To the editor:

When Deborah Carr graduated from the Obici School of Nursing, she likely had no idea how many lives she would impact.

It is hard to imagine how many new babies she washed, swaddled and lovingly handed to happy families or grieving ones. How many hands did she hold in transition from this life to the next? In 40 years as a nurse, she made a difference in many lives.

I know this to be true because of the difference she made in mine.

I was about 6 years old when I met “Mama Carr.” Back then, she was called “Shots,” because she was the camp nurse for Girl Scouts at Camp Matoaka. For many girls in Suffolk, camp was the best and only activity outside home in the summer. Our beloved camp nurse made camp possible. She loved us all the same and volunteered her time for many years.

After Camp Matoaka closed, Mama Carr turned her energy to other volunteer opportunities. She was a chaperone for out-of-town trips with Nansemond River High School, Girl Scouts and Youth for Christ.

At the end of her life, she was surrounded by her family and friends who had become family. We treasure the memories.

Amy Ford

Suffolk