Louise Borges McGrew, RN, BSN, MSN, CNAA

Louise Borges McGrew died September 15, 2017, from complications after heart surgery. She was 76 years old. Louise was the third child of Joseph R. Borges Sr. and Anna Wilhemia (Lorenzo) Borges, born in a farmhouse on November 11, 1940. She grew up on her parents' farm southeast of Tulare, where she shared exploits with her sister (Arlene) and older brothers; motorcycle rides (Joe Junior) and boating (Richard) at the reservoir. She attended Tulare Union High School participating in after school sports and won Sophomore Princess. An early marriage produced three children: Carl, Rosemarie, and Melanie. Louise considered them her proudest achievements, and sacrificed for them her entire life. She raised them to work hard, be frugal, and the importance of family. In addition to attendance at Catholic elementary schools, she encouraged and supported their participation in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, music lessons, after-school sports, and horseback riding. After her marriage to Dr. Donald McGrew, Louise returned to school, and earned her AA in Nursing from College of Sequoias (COS) in 1974. She earned her BSN from Fresno State University in 1981, and her MSN from the University of California, Consortium in 1987. She worked at Tulare District Hospital and was Director of Nurses at Exeter Memorial Hospital before beginning her employment at Kaweah Delta Health Care District in 1986. Over her 31 years at KDHCD she served as Inpatient Director, Lead House Supervisor, manager of Float Pool and was still employed as a Relief House Supervisor. Her passion for helping others and giving back to the community, lead her to become an adjunct clinical instructor for the COS Nursing Program from 1998-2017. Louise demanded excellence from herself and others. In 2003, she was recognized as COS Nurse of the Year and in 2004 earned the Nightingale Award. In January of 1980 a mutual friend introduced her to Bob Knutson, who became her Master Craft boat driver, mechanic, shooting range instructor and best friend for the rest of her life. She was on his NHRA drag racing team along with his NDBA and IHBA drag boat racing team. They enjoyed traveling to races and slalom water skiing tournaments. In 2004, she was the Central California INT slalom women's champion and went on to place 7th at the INT International Competition. They spent many early mornings on the lake where she taught her children and grandchildren to water ski and wake board. Even in the cold water of March she was forever on the lake. She would say if the water is cold get up on the first try ("Hit it!"). Summers were spent camping by the lake, and practicing target shooting whereas, winter meant cross-country skiing in Sequoia National Park. Louise and Bob enjoyed Porterville Sidewinder 4 Wheel Club and went on many rock crawling adventures. She was also accurate with her pistol and AR15, she proudly earned her CCW at age 75. She is survived by her brother Richard (Mary) Borges, sister Arlene Mulder (Al), three children: Carl McGrew (Jo Scott), Rosemarie Lewis (Danny), and Melanie Beatty (Scott); grandchildren: Erann Bulman, Kortney Celillo (Mario), Michael Lewis, Brandon Lewis (Larissa), Brett Lewis, Raeanna Dean (Sean), and Caitlin Beatty; three great-grandchildren: Jordyn, Beau, and Tyler (Celillo) and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Anna Wilhemia Borges, her Godmother Belmida Lorenzo, her brother Joseph Jr. and nephew David Borges. Louise was a devoted long-time worshipper at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia, supported George McCann School and gave eucharist to ill patients. Recitation of the rosary will be held Monday, September 25, 2017 at 6 pm at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. A Mass of the Christian burial will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at Tulare District Cemetery. A Nursing scholarship has been established in Louise's honor. Remembrances may be sent to: COS Foundation Tribute: Louise McGrew, 915 S. Mooney Boulevard Visalia, CA 93277 or online at COS.edu/Foundation include Louise McGrew's name. Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com

Louise Borges McGrew, RN, BSN, MSN, CNAA

November 11, 1940 - September 15, 2017