Obituary
Guest Book
1929
2014
Frederica Lucille(Teddy) McOuat Passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Teddy was born on July 1, 1929 to Lucille and Frederick Clayton in Oswego, NY. After attending school in Oswego, she travelled to Buffalo at age 16 to attend nursing school. She graduated from the E.J.Meyer Memorial Hospital nursing program in 1949 as a Registered Nurse and began her long career as a supremely talented and untiring nurse extrordinaire. In 1959 Teddy and her adoring husband David C. McOuat left the snowy North with their daughters, Maureen and Terri and headed to sunny Florida. They tried some of those "other" towns, but one was too "Gator-y" and then another was too "Hurricane-y". Finally, along with toddler-Seminole, Douglas, they all found home in Tallahassee in 1966.
After several years working at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Teddy became the first Head Nurse of the first hospital floor in the region dedicated to spinal cord injury in the early 1970s. By 1978, a Neuro Intensive Care Unit was implemented at TMH and she became Head Nurse of that unit. Teddy was a fierce caregiver. It has been said that although her patients were among the most critical at the hospital, nowhere could you find patients who were better cared for. She was a true hands-on nurse and touched patients and their loved ones both physically and emotionally.
Teddy was the first nurse in Florida to become a nationally Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse.
In 1985 Teddy became Tallahassee Memorial's Neuroscience Clinical Coordinator. At this post she was instrumental in TMH becoming a Class A State Designated Spinal Cord and Head Injury Medical Center. She assisted in developing statewide Standards of Care for spinal cord injury patients. That Florida plan went on to become a template for the National Standards of Care Plan. She also implemented the first Neuro Nurse Tech program at TMH. Teaching by example, Teddy left behind a legacy of some of the finest nurses to be found anywhere. She was tireless and fought like a tiger for the well being and rights of neuro patients and their families, both locally, and at the state and national levels.
Once Teddy had been your nurse, she was always your nurse. She founded and ran the Head Injury and Stroke Patients Support Group. Even after she retired in 1994 she continued to shepherd that group and hosted many annual parties at her home and around the region for members and their families. There was not a phone call she wouldn't answer, an errand she wouldn't run, nor a legislator she wouldn't lobby in the service of one of "her" people. She was a warrior with a dazzling smile! Teddy is survived by her devoted husband, David; daughters, Maureen of Lillington, NC, and Terri (Chris) of Holly Springs, NC and her wonderful son, Doug (Kim) of Niceville, FL. She loved and adored her six grandchildren: Michael, Kathy, Nicole, Cameron, Samantha, and Savannah. She is also survived by her "little" brother, Lonnie Clayton (Nancy) of Rio Rancho, NM; nephews Russell and Todd(Julie) and niece, Leslie(Joel) We will miss her smile and her" bling" and her sense of fun. Burial will be in Oswego, NY. In lieu of flowers we would wish for people to honor Teddy with a donation to Big Bend Hospice or to their own local Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 4, 2014
Sue Burton
Terri and Doug, We are thinking of you, Dave and your families. May the good memories linger and sustain you.
Special hugs to Terri who spent many hours travelling and visiting with her Mom and Dad over the last few difficult months. She obviously inherited Teddy's fortitude. Love, Sue & Bill
August 19, 2014
Martha DeCastro
I worked with Teddy for many years at TMH. She was a passionate nurse mentor to me - someone that was always willing to offer her wise advice. I learned to never compromise when advocating for our patients and I carry this important principle with me still to this day. I enjoyed an occasional chat with her over the past few years when we would run into one another at the grocery store. Her wonderful humor, energy and love of life was always present. My deepest sympathy to her husband, children and entire family. She will be with you always. Martha DeCastro, MS, RN
August 19, 2014
Anna Lovcy
Mom and I both worked at TMH with Teddy. Many times I would Xray someone that she was working with. She was wonderful when Mom died. She talked to me about Mom and made me feel totally better. Maureen, my prayers are with you and your family.
August 17, 2014
doug McOuat
August 16, 2014
Elder Ronald Doss
My friend and classmate Doug, May God touch your family with his wonderful grace & love.
August 15, 2014
Emily Cohen
RIP cousin Teddy and condolences to her entire family. The few times I was around her she was always fun, smiling and sweet. After reading her obit, I am proud to be related.
August 15, 2014
Dave, we know how much you will miss Teddy. We will also miss Teddy and her beautiful smile.
Guery & Ronnee Davis
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Dee Wilder
Teddy "adopted" me when my kidneys failed in 1995 and she dropped everything to be my caregiver following a kidney transplant at Mayo JAX in April 2002. She stayed with me at a nearby hotel until I was released to return to Tallahassee and was a fierce caregiver to whom I feel I owe my life. My deepest condolences to Dave and to the family she loved so much.
August 14, 2014
My only sibling sister, a joy and delight to behold. We grew up as Depression babies in a small country town where Family was EVERYTHING! We were close all our lives, no matter how far away we were from each other. She was an outstanding care giver to one and all, including her own family. I miss her terribly.
Alonzo F. (Lonnie) Clayton
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 14, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 13, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 13, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 13, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 13, 2014
Doug McOuat
August 13, 2014
Warren Henderson
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. McOuat's loving family.
August 12, 2014
Nancy Deary-Cohen
Teddy was one of my favorite cousins.At least I got to visit with her in in the summer of 2011 when she was in Oswego, NY. May she rest in peace.
August 12, 2014
Marcia Humphress
Dave, just wanted to say how sorry I was to learn of Teddy's passing. Take care of yourself. Virtual hugs.
Marcia
August 11, 2014
katherine Gilmore
Words can not describe Teddy,she was just as beautiful outside as inside,I had the pleasure of being in the Neuro Tech class, her love,care,patience,concern for others and staff was my foundation for patient care,I still remember her words of knowledge and wisdom to us,she worked hard right along with us.there will not be a harder working, loving,caring nurse ,
August 10, 2014
Belva Delaney-Gurr
My mom, Verma Delaney LPN, worked with Teddy at TMH, admired and spoke highly of her! I had many chances to speak with her over the years, always, always warm, personable and a joy to be around!!! My mom died at age 91, in February, but could still call out names of her favorite nurses and Teddy was always in that list!!! Sorry for your loss!
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Funeral services provided by:
Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more