know how to make those things useful and meaningful to others.”

When “restraint reduction” became an initiative, I vividly recall Marlene saying, “Reduction is not sufficient; elimination should be the aim”. Thus a previously impossible aspiration became a reality. I cannot begin to do justice in writing about her accomplishments; they are countless. 

She was a past President of APNA, and Winner of the 2019 Award for Distinguished Service  (Marlene Nadler-Moodie, Award for Distinguished Service - www.apna.org), plus countless other acknowledgments. She was widely published and regularly requested to speak and consult with many nursing organizations outside of psychiatry as well.  

I trust we can all be reminded and inspired by her passion.  Our profession has lost one of our heroes.

Jim Kane,
President ISPN Foundation

ISPN Board of Directors joins the ISPN Foundation in recognizing Marlene Nadler-Moodie. She was a mentor to me when I was president of APNA CA Chapter, and in her usual heroic form, she stepped up for another year as president (amidst her battle with lung cancer, no less) when an unanticipated vacancy left a void. Her historical knowledge and visionary view shed bright light and direction for those who came up behind her. Marlene’s drive and fortitude gave the world 10 more years of inspiration that cancer might have stolen. Yet, it is difficult to hear that the battle has ended. She was one very strong woman and leader whose inspiration and influence are as difficult to count as the stars.

APNA is going to post a donation link today:  www.APNA.org/MarleneNadler-Moodie. APNA plans to use whatever money is donated to further causes that she was so passionate about.

Deborah Johnson,
President ISPN