Adrienne Jeanette Garcia nee Eisele was born on August 10, 1944 in East St. Louis, Illinois and died on March 20, 2020.
Adrienne graduated from Rosati-Kain High School and St. Luke’s School of Nursing both in St. Louis, Missouri, received a BS degree from the College of St. Francis and later National Certification in Infection Control from APIC the professional organization. She was an AORN and APIC member. Adrienne was employed by St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, Il from 1966 to 2006. While operating room nursing was her great love, a later position change to the Infection Control Coordinator brought new and different educational opportunities. Early in the A.I.D.S. epidemic she volunteered on the Metro-East A.I.D.S Task Force and provided community education on this new disease, acted as a Group Facilitator with an A.I.D.S. support group associated with Bethany Place and Chaired the first A.I.D.S walk that was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Il in 1990.
Adrienne was preceded in death by her: parents, Adrian S. Eisele M.D. and Regina S. nee Niestroy, a sister in law, Cheryl Eisele, a nephew Chad Eisele, brother in law, James Usery and special aunts, Mary Roland and Cecelia Joyce.
Adrienne is survived by her childhood sweetheart, Servio and husband of 53 years, a son, Brian (Heather), two wonderful grandchildren, Isabella and Elijah and a daughter Michele who was born on her Aunt Charlene’s birthday, siblings Charlene Usery (Jim), Timothy (Nancy), Thomas (Carol), Colette Hoffarth (Monty), Yvonne Adler (Greg), and Kenneth along with nieces and nephews.
Retirement offered a time to learn to do pottery, enjoy the company of the Elegant Swans Red Hat Group and travel. Adrienne and Servio liked sunny places like Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Hawaii and as a snowbird to sunny Florida for the winter. They even had an opportunity to travel through Spain and Italy and really loved Barcelona and Rome
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and out of concern for the health of friends and family, funeral services will be private.
Funeral: Private graveside service will be held with Rev. Von C Deeke. Interment at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Adrienne’s life will be scheduled later.
25 Comments To "Adrienne Jeanette Garcia"
#1 Comment By Mona Wheeler On March 22, 2020 @ 5:42 am
My sympathy to all. I had the pleasure to work with this extraordinary lady and soon developed a friendship I will always treasure. Her laugh was definitely contagious even as an infection control nurse. Fly high with the angels my dear friend! You will be dearly missed! Mona
#2 Comment By Jeanne Flure On March 22, 2020 @ 7:04 am
I worked with Adrienne at St Elizabeth’s. She was a “scary” infection control nurse, diligently performing her job to our moans and groans. She was funny, tough and very good people. She’s in heaven making sure they follow the infection control guidelines. Prayers for her family.
#3 Comment By Rick Garcia On March 28, 2020 @ 12:02 pm
My heart breaks. As a teenager and young man I adored her and always looked forward to family gatherings, especially those with a band, where she and I could dance!
I admired her heroic work during the AIDS crisis. As a gay man she was a balm for my soul
#4 Comment By Nancy Rogers On March 22, 2020 @ 2:56 pm
Adrienne was a wonderful nurse and mentor. My sympathies to everyone. Virtual hug for you Collette.
#5 Comment By Carla Grandcolas On March 23, 2020 @ 6:08 am
Adrienne was someone I always depended on as a young nurse. When I became a manager she was a God send. God bless you as you RIP.
#6 Comment By Barbara Ortmann On March 22, 2020 @ 3:23 pm
Adrienne was a very special person. She used to come in the back door of radiology almost every morning and she always left a few words of wit and her great sense of humor on her way out. I remember one day in particular around Easter, she came in the back door as usual and on her way out made a seriously funny remark about hoping that the Easter bunny would be coming in all of our baskets over the weekend, very innocently, we all dropped our jaws as she exited and about 20 seconds later she reopened the door and saw our faces, needless to say we all just cracked up. She was such a character. One of my very favorite people at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. So very sorry for your tremendous loss. What a great lady ! !
#7 Comment By Mary Frances Soltys On March 22, 2020 @ 3:45 pm
I worked with Adrienne in the O. R. at St. Elizabeth’s for many years. Enjoyed our time there! Many great memories! Sending prayers for her family. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary Frances
#8 Comment By Sharon Reiher On March 22, 2020 @ 4:45 pm
I worked with Adrienne at St. Elizabeth’s hospital for many years. When she changed to Infection Control I use to call her the “Bug Nurse”. Loved her wit and respected her knowledge. She will be greatly missed by her hospital family along with her blood family. Adrienne please send our country some good advice from your heavenly home on our current health situation.
