wfn.org | Deanna K. Isaacson, ELCA Missionary to Liberia, Dies

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 4, 2000

DEANNA K. ISAACSON, ELCA MISSIONARY TO LIBERIA, DIES
00-191-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Deanna K. Isaacson, a well-known Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) medical missionary to Liberia for more
than 30 years, died July 16 of cancer.
     A memorial service for Isaacson was held July 19 at Bethel
Lutheran Church, Omaha, Neb.
     Isaacson, 59, was a registered nurse.  She lived and worked in
Liberia from 1966 until shortly before her death.  During much of that
time, she was a classroom and clinical trainer of midwives and practical
nurses in three areas of Liberia, including Curran Hospital, Zorzor, and
Phebe Hospital near Gbanga, both Lutheran hospitals.  Her service was
through the ELCA Division for Global Mission, and she worked closely
with the Lutheran Church of Liberia during her career.
     Isaacson was born June 28, 1941, in Red Oak, Iowa.  While she was
growing up, her family lived in Omaha and later in Longmont, Colo.  She
was a graduate of Longmont High School.
     She completed training at Trinity Lutheran Hospital School of
Nursing, Kansas City, Mo., and became a registered nurse in 1963.  In
1972, she earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing at the
University of Iowa, Iowa City.  She earned certifications as a nurse
midwife in the United Kingdom in 1966 and the United States in 1979.
     In 1980, Isaacson attended Western Washington University,
Bellingham, Wash. She studied in 1989, at the Zimbabwe Christian Council
Human Resource Development Training Center in Harare, Zimbabwe and in
1991 at the Institute of Child Health, University of London.
     During her service as a classroom and clinical trainer of midwives
and practical nurses, she became a staff member of the Christian Health
Association of Liberia (CHAL).  From 1980 to 1988, she was involved with
program development of the midwifery training program, southwestern
region, Zwedru, Liberia.  From 1988 to 1990, she worked with the CHAL
community health development program as a primary health coordinator.
     In 1982, Isaacson volunteered to serve in a Palestinian refugee
camp in Beirut, Lebanon.  Her three months' service was through Church
World Service and Witness, National Council of Churches of Christ in the
U.S.A.
     During the 1990s, she served the people of Liberia during that
country's civil war.  Isaacson traveled throughout the country and
worked to aid CHAL clinics, hospitals and programs, often in difficult
conditions.
     As a response to the civil war, CHAL staff developed a more
holistic health care program, facilitating reconciliation and healing
workshops for teachers, pastors and health care workers.  Special
emphasis was on trauma healing for children and student peer mediation.
During this time, Isaacson served as program developer/training
consultant.
     Isaacson communicated with friends and coworkers by radio from
remote areas of Liberia.  She was known to many as "Delta India," the
way she identified herself with her initials.  She frequently
communicated with people outside Liberia by e-mail and by fax.
     In a 1999 letter to supporting Lutheran congregations, Isaacson
recounted her experiences in Liberia.  Her letter concluded: "New life
following the days of conflict in Liberia is evidenced by improving
harvests, more schools open, access to all areas of the country and
refugees returning home.  Expectations are raised for a better quality
of life.  Let us join in praying for the peace that passes all
understanding in the hearts and minds of people throughout the world!"
     Isaacson is survived by her mother, Emma Isaacson, Omaha; a
brother, Lynn, Normal, Ill.; and sister, Janell, Bellevue, Neb.  She was
preceded in death by her father, Philip.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html