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Nurse coordinator remembered for ‘zest for life’
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Laura Mode
Lail, 56, of Mount Pleasant died Sunday, Jan. 23 after a battle against
breast cancer.
Lail was a registered nurse who came to MUSC in 1995 as a nurse
coordinator. She was responsible for facilitating referrals from
outside physicians and triaging patients to determine the appropriate
course of care. She worked closely with the faculty to identify
patients for new and special procedures.
 Laura Lail
Lail was born Aug. 6, 1954, in Morganton, N.C., a daughter of the late
John and Pearl Louise Mode. She graduated from Western Piedmont College
with a degree in nursing. Lail is survived by Michael Dickson of Mount
Pleasant; her sister, Cindy Mode of Drexel, N.C.; her brother, John
Mode and his wife, Mary of Newton, N.C.; her brother, Phillip Mode of
Lincolnton, N.C.; and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Charleston Foundation,
676 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
“I first met Laura after I moved from England to Duke University in
1986 to develop an endoscopy center. With strong support from the
Department of Medicine and the recently appointed chief of the Division
of Gastroenterology (Dr. Ian Taylor), we set about building a unit and
a team. Laura applied from one of the in-patient floors, and was
clearly an ideal recruit, enthusiastic, professional, compassionate and
always cheerful. When Ian Taylor moved to MUSC he asked me to join him
to initiate a new multi- disciplinary Digestive Disease Center. Laura
did not hesitate when I invited her to become the friendly and helpful
interface with our patients and their doctors. Laura continued to be a
strong patient advocate, always going the extra mile to organize and to
reassure. One of my favorite phrases for someone who has gone the extra
mile is ‘You are a Star.’ Laura was one of the brightest stars, and her
memory will keep us warm. I celebrate and will never forget our 25
years of working together.”
—Peter
B.
Cotton, M.D.
“Laura and I began our friendship 24 years ago after we both started
working for Dr. Peter Cotton at Duke University, then moving with Dr.
Cotton to MUSC in 1994. Being a part of this unique GI family gave us a
bond that cannot be broken. Laura had a zest for life and could always
find humor in any situation. Our special friendship and her
immeasurable courage will not be forgotten.”
—Rita
Oden,
Digestive Disease Center
“Laura was full of fun. She had a gorgeous smile and an infectious
laugh that could make anyone’s day. She was bright and well-rounded in
her knowledge and interests. Many wonderful memories will keep her
spirit alive in my heart.”
—Marilyn
J.
Schaffner, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator for Clinical Services and
Chief Nursing Executive
“Laura started out as my boss and ended up as my friend. She had a zany
sense of humor that would have you laughing. I will miss our crazy
conversations and the laughs we shared. If there is one thing I will
remember about Laura it is that she lived life her way! Rest in peace
Laura. I will miss you.”
—Donna
Noisette
Johnson, Digestive Disease Service Line
Friday, Feb. 4,
2011
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