Sharon Reiher
#9 Comment By Chris Fournie On March 22, 2020 @ 6:03 pm
Adrienne was a great lady and true leader in the fight against infectious diseases. She elevated everyone she worked with. Those of us who had the privilege of working with her are better because of her tenacity. My condolences to the family.
#10 Comment By Molla On March 22, 2020 @ 7:51 pm
Oh my Adrienne taught us so much about Infection Control! She was a wonderful leader, star employee and friend!! What would she even say about today!!
Truth be told I thought if her over the weekend and wondered how she would fix this virus!!
RIP my friend!!!
#11 Comment By Ramsae Stricker On March 22, 2020 @ 8:06 pm
I worked with Adrienne at STE for several years. She was truly a professional and educator in her field and also shared friendship. Truly came from a Healthcare family. My sincere condolences to her family.
#12 Comment By Jan Hustedde On March 22, 2020 @ 8:37 pm
She was a wonderful nurse, a beautiful perrr St on. I had the pleasure of working with her at St. Elizabeth’s. My sympathies to her family.
#13 Comment By LeeAnn Goodlin On March 22, 2020 @ 9:03 pm
I worked with Adrienne at STE… what a great person, not only professionally, but personally. Always enjoyed sitting in meetings with her and her vast amount of knowledge IFC. RIP Adrienne and my sincere condolences to your family.
#14 Comment By Sharon Grider On March 22, 2020 @ 9:09 pm
The nursing profession has lost a true leader , well respected as a nurse and mentor during her many years at St. Elizabeth’s. I well remember her quick wit , sense of humor and ready smile.
#15 Comment By Mona LeGrand On March 23, 2020 @ 6:46 am
So sorry for your loss another of our St. Luke’s sisters received her wings. Colette so sorry to her if your sisters passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
#16 Comment By Jane Yates On March 23, 2020 @ 10:19 am
Condolences to all of Adrienne’s family. I too worked at St Elizabeth’s with Adrienne. RIP
#17 Comment By Jeanette Cooper Golden On March 23, 2020 @ 1:39 pm
I was from ESL and knew Adrienne from high school and then was in same class with her at St. Luke’s. She was a very sweet and caring person and a good nurse. God bless and comfort her family.
#18 Comment By Karen Middendorf On March 24, 2020 @ 8:22 am
My deepest sympathy to Collette and family. Adrienne was my mentor when I started my operating room career at St. Elizabeth’s. She was an excellent nurse, kind and patient. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
#19 Comment By Cindy Middendorf On March 24, 2020 @ 12:58 pm
Adrienne was a skilled nurse, a gifted leader, and made the best of life wherever she was. I have many fond memories of her from working with her at St Elizabeth’s. Loving prayers for all her family and special condolences to Colette.
#20 Comment By Lucy Beaver On March 24, 2020 @ 1:09 pm
As so many others, I worked with Adrienne for many years at St. Elizabeth’s. She was a multi-talented, compassionate, dedicated nurse. She was a leader in infection prevention education and a mentor to us all in that realm. I’ll always remember her wicked sense of humor and that beautiful smile on her face. Colette and Tom you and your family have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your sister.
#21 Comment By Linda Mehochko On March 24, 2020 @ 4:51 pm
Very sorry to learn of Adrienne’s death. She will be remembered for her guidance, wisdom and humor at St. Elizabeth’s. She was respected by all members of the healthcare team and was willing to share and educate. I appreciated her as a colleague and a friend. May she rest in peace.
#22 Comment By Lorrie Schuette On March 25, 2020 @ 7:40 am
She was a great nurse and wonderful person! I learned so much from her as a new nurse years ago. She will be missed. Sending prayers to her family at this difficult time.
#23 Comment By Janine Klingenberg Brammeier On March 25, 2020 @ 1:30 pm
Colette and family; you have my sympathy. I am another RN from St. Elizabeth’s that was lucky to know and learn from Adrienne. Yes, she will have her wings now. Prayers for her family.
#24 Comment By Debbie Larkin On March 30, 2020 @ 11:24 am
Charlene and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
#25 Comment By Janie Read On May 17, 2020 @ 8:23 pm
Adrienne was a bright light in the world. She was fun, smart and will be sorely missed. I loved working with her at my time at St. Elizabeth Hospital!! I still have the pie plate she made me and cherish that she made it!! I trust she will be watching over those she loves the most! Rest In Peace Adrienne!