Nancy Parliman Rushton

Nancy Parliman Rushton, 81, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at The Hadlow Center for Caring. The oldest of six children, she had a positive impact on those she encountered.

Born to a farming family living in rural upstate New York, Nancy was able to overcome many challenges to graduate from California State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She was very proud of her lifelong nursing career, including her starting job as a nurses aide in Cooperstown, NY. She began her registered nursing career at Hemet Hospital in California as a floor nurse and rose to the position of Nurse Director. Nancy recalled with fondness her time working the TB ward, as she felt she truly understood the issues facing the patients. Her significant accomplishments included the creation of a local union for nurses in southern California to improve pay and create pensions, and installing the first computer system at the hospital.

After 20 years in nursing she moved ahead to work as a Special Projects Nurse and then Chief Administrative Officer for Friendly Hills Healthcare Network where she created and managed free clinics in poor areas. The highlight of her career was as Executive Director at the Institute for Healthcare Advancement in La Habra, CA. She collaborated with her peers, creating “What to Do” books for low literacy readers. Today, her “What to Do For Senior Health” book, which she co-authored, is widely available. Throughout her career she was recognized for her exceptional organizational and management skills and her common sense approach to problem solving.

Nancy loved southern California and enjoyed travel by motorcycle with her husband, Ken Brown, throughout the American West.

At the beginning of her retirement, Nancy moved to Florida to be closer to her east coast family. In her retirement she was never idle. Her commitment to giving generously of her time and resources was known to all. She continued writing books and articles, consulting, and volunteering in roles in the Jacksonville community. Nancy was always the one who accepted the leadership position to advance the causes of the group or organization. Her influence was far reaching from her church to community groups to Solano Grove where she lived.

Nancy was an Ombudsman for the state of Florida, advocating for nursing home patients and their families. She was a member of the Mandarin United Methodist Church where she served as President of United Methodist Women. She educated people and groups across Jacksonville on the issues of human trafficking and refugee resettlement. She refused to stop being productive.

Gifts in her honor to Community Hospice or Mandarin United Methodist Church, both of Jacksonville, FL.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Ken Brown, Sr.

She leaves behind her siblings Carol Fahey, Betty Seeley, Ruth Lewis, Helen LaMore (Steven) and Richard Parliman. In addition, her stepson, Ken Brown Jr, and numerous nieces and nephews